Moral-Flexibility.Net

In a recent post James Rummel pointed out that he was suprised to see a British actor exercising proper trigger finger discipline (James is a self defence instructor, and has certainly forgotten more than I know about safe firearms handling). I replied that while watching the series “Spaced” I had noticed more than a few instances of proper handling of firearms, but on consideration I decided to put my money where my mouth was and double check those British actors.

Two scenes popped straight to mind;

Season 1 Episode 3

This episode begins with Tim zapping a small group of zombies that have magically invaded his apartment with what apears to be a Remington 870. Despite my numerous attempts to get a clear shot, I cannot tell whether his finger is on the trigger when he is not actually firing the shotgun. However, as he is clearly engaging his target we have to score this one as correct.

Safe: 1 Unsafe: 0

Season 1 Episode 5

The results here are quite different. Tims best friend Mike, a member of the TA, should know better, but never the less it appears his finger is on the trigger as he uses the pistol to scratch his face. We’re gonna count this one as incorrect.

Safe: 1 Unsafe: 1

Season 2 Episode 1

In the first episode of season 2 Mike is shown reassembling an MP5 in his bedroom, a quick screencap shows his finger to be off the trigger as he finished the reassembly. It’s not a great example, but we’ll call it correct:

Safe: 2 Unsafe: 1

Season 2 Episode 1

I’m not even sure what to make of this. The scene takes place right after Mike announces he’s off to “point the pink pistol at the porcelain firing range”. I can’t quite tell if his finger is on the trigger, but it does appear to be inside the trigger guard. I’m also not sure of the lethality of a pink pistol, and he was pointing the thing at someone who was menacing his friends. Ya know what? We’ll just move on then shall we. No score on this one.

Safe: 2 Unsafe: 1

Season 2 Episode 1

At the end of Episode 1, Season 2 Tim and Daisy look in on Mike who’s sleeping soundly on their couch, Tim’s finger clearly appears to be off the trigger. Moments later he suffers a negligent discharge, but we’ll concentrate on what we see, and not the comedic elements of the show.

Final score;

Safe: 3 Unsafe: 1

This is hardly scientific, but I think it’s representative of the two season show. If you disagree, let me know.

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