When I asked a few weeks ago for suggestions for movie posters that depicted shooting and/or guns, I received more than 40, and I’ve found many more that weren’t suggested! With the number being so high, we have to ask, “What’s the reason … where’s the safety?”
Movie producers love to have action-packed scenes with gunfights and explosions, mainly because they draw big audiences, which means big bucks. Movies also are able to portray things in ways that are not always realistic, thanks to special effects—and much of this stylized gun-handling is very unsafe in the real world. Let’s take a look at several movies that demonstrate Hollywood’s mistakes.
In this picture, we can see that not only does the actor have his finger inside the trigger guard, but he has bad fundamentals as well. He should only place his finger on the trigger when he’s ready to shoot, and then the trigger should be against the pad of his index finger, before the first joint.
Some people would call the actor’s grip “tea cupping” or “cup and saucer,” but I just call it wrong. This technique will do little to help manage the recoil of the firearm. Instead, wrap your support hand around your strong hand, providing support and improved recoil management.
There are a couple of things wrong in this picture. First, Clive Owen has his finger on the trigger while pulling back on the slide. If there is a round in the magazine, he’s likely to accidently shoot when he releases the slide. In addition, the actor in the middle appears to be holding a rifle, and is pointing it directly at the guy to his left. This obviously is not a “safe direction.”
Not only is this movie a fictional comedy, but it also has a fictional poster. Take a close look at the “bullet” that’s ricocheting around Leslie Nielsen and you’ll notice that it’s not your typical “bullet”—it’s an entire cartridge! I don’t know of any guns that shoot the entire cartridge out of the barrel, do you? There are 4 components in a cartridge, with the bullet being the only projectile.
Do I even need to say anything about this one? Not only would this be extremely unsafe, walking around pointing your guns at everyone, but it would also be completely uncomfortable and inaccurate to aim. Although I do have to say, she could team up with Rose McGowan below! Oh, my!
Unfortunately, many people look to movies and video games for firearm education. We need to be good teachers, instructors and educators to those who don’t know any better, rather than letting them learn from Hollywood producers. It’s our responsibility to put safety first!
Looking starlet-like and with her finger off the trigger … it’s Stacy Bright with Atticus. (Katelyn Bright photo)
Freelance writer Stacy Bright holds instructor certifications from the NRA in Pistol & Rifle, as well as being an Range Safety Officer and Refuse to be a Victim instructor. In addition to her NRA credentials, she also is a Missouri CCW instructor and teaches various other home and personal defense courses. “In a field dominated by men, I feel I bring a unique perspective to firearms and training, especially to women. I'm passionate about educating, empowering and developing confidence in those I train. In November of 2014, I started the Southwest Missouri chapter of The Well Armed Woman,” said Stacy. Stacy lives in southwest Missouri, and has been married for 20 years. Visit TWAW Facebook page: The Well Armed Woman-Springfield, MO Chapter. View all posts by Stacy Bright
