Ouch

http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...IMG_9330-1.jpg

Gas trap?

Looks like the top petal hit the foresight block and snapped off, could have come straight back had that not been there who can say what would have happened.
Would have kicked a bit I reckon!

Sometimes when the muzzle is placed into the ground the end will do this and also bulge the barrel when fired. Seen this before and difficult to remove the gas cylinder.

but really could be a number of things that would cause this to happen

photo shows gas trap sight for comparison Attachment 119572

Scary… But beautiful;-)

Elmer Fudds M1? Hope no one got hurt, only your wallet. I see a tanker garand in your future.

Makings of a "TANKER"

I don't know what all the fuss is, that'll buff right out!:madsmile::rofl::lol::dancingbanana:

So what actually happened? Enquiring minds want to know.

Obstruction would be my guess.