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Man Accidentally Shoots Self at Range (http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051219/NEWS/512190348/1004)

By AUSTIN MILLER
NYT Regional Newspapers

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST -- A 39-year-old man accidentally shot himself to death at a gun range Saturday while practicing a popular sport called cowboy action shooting.

The man's identity was not released Saturday evening by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, because his family had not been notified.

Officials did say the unidentified man was from Tennessee, and that he was here on a job interview. Deputies said the man has a wife and children.

Sheriff's deputies said they received the shooting call at 9:45 a.m. from the Forest Road 88 Gun Range. When they arrived, he was unconscious. He was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville where he died.

"At this point, it appears accidental and no foul play is suspected," said Sheriff's Capt. Fred Vyse.

Authorities said the man appeared to be a cowboy action shooting fan, and he was at the range practicing. Eyewitnesses told them he had two single-action revolvers -- a .357-caliber Magnum in each hand -- and was firing .38-caliber rounds.

They determined that at about the eighth shot, the weapon somehow rotated toward him and discharged.

"I heard him say, `I'm shot,' " said Bill Hayter, who was standing next to the man. "I saw him slumping to the ground, and I called 911."

Officials said he was shot somewhere between his waistline and his chest.