Bad Gun Handling on TV...

[Langenator]

Normally, I wouldn't be surprised, but this was on "Tales of the Gun." Episode about guns used by MOH winners.

Last segment was about two Marines in Vietnam. Cut to scene of the re-enactors they used, "Marines" moving on patrol. One guy is carrying an M1911A1-hammer cocked, SAFETY OFF, FINGER ON THE TRIGGER. Just patrolling, not actually in a fight yet.

Doubt if real Marines walked around like that, even on patrol in Indian country. You'd think a show that was entirely about guns would get it right.

 

[10-Ring]

Not a really big surprise It must be really difficult to be technically proficient :banghead: What can be really difficult is watching reality TV shows like COPS and still see sloppy gun handling.

 

[DontShootMe]

I was flicking channels yesterday and ended up on a hunting show - the guy on camera was standing there talking, shotgun balanced over his shoulder with his arm holding it.

Well, during his talking, he decides to swing the shotgun around hold it with both hands - well as soon as he begins the swing, his finger goes inside the trigger guard, clearly on the trigger. His finger remains there for about 5 seconds of the two-hand hold, then he must've realized what he was doing and quickly pointed his finger straight.

 

[TarpleyG]

I've got news for ya. When I was in boot camp, nothing was ever really said about safe gun handling, especially keeping fingers off triggers. I knew better but a lot of Marines didn't.

GT

 

[Tim Burke]

There's a whole thread dedicated to bad gun handling on TV here.

It's so common on TV that if it isn't real I don't get too worked up over it any more. However, I do have my 8 yo son identify those that are trained to handle a gun safely, and those that are not.

 

[Justin]

As I understand it, the whole 'finger off the trigger' rule wasn't really around until sometime in the 1980's. Or at least that's when it came into vogue. So, historically speaking having a finger on the trigger is 'correct.' From a safety-standpoint, I think it would be better if reenactors used the modern rules, even if it does take away just a touch of realism.

YMMV.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

When watching TV, I generally assume that all depictions of firearms usage are inappropriate and generally wrong. I am usually surprised when a TV show or movie gets it right but 99.99% of the time the tactics or gun-handling is usually way off. I will point out that most of my viewing is History Channel and ESPN. Most of the cop shows and the CSI/dead body shows are just plain fantasy crap not worth wasting time on.

ZM

 

[wardog]

I remember an episode of COPS where an undercover officer was holding a perp at gunpoint with a Glock. To handcuff the suspect, the officer simply jams the pistol into the back of his waistband Mexican carry with incredible speed. I'm thinking either the gun did not have a round chambered, or the officer just had very poor gun handling skills. I'm not sure which option was scarier.