YouTube videos..

because safety is prime...that simple

Some viewers will skip videos where the owner does not do a proper safety check on screen.

BellyUpFish said:

Why? An audible "this weapon is has been safety checked" is not sufficient?

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I don't know for sure. In some of the comments I've read it has to do with the viewer not trusting the author of the video.

Because demonstrating safe handling is every firearm owner's responsibility.

Because safety is awesome!

Because if they don't show clear, the first 17,000 comments will be -- "MAKE SURE THAT GUN IS UNLOADED!!!"

As they should. Safety is JOB ONE. We need to be reminding each other of it religiously.

There's enough useless and dangerous gun stuff shown on YouTube. Taking a moment to demonstrate a clear weapon might just set you off as someone who knows his butt from his muzzle and who might be worth listening to.

Cause lots of people who are just getting into shooting are watching youtube videos, and they emulate what they see. So if they think it's normal to religiously check their gun to make sure it's clear when handling it, all the better as far as I'm concerned.

It's done to build up some sort of psuedo-credibility for teh video.

I think what OP is talking about isn't the people who just safety check on camera, but point out super specifically what they're doing in each step of the safety check and point the camera into the chamber or the magwell, etc. Basically, spending an inordinate amount of time safety checking to get ever nook and cranny visible on camera.

Dropping the magazine and racking the slide once or twice or (if a revolver) swinging out the cylinder and maybe slapping the ejector should be sufficient.

I think what OP is talking about isn't the people who just safety check on camera, but point out super specifically what they're doing in each step of the safety check and point the camera into the chamber or the magwell, etc. Basically, spending an inordinate amount of time safety checking to get ever nook and cranny visible on camera.

Dropping the magazine and racking the slide once or twice or (if a revolver) swinging out the cylinder and maybe slapping the ejector should be sufficient.

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Maybe. My point still stands, as does most of the others on here. And for the record, simply racking the slide after removing the magazine doesn't mean a gun is safe. Ever seen a broken or stuck extractor leave a round in the chamber? You need to look in the chamber.

I'd rather have safety exaggerated on youtube, rather than just doing what is "sufficient". People learn from those videos, especially ones like Hickok45 (I have some issues with some things he does, but safety isn't one) that attract a lot of attention - from new shooters and from kids. And in the scheme of things, does it really bother you that much to sit through an extra thirty seconds of someone checking their firearm?

Even adding a visual inspection (which I simply forgot to list, but never forget to do) and even a finger inspection to that, it should only take 5 to 7 seconds tops.

30 seconds is just a waste of everybody's time. Including novice shooters.

I find it a little annoying, but at the same time I'm glad that (almost) everyone is doing it, it helps pass on the importance of safety, and the rules to follow. Not to mention it at least makes a good case for how safe and responsible firearms owners really are.

The more we promote safety, the less we have to hear from gun control nuts about how guns are too dangerous for private ownership.

But a quick demonstration should only take a couple seconds and not deter from the subject at hand.

I find it perfectly acceptable for the viewer to presume the video's creator already practices safe gun handling and isn't a dimwit. I know this might not be the most agreeable comment to make, but I really don't care to watch someone meticulously demonstrate the firearm in the video I'm watching is unloaded.

It's one thing to watch a firearm-related video and witness some stupid stuff (accidentally sweeping others, finger on the trigger, etc). Safety is paramount, there's not denying that.
If the video records some unsafe behavior, then I can certainly understand the viewer "outrage".
However, when someone is showing something specific and not necessarily shooting related, such as methods of applying a cold blue or some such thing, I find it absolutely asinine to make such comments. It really rubs me the wrong way.

Sam1911 said:

Because if they don't show clear, the first 17,000 comments will be -- "MAKE SURE THAT GUN IS UNLOADED!!!

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And I believe that's what it boils down to. Anticipating a backlash if they don't visually show the viewer an empty chamber, they do just that. It's hard to foster a productive group discussion when self-appointed cyber range officers are hijacking the comment section with demands for visual proof of empty chambers (in caps, of course).


If someone starts the video by saying he's the only one in the room qualified with a particular caliber, then yes... by all means, show us an empty mag well and slide locked to the rear to put us at ease. Otherwise, let's just assume the fellow who created the video has half a brain and practices general gun safety unless he proves otherwise.

Its the YouTube community in general... so many users think they need to go on every video and point everything out and then compare it to something unrelated.

Its also the people that write their own memoir in a comment to somehow put merit into some crap they said. you know what im talking about...

If I see someone who spends more than 20% of the video safety checking, I will complain in the comments. I didn't click on the video to watch them show how much they know about safety. I clicked on it because I wanted to see what the video was about (usually a review). If I were doing a video, I wouldn't bother to safety-check on camera because that would be a waste of the viewer's time. I might put it in text on the video that it was safety checked before hand (if I even did, I keep my firearms loaded so I KNOW they're loaded).

The only time I want to see it is if someone is about to show how to do something on the gun that requires it to be empty. And then I want to see 5-7 seconds, not 30 seconds.

The only reason I see to perform the safety check on camera is becasue there are lots of people watching Youtube that have never handled a firearm before and maybe, just maybe seeing this performed will sink in and save a life someday. But doing it once with a quick verbal exlanation that you should always verify a weapon is safe should be enough.

Similarly, some of the gun shows on the Outdoor Channel will sometimes pop up a disclaiming when filming from the muzzle end of a weapon "Remote Camera" which is a semi-subliminal cue to never stand in front of a weapon. Unless an ex-buddy of mine down in Florida is firing that weapon and in that case, standing right in front of him is probably the safest place to stand. He can't hit the broadside of a barn.

BellyUpFish said:

I've been watching a few videos tonight and have made a few of my own, but I'm curious, anyone have any guesses as to why people go to such extravagant lengths to demonstrate in the video that the gun is not loaded?

I understand ensuring the firearm is clear prior to making the video, but why is everyone making such efforts to ensure the viewer sees this?

Is it the fear of "I saw BillyBobGunSmith handling a gun on YouTube and did it just like he did, 'cept now I'm dead!"

Anyone?

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Because that is RULE#1.....................