I was loaned a model '97 in a duck blind on Sweck lake, near Coldspring, MN when I was about 15. The freezing rain/snow mix was coming in sideways to the point I couldn't keep my glasses free enough to shoot anyway, and I should have stuck with my single shot 12. I shot at and missed a stupid duck of some sort, and when I went to pump the old Winchester, I gashed myself right down to the bone on my left thumb. I likely would have bled to death, save the fact my hands were already frostbitten and that slowed the bleeding. I'll have the scar to my dying day.
I was told I was the only one dumb enough to ever do that, but, my experience isn't unique, it would seem.
I'm a big fan of hammerless guns these days.
Best,
Ted
