Two people shot during Gunfight Re-enactment

[WildBill]

TOMBSTONE, Ariz. -- Two people were hit with bullets Sunday during a gunfight re-enactment in the Old West town of
Tombstone that was supposed to involve blanks.

The shooting occurred Sunday afternoon as two actors in the Tombstone Vigilante group engaged in a standoff as they
re-enacted an episode from the town made famous by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the O.K. Corral.

The Tombstone Marshal's Office said actor Tom Carter's guns fired live rounds, hitting a fellow member of the group.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gunfight-re ... e-arizona/

[The Annoyed Man]

Words fail me.

[baldeagle]

Maybe it wasn't a mistake. I'm sure he'll say it was, though.

[txcharvel]

This is why you assign a safety officer have a formal process for safety.

Back in the early 90s I was into black powder revolvers for a time and and got involved with a gun fighting reenactment group. I had a Remington Army .44 cal black power revolver and a really nice belt and holster that a buddy made for me. I had long hair at the time and I was cast as the "bad guy" in the skits. I only lasted one rehearsal because I couldn't get over getting shot at like that and trusting the other person that he used the right load. Some of the guys joked about the wad hitting them and burning their shirt or their pants.

A few years ago, we had some civil war actors come and put on a show and talk for our cub scout pack. I had to jump up and stop of the guys when his cap fizzled and didn't ignite the powder in his rifle. He actually looked down his barrel and then swept the kids with the muzzle as he turned around.

[puma guy]

Words fail me.

"

[TXBO]

Maybe it wasn't a mistake. I'm sure he'll say it was, though.

I'm with you. This is fishy.

[Pawpaw]

What gave me pause is when the article stated actor Ken Curtis was shot.

I had to do a quick Google search to assure myself that "Festus" died in 1991.

[dave_in_austin]

One would think that the shooter would have noticed the recoil at the discharge of the first round and quit right there.

[Pawpaw]

One would think that the shooter would have noticed the recoil at the discharge of the first round and quit right there.

Stealing part of AndyC's tag line... Amateurs skip safety-checks - pros don't.

[MechAg94]

I guess I am surprised they are using standard guns. I would think it would be simple to get custom cylinders made to fit with a custom caliber or partially blocked. Maybe that costs too much.

At the very least, I would expect them to uses guns that stay there and only see blank ammo.

I am curious what guns they use and what their normal safety procedures are supposed to be.

[Abraham]

A friend got into civil war reenactments.

Me, I never understood doing such a thing, but maybe those who participate in these things are frustrated thespians...

I did ask my friend what the allure was and he just looked embarrassed I asked furnishing no reply...

[Sidro]

Work with a guy who does these re-enactments and knows these two gentleman. He used to live there and keeps in touch with the guys in this bunch. He says everybody has clammed up and will not give out any info. The only thing he was told is that the safety man was not there that day and Carter was late getting there so his gun was not checked.