"Impossible Shots" safety issue

[BAC]

I've been a trainer in the photographic industry for a very long time, initially as an instructor on photo lab equipment.  We were dealing with some potentially dangerous chemicals that were very safe if you took the proper precautions.  That included wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there was a possibility of coming in contact with the chemicals.  I knew a lot of other trainers that would insist on the students in their classes wearing PPE, but when they themselves were demonstrating chemical handling never wore them.  They would inevitably explain that they had been "doing this for a long time," or "a little won't hurt you," or some other garbage excuse not to wear it.  But they would insist on the class wearing them every time.  May times I would find myself visiting one of these stores and witnessing them completely ignoring the safety (and OSHA-mandated) protocols.  When I'd ask them why they weren't protecting themselves, they'd say "The trainer didn't wear this stuff, and he said it wasn't dangerous anyway."

My point is, you can tell someone about a safety procedure until you're blue in the face, but if you aren't willing to follow the same precautions, EVERY TIME, WITHOUT EXCEPTION OR EXCUSE, then all the disclaimers in the world aren't going to get any message across at all.

The expression "Practice what you preach" is so true, isn't it?  It's a lot better guide than "Do as I say, not as I do."


Something to think about.

[texcaliber]

I thought this was a dead tread, I am glad to see it's still providing thought on safety. The insults and other nonsense is moot at best. The main point is SAFETY, and how I should promote those practices to my little one, even though the "Pros" have a blatant disregard of safety protocol. Being abrasive on the safety, or lack there of, is instigating at best. Not to mention the hypocritical nature of it.

[Fastmover13]

@Texcaliber: If you refer to my original e-mail response you will note two things. 1st: I am not the producer of Impossible Shots but I would be sure and forward your concerns to the Producers and 2nd: I would not under any circumstances shoot anything much less a flint-lock with out eye or ear protection.  I am sorry that my response was not satisfactory and you felt the need to post our exchange on a forum that, to a rather well know extent, harbors a rather hostile view of our television product. 

And for the record, around here we refer to the "pompadour" as the "hair helmet"

@BAC: George Sutton is not a trainer, he is an entertainer.

After all of that I agree 100% with the statement that George Sutton is endangering himself when he shoots without eye protection and my initial reaction to the first bit of video i saw of him was "seriously?! no eye pro?" but again Impossible Shots is not my show.   

[BAC]

Completely missed the point.   

[texcaliber]

I am sorry that my response was not satisfactory and you felt the need to post our exchange on a forum that, to a rather well know extent, harbors a rather hostile view of our television product.

Do you have a better suggestion as to how "it" should of been handled, I thought I pointed out my delima and then you respond with a tongue and cheek response.

I am forwarding this on to the producers responsible, but may I suggest that Mr. Sutton shoots in the style of the old time frontiersmen and they did not use ear or eye protection.  Certainly not the way I would shoot but this is his choice.  -John

Now I do not have a problem with this forum or members views wither i agree or not. Not one has stated a gripe of product that hasn't been founded, and then argued, with rebuttals.  So it as most things on forums, are opinions.  Yet not one agrees with allowing the improper safety issue. I am not perfect, yet  , so no joking , bad feelings, he said/she said........ give me better advice and I will hear you out.

Tex

[Sponsor]

[Fastmover13]

Count me among those who do not think it is a good idea for George to shoot with out eye or ear protection. 

Ask George why he chooses to shoot this way and he will tell you the same thing I told you. 

Ask me why it ended up on TV and all I can tell you is this is not my show but I know the guys who do it and I will pass your concerns along to them.

Does George Sutton portray himself as a firearms instructor or trainer? No.

Should anyone emulate what George does as part of his act? No, but it's a free country.

Should anyone look to George, or any other exhibition shooter, for lessons in firearm safety? I'll let you answer that one yourself.



 

[texcaliber]

So in , once again, your opinion it is wrong to allow children and most adults(my opinion) to watch your show.

Should anyone look to George, or any other exhibition shooter, for lessons in firearm safety?

Due to the awful  and many safety neglect issues and lack of most kids and many adults ability to use self control when trying to emulate the "pros" . 

Of course  on many occasions and over many generations I have, probably you also, heard how children were influenced by this one or multiple exhibition shooter/s. 

Should anyone emulate what George does as part of his act? No, but it's a free country.

How about Jerry MicCulick, Bob Munden, or any of the other influential shooters you use on your show. As a matter of fact it seems to me, correct me if wrong, no "Pro Shooter"  should be seen or used as a positive outlook on young shooters. YOUNG SHOOTERS! This has been the point from the beginning. Not teens or young adults but rather preteens and youths.

P.S. please do not take a fit over the yelling this time, it was used toward the statement.

[tombogan03884]

When we use the "Quick reply box there are no buttons for Italic or Bold so many of us just use capitals for EMPHASIS.
Then of course there is FQ who's cap lock has a mind of it's own 

[TScottW99]

No offense but.....

Watching an exhibition shooter for gun safety tips is like watching Evil Knievel for safe driving tips.  Use this as a learning experience for your daughter not a time to slam a show for doing what it says it is doing..... exhibition shooting. 

If you do not approve and do not see the writing that says do not do this at home then do not watch the show.

Just my .02

[Fastmover13]

So in , once again, your opinion it is wrong to allow children and most adults(my opinion) to watch your show.  

Not so, I simply suggest that one should watch Impossible Shots for the entertainment value, and under no circumstances for instruction.
  

Of course  on many occasions and over many generations I have, probably you also, heard how children were influenced by this one or multiple exhibition shooter/s.  How about Jerry MicCulick, Bob Munden, or any of the other influential shooters you use on your show. As a matter of fact it seems to me, correct me if wrong, no "Pro Shooter"  should be seen or used as a positive outlook on young shooters. YOUNG SHOOTERS! This has been the point from the beginning. Not teens or young adults but rather preteens and youths.

Sure, sit with Tom Knapp for more than a minute and you will here about how he started out trying to be Herb Parsons, does that mean that you or any other parent should give their young shooter a flint-lock and let them shoot it without eye-pro so they can be like George?  Absurd

At the end of the day it is the parent that must decide how and what their youth shooter is going to shoot.  If a TV show is able to undermine that responsibility, then perhaps there are bigger problems underlying.