How long does it take a bullet wound to heal? specifically a wound to the shoulder. when can it be taken out of a sling? also, how long would it take to be discharged from the hospital? ; this is in research for a story.; in response to the second response: ditto for a bullet to the leg, not hitting the kneecap or arteries. how long would one have to use a cane? ; main character of the story - john mcclane (age 49, not the first gunshot wound, might've stopped smoking, really active, good coping mechanisms) i would talk more about the details of the wound(s) but that might be spoiling people for the movie. =)