Most claims that a gun "went off" on its own can be dismissed out of hand. In Alec Baldwin's case, it's not quite that easy. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
Modern firearms, including many antique reproductions, include safety mechanisms that prevent a shot from being fired without the trigger being pulled. They make it so a gun can't go off on its own without some kind of defect in the gun.
However, not all replicas have these.
However, not all replicas have these.
Police say Baldwin was using a modern replica of single-action revolver. Those are sold with or without a safety known as a transfer bar. Many prefer the traditional design without the safety, and it can be safe if handled properly. It's not clear which model Baldwin used.
If Baldwin's revolver used the old-style firing mechanism, the idea it fired without a trigger pull is more plausible. A live round in the cylinder under a decocked hammer could be set off with a significant jolt. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
That's why the "cowboy load," where the chamber under the hammer is left empty, was created. It eliminates the possibility of this happening while you carry the gun around in a holster.
Police can easily verify whether Baldwin's gun had a transfer bar. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
Police can easily verify whether Baldwin's gun had a transfer bar. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
I still find it unlikely this is how the Baldwin shooting happened. I'm not sure just drawing a gun can create the jolt necessary for a primer strike hard enough to set off a round. It still seems more likely Baldwin pulled the trigger, but it's not as far-fetched as it sounds.
Even if he didn't pull the trigger, that doesn't absolve Baldwin of all the negligence involved here. He still failed to verify the gun was actually unloaded as he was told. He still pointed it at the crew. Several others still deserve blame too. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
UPDATE: Baldwin's full comments make it even less likely he didn't pull the trigger when firing the fatal shot. Baldwin says he was pulling the hammer back when and the gun fired when he released it. Hard to imagine without a trigger pull. thereload.com/analysis-yes-a…
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