| Author |
Message |
Ken Scharabok (Ken_scharabok)
New member
Username: Ken_scharabok
Post Number: 495
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 10:06 am: | |
This is a practice which does back to a long-long time ago. Two anvils would be used. One set face down and the bottom of the top down. A cavity between the two would be filled with gunpowder with a fuze. Once ignited, the top anvil would blast into the air.
Normally fairly safe. However at the 2011 National Anvil Shooting Contest in Farmington, MO, one person lit his fuze, sparks fell on spilled gunpower and ignited the main charge, with him standing about 3' away. He was an experienced anvil blaster, having done some 23 prior ones.
I haven't heard final results other than a thumb was blown off at the time.
Anvil blasting should be left to those with the knowledge to do so, and even then accidents happen. |
Dave Mudge (Davemudge)
New member
Username: Davemudge
Post Number: 42
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 21, 2011 - 1:07 am: | |
That would be the venerable Col. Tim Ryan. He has shot the anvil a whole lot more than 23 times, more like 230 times. He has always practiced and preached SAFETY. Unfortunately sometimes "s--t happens" The report that I read said that his right hand thumb had been blasted off and that he may have more severe damage to his hand. Also that some of the TV crew had gotten injured. I am proud to have served on the ABANA Board of Directors with Col. Ryan. Although we may have butted heads on some issues, I think that he is a very nice guy and I am sorry that he got hurt. |
Ken Scharabok (Ken_scharabok)
New member
Username: Ken_scharabok
Post Number: 496
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 4:38 pm: | |
I strongly suspect at the 2012 event, and thereafter, all shooters will be required to use an electrical blasting cap. |
Dave Mudge (Davemudge)
New member
Username: Davemudge
Post Number: 43
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 25, 2011 - 12:45 am: | |
I wonder if the event itself has any liability insurance? |
Ken Scharabok (Ken_scharabok)
New member
Username: Ken_scharabok
Post Number: 498
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 25, 2011 - 9:49 am: | |
It almost certainly wasn't an ABANA endorsed event. Under the Blacksmith Ass'n of MO? Probably not. More likely a couple of guys holding it. Looked like it was held in a city park or sports area. Event liability insurance can be obtained. |