The truth is out there! To no one’s surprise, there’s speculation bubbling through the Intertubes that the photo the White House released showing President Obama actually firing a shotgun has been . . . wait for it . . . digitally enhanced. As in altered. Photoshopped. Faked! And while I’d love to lend a hand at dismantling one of the more obvious PR stunts of the Obama presidency (because being photographed with an F1 car makes you a racecar driver, right?) I just can’t . . .
Not with any certainty that is. The speculation in question centers around the smoke emanating from the barrels. It does make the scene look more dynamic, with the gun firing instead of just a static shot of the President holding a shotgun. But inquiring minds have raised questions as to whether that smoke was added after the fact. One such speculator breaks it down into three main points; that smokeless powder doesn’t look like that, that the ports don’t look right and that BHO’s body doesn’t appear to be absorbing any recoil.
Let’s take it claim by claim:
Further evidence would suggest that the smoke in the photo is somewhat heavy and is more consistent with the kind of smoke coming from a blackpowder gun, not a modern shotgun. Without a doubt, this photo has been doctored for whatever nefarious reason. It appears as though the shooter was merely holding a gun with the smoke being added in later.
Eh, kinda. I agree that the smoke seems a little heavier than normal, but competition loads tend to be on the smokey side. My much-loved Eley ammunition that I chugged through, case after case, in college during rifle team practice was the smokiest stuff I’ve ever come across. And it seems like that’s true for shotgun target loads, too.
Here’s a picture from the Washington Post’s olympics coverage showing a shotgunner exhibiting roughly the same level of exhaust as did the President at the top of the page. Sure, this picture might show less smoke than the Predient’s, but given the variances in exposure settings and possible differences in loads, I can’t rule out the possibility that the level of exhaust is normal for that gun and load. Smokeless powder may have reduced the visibility of the exhaust, but it can’t be eliminated completely.
As for the black powder comparison, I see where they’re coming from. But black powder is too low velocity to get the perfect cylindrical tube of exhaust that you see right at the muzzle in BHO’s picture.
So, while I agree that the exhaust seems to be a little more than you see from the typical shot shell you’d buy at Walmart, its not implausible.
What’s next?
One will immediately notice that there is smoke coming from the right side of the gun in the photo as well as out the front. The only problem is that there is no smoke coming from the ports on the left side of the gun, clearly seen in the photo suggesting that the smoke was doctored into the photo. Furthermore, the smoke exiting on the right side of the gun does not match the port pattern on the left. If this gun was being fired as suggested by the White House, then the smoke would be coming out the ports on the gun clearly seen in the picture and evenly on both sides.
Honestly, this one’s hard to call. There does indeed appear to be a striking lack of exhaust coming from the ports facing the camera. Then again, the photo isn’t of high enough resolution to get a good look. Here’s the best I could muster, using the full resolution version of the White House’s original photo for reference:
Everything is all pixelated and blurred. I really wish the guy had cranked his ISO and used a higher shutter speed. Unfortunately, with such low resolution I can’t really determine for certain whether there is anything coming out of the ports facing the camera or not.
Then again, the low shutter speed brings something else to question – motion blur.
See how the bronze choke tube poking out at the end of the barrel is misshapen in a distinctly “up and to the right” fashion? That indicates that the object moved while the camera’s shutter was still open, blurring the photo slightly. However, in that same split second, the camera only saw the exhaust coming from the original position of the barrel, not the position the barrel was in when the shutter closed. Instead what we have is a sharp and clearly defined exhaust trail coming from the original position of the barrel, and nothing once the barrel moved.
Again, this isn’t something that can be pointed to as a smoking gun (so to speak) indicating the picture is a fake. The burn rate of the powder and the rate at which the exhaust leaves the barrel can vary depending on the load, and it’s possible that the camera could only capture the last moment of venting before it tapered off and nothing else. Even the slight issue with the last port apparently not venting anything could be explained if the camera only saw exhaust when the gun was in the lower, leftward position and not the higher, rightward one.
In short, nothing definitive here either. What’s next?
A photo taken at this stage of the firing process would also reveal the forces of recoil upon the shooter. There would be a wave of energy passing through the firearm into the shooter’s body and evidence would exist somewhere in this photo that this phenomenon was happening. This would appear like a slow motion picture of a boxer receiving a knockout blow. The shooter’s body would give some evidence of reacting to the recoil, especially someone not wearing heavy clothing as in the picture.
Honestly, it’s impossible to tell. His posture sucks almost as bad as my sister’s, but that’s not exactly probative.
Target shells are a much lighter load than hunting or competition loads. They have significantly less recoil, and therefore don’t move the body around nearly as much as standard hunting loads. Add into that equation the ported barrel (which helps greatly reduce the felt recoil and muzzle climb) and you don’t get that “knockout blow” that Mr. Tin Foil Hat seems to be expecting. Instead, at most, you’d get a gentle shove when firing an over/under like that. Especially given the low velocity at which the shot leaves the barrel.
I can’t say with any level of certainty that this picture was or wasn’t shopped. Some things do appear strange and contrary to my own experience, but they’re not outside the realm of possibility. Then again, thanks to the frankly rather terrible quality of the photo, I can’t say for sure that it wasn’t doctored.
What I can say, though, is that the photographer in question needs to spend a little more time photographing moving objects rather than staged events and well-lit press conferences. Don’t be afraid to crank the ISO above 100, my friend. Anything to increase that shutter speed.
