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. =)