An incident occurred in may 2002 at an outpatient imaging
center in western New York State, in which a firearm spontaneously discharged
in a 1.5-T MR imaging environment with active shielding.
Examination of the weapon by a ballistics laboratory
concluded that the force of the magnetic field was responsible for the
firearm's discharge. To understand how the gun discharged requires a brief
discussion of the firing mechanics of the Colt 1991 A-1.45 caliber pistol and
the weapon's safety mechanisms.
At the time the weapon discharged, it was reportedly in a
cocked and locked position; that is, the hammer was cocked and the thumb safety
was engaged to prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin. A live round
was in the chamber. (Many people who choose this weapon for personal protection
will carry it in this manner because it allows tem to quickly fire the weapon
if needed.)
Safety first!
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