The Safety of Prop Guns in Filmmaking

Gunsmoke, a beloved Western television series, ran for 20 years, featuring numerous shooting scenes, yet never resulted in an accidental injury with a prop gun. This seemingly impossible feat highlights the incredibly rigorous safety protocols in place for prop firearms on film sets. While these measures have largely kept the industry safe, it's important to understand the stark contrast with real-world fatalities. Over the same three decades, over 10,000 non-intentional gun deaths occurred in the United States without proper regulation, making movies about 10,000 times safer than real-world contexts.

The fatality on the set of 'Rust' was an unfortunate reminder of what can go wrong when safety protocols are overlooked or disregarded. The incident was primarily due to the hiring of an inexperienced armorere, inadequate time for prop firearm safety, and rushed schedules. The involvement of a known corner-cutter as the first AD also contributed to the tragedy.

Comparing Gunsmoke and Current Standards

It's interesting to note that Alec Baldwin had absolutely no involvement with the television series Gunsmoke. This observation emphasizes the fact that, while the show was set in a different time with different rules, it still adhered to a high level of safety regarding prop firearms.

The safety of prop guns on set involves thorough training and adherence to strict protocols. In Gunsmoke, as in modern filmmaking, there is a focus on familiarization with the tools. Handing a loaded or unloaded gun to someone who doesn't know how to handle it can be disastrous. This principle is crucial in preventing accidental injuries or fatalities both on set and in real life.

The rules of safety are consistent across both contexts, emphasizing the importance of clearing and reloading guns, even if they are declared safe for a short period. A few seconds of negligence could have dire consequences, as evidenced by recent incidents where a few seconds of carelessness resulted in tragedy.

The Broader Context: Improper Gun Use Today

The tools used today for prop guns are similar to those of the past, but the frequency of negligent misuse is higher. This negligence is due, in part, to a failure in training, respect, and familiarization with firearms. The tragic incidents on film sets and the increase in gun deaths in the United States serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing problem of improper gun use.

Our responsibility as a society is clear. It is imperative to do better at preventing firearms from ending up in the hands of those unsuitable for them. We must enhance training and support for those who are qualified to possess firearms responsibly. Additionally, we must recommit to valuing and protecting human life, emphasizing the dangers and risks associated with unlawful, negligent, and improper firearm use.