[Konvas] Bangsticks

[Rick Garbutt]

It's time I chimed in, what with my very modest understanding of firearms
(but with a good grasp of physics and etymology):
 
The nice thing about AK-47s is that they use the 7.62x39mm round, which has
enough "flame" to look really good when captured on film.

and on the battlefield they are highly "spottable" for return fire

Identical origin for the old proverb "never light three [cigarettes] on one
match."  I'm told it comes from the British in WW I, the logic being that,
on a dark night, the flare from lighting the first alerts the enemy you're
there; the flare from the second showing him where to aim, and the third guy
gets it.  Hence, "lighting three on a match" became unlucky.
 
> And BTW, "blanks" are deadly items when misused-- BLANKS CAN KILL. > And they
can cause severe injury, permanent damage that is crippling, > and pain and
suffering that will haunt you.

Absolutely agreed, 
Being extremely respectful of guns and what they are capable of, here are a
few things that I let people know:

1) Guns are not toys.
Amen, brother!  AAAA-men!
 
2) Never point a gun at anything unless you plan on shooting/killing it.
Indeed.  But if you just "have" to have that shot of the gun aimed directly
into the camera, it's childishly simple to get:  we use a device called, in
the trade, a "mirror," and place it a reasonable distance in front of the
muzzle, at 45º to the line of fire.  Camera is 90º off to the side, out of
harm's way.  Shooter (the guy with the gun.  The guy with the camera is NOT
a "shooter," they're a CAMERAMAN!  -Lord, how I hate that!) aims at the
reflection of the lens in the mirror, and fires.  Bingo.  Of course, you
have to make sure no one will be hit by flying shards of glass or plastic,
and still be sure the line of fire is absolutely clear, but you can do the
shot.
 
3) When a gun has live rounds, the safety is always considered OFF.

4) The gun remains pointed at the ground at all times, until it is being
aimed at the target.

5) Until the words "Clear" and "Safe" are spoken in reference to the
chamber, magazine, and bolt, and the guns are placed in their respective
carrying cases and a lock put on them, all guns are still considered live.

6) A blank is still a live round (aka, a deadly round) - it just travels
less distance (ie., it has less range).

7) Trust people that are familiar with guns EVEN LESS than people that are
unfamiliar with guns! Cops and hunters have many, many gun related accidents
every year - and they are all extremely familiar with guns. About 15 years
ago, I knew a law enforcement officer (with over 20 years in the force) that
shot a hole in the side of my father's truck because he "thought the gun was
unloaded" and pulled the trigger to check...

And people wonder where the phrase "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from.
As for the cited cop, he should also know you can find out a bullet is in
the chamber by looking down the muzzle.  Of course, if you pull the trigger
while you do this, light can get in so you can better see the bullet in the
chamber.  About a microsecond before the slug goes into your brain.

<sigh>  Make it idiot-proof, and someone will always invent a better idiot.

All very sound, solid advice.  I'd add a #9 as

9.  Before ANY shot involving firearms, whether loaded with blanks or live
ammo, is set up, there WILL be a full-on safety meeting on-set, chaired by
the 1st AD, which EVERYONE will attend, during which all safety protocols
will be made 100% clear.  Anyone not attending this meeting in its entirety
is BARRED from the set until it's all over.  Non-essential personnel
(including Friends of the Director and Buddies of the Producer) should also
not be around.  Best place to see it all is in a nice, comfy theater.

NOBODY's movie is worth getting hurt (or worse) for.  And those misfortunes
can be avoided.  Play and work safely, folks!

Best to all,
Rick Garbutt, soc

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