I guess the trigger pulled itself...
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What is most striking about the new claim is that it is subject to physical testing and even a demonstrative exhibit before the jury. If experts report that the gun did not have a “hair trigger” or some defect, it would greatly erode Baldwin’s credibility. It is very unlikely that his counsel has had access to the gun or even any film evidence from the scene. Notably, however, they do have the statement of an assistant director that he thought the shooting was a “misfire.”
Moreover, I am surprised that Baldwin claims that he would never point even a prop gun at someone and pull the trigger. Given his many shooting scenes, that would be disprovable.
The defense certainly could argue that, as an actor, Baldwin is unfamiliar with guns and did not “mean to pull the trigger.” However, this interview locks him into an absolute denial of pointing the gun and pulling the trigger. That is a considerable risk when the investigation is not complete and Baldwin’s counsel does not know what the forensic and eyewitness testimony will say.
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Bold claim. Obviously a lie and a direct strategy remove any culpability... and a lie he would only say if he knows there isn't evidence otherwise. For example, is there any evidence of him "pulling the trigger?" highly doubtful, and probably impossible to prove. Therefore the only question left is, "can the gun misfire" and I'd imagine the defense could find enough subject matter experts to testify that yes, it is POSSIBLE.
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Unless the gun was cocked, I don't even see how a misfire could happen.
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@ivorythumper said in I guess the trigger pulled itself...:
Unless the gun was cocked, I don't even see how a misfire could happen.
It's a Colt SAA. There is no hammer block, as in a Ruger Vaquero. That's why you don't carry a round under the hammer during normal carry. It usually takes something as a hard as a drop to make it go off.
Also, old Colts can get worn at the 1/4 and 1/2 cock notches. This will cause the hammer to fall before full cock, but you still have to cock the gun to those positions.
