'Thanks' to those that have responded so far, and especially to Keith for getting the photos to appear within the post. I can tell you that no 20 gauge shells were part of the incident that day. Having the spent hulls would have been very beneficial, yet without them little can be proved as to whether the shell(s) or gun...or both....are to blame. My bet is still on a lodged basewad starting things off in the bottom barrel, and the magnitude of that burst causing the then damaged top barrel to detonate virtually at the same time....but just speculation on my part.
Good news is that my friend only received some tissue damage to the fleshy part of his hand as you see, and a broken finger bone on the tip of the same hand where it wraps around the forearm. No involvement with his eyes, etc. which was a blessing. Again, my 'Thanks' (and his) for your all your input so far.
All Best,
Rob
