as rip moore, 37, of barnesville.
according to preliminary reports, moore was handling a .45 caliber pistol that he was unfamiliar with and it discharged, striking him once in the chest.
moore was lifeflfighted to grady hospital in atlanta. the shot passed through his body without hitting any vital organs.
moore underwent three hours of emergency surgery and was stable at last report. he is expected to fully recover.
the incident occurred at moore's home on harris drive in barnesville at about 10:30 p.m. last night.
barnesville police investigator dickie carreker reported the .45 was loaded with 'hardball' ammunition. had the amo been of any other type, moore would be dead.
"he is the luckiest guy in the history of lamar county," carreker added.
