By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – A Safford man was taken to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC) on Sunday after accidentally shooting himself while attempting to clean a handgun.
Clifton Eugene Braley, 40, allegedly informed authorities that he and his father were comparing handguns when his 9-mm pistol kept jamming.
Braley advised he was unaware the weapon was loaded when he attempted to pull out its slide, a process that requires the user also pull the weapon’s trigger for that model.
As the gun sat in his lap, Braley pulled the trigger as he attempted to remove the slide. The weapon fired and the bullet grazed Braley’s arm before passing cleanly through his left leg. After being shot, his father transported him to MGRMC, where he was treated and released.
NRA gun safety rules
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger guard. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
- Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
- Additional rules include: Know your target and what is beyond. Know how to use the gun safely. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Use only the correct ammunition. Never use alcohol, over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs before or while shooting, and store guns so they are not accessible for unauthorized persons.
Source: National Rifle Association of America