I could accept a universal background check requirement, but only if it could me made reasonable:
1. Genuinely instantaneous–plug a name into a webpage, if nothing bad comes up, that’s it.
2. People with carry licenses don’t have to be checked.
3. Make the service free–just a website.
4. No record will be kept, and the gun’s information isn’t part of the check.
I say this recognizing that criminals won’t comply, but if it will make some weak-minded people feel better, that may be worth considering. But here’s my sticking point. If we offer this, what do we get in return? How about universal background checks in exchange for national carry reciprocity? Otherwise, there’s no point in giving ground.
Seems like a reasonable idea – what if there’s a national registry of people pre-approved to purchase firearms without a waiting period? After all, the purpose of the waiting period is to give the agencies time to perform the background check. If we can establish a list of people that are pre-cleared to board aircraft, we should be able to set up a licensing system for people pre-approved to purchase firearms.
I dunno. Why bother with all the photofakery when he could just resort to the customary Lilac Treatment?
You know, when he LIES LACK HELL?
Nick, you must have been really, really, really bored.
And even more so after staring at that picture for way too long.
Does it really matter either way?
If he lied, wow a politician told yet another lie.
If he didn’t, doesn’t mean anything for us. Doesn’t change the fact he really doesn’t care for the 2A beyond the sporting/hunting clauses. Doesn’t affect my opinion of his presidency, his policies, or his agendas either way. He will always be the epitome of a politician and not a public servant.
If he lied and if it can be proven it may just turn some fence sitters to our side.
Um, no. The occupiers of the vast middle ground couldn’t care less about this sort of thing. Seriously.
The question that I have about “universal” background checks is: what’s the purpose? I don’t envision Jack in the back alley refusing to sell a gun to Torry the second storey man because he failed a background check. It seems to me that the only real purpose is to heap as much bullsh!t on legitimate gun owners as possible. Which proves what we’ve said time and time again. Gun control isn’t about crime or guns. Gun control is all about control.
When the Brady Bill was first proposed, a lot of thought was given to making nondealer sales subject to the law and giving individuals access to the system so seller could check buyers. That suggestion was hooted down because dealers could be controlled through revocation of license, but individuals not so much. Proving again that it’s all about the control.
I’m sure the Getty photog knows plenty well what he’s doing. A little bit of motion blur at the end of the barrel is nothing. It was probably still shot at 1/1600 or faster.
I’ve worked side by side with numerous Getty and AP photogs, they are good at their job or else they wouldn’t be there.
According to the EXIF data page for the photo, it was shot at 1/320 at ISO 400.
I its my understanding that the gun laws did not fail in the Ct. shooting. The mother purchased the guns legally and then allowed her mentally disturbed son access to them, witch became her own demise and unfortunately the shooting of many innocent children and adults. She was responsible for the safety of those guns, as the gun owner. It is very unfortunate accident that should of never happened. But the laws did not fail and making it more difficult for me to purchase guns is not going to stop criminals or mentally disturbed individual form getting them.
I think the point is he shoots like a girl. He looks scared holding that thing, I’ve seen women who look more manly shooting than this little boy! Google it!
The Second Amendment – Stand Behind it or stand in front of those that will! The Second Amendment is ONLY about the right to the self-defense of these truths we hold to be self evident.
The issue is just like civil rights or gay rights. It’s important to have the support of those that aren’t necessarily at the core of the issue as well.
Here is ANOTHER problem with it, In the State of Washington,
Some time ago, the state began requiring FFL’S to collect tax on the value of a private interstate firearms transaction processed by the FFL holder.
Yes, Washington States charges sales tax on private sales, because FFL’s provided the convenient means to collect the tax.
Yup this photo is fake too, no smoke at all must be an airsoft.
*sarcasm off**
Obama claims to shoot skeet. The right demands photographic evidence. Photo is released. People lambast administration for pandering to the right. Yawn.
So…… how many AKs are there in the country and does that make them common?
…and there IS a rise in mass shootings? Kopel does not really counter this…
Bad porting is one thing but the straightness of an the light on his right arm is what makes me suspicious or a rendering job. I have spent enough time over a hot photoshop to tell good work from bad, but the damnedest things end up being real (or fake for that matter.)
Anyway even if it is fake I honestly don’t see what the fuss is about.
If the White House wants a photo of the President firing a shotgun, I have no doubt that they could arrange it easily. This image has problems, and I would not be surprised if the problems were added intentionally as a jab at the birther crowd. The evidence here is all anecdotal anyway. Its a man who looks like he could be President Obama, firing a shotgun at a location that could be Camp David, but we only know that it is so because we are told it is so.
As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to gain in disputing this photo. People will have already taken sides prior to any evidence, and most won’t be swayed either way. They say the President shoots skeet, lets take them on their word on this one and move on to facts that are actually relevant to gun rights in the US.
The news article I read called it a skeet rifle. One mistake like that throws the whole thing into question. But, don’t think one photo is going to sway opinion one way or another.
No BO fan here but I don’t see anything to make me think this is faked. I used to compete skeet shooting and my Browning Special Sporting Clays O/U has the same porting. I loaded my own 7/8 0z target loads, they were a little dirty and smoky. The ports can clog up, if the gun was canted the gas might go out the right. In skeet the targets leave from a high house and a low house. They go up. They come down. The angle of your shotgun determines when you shoot at one. I mean for someone with a semi demanding job that played over 100 rounds of golf his first term, I think the real scandal would be if he was actually an avid skeet shooter too. 🙂
I purchased a VEPR 12 personally, shotguns are soul guns. I owned an AR and AK for several years before Newtown, Aurora, etc. I must be one of those still souled gun owners. Hooray for me!
What about people who campaign to deprive people of life saving vaccines because their girlfriend is a nutcase? What is the status of their soul?
Alternative version: Jim Carey’s support of Jenny McCarthy’s insane anti-immunization agenda has killed more people than my AR-15.
In any case, does it matter if it is real, ‘shopped, staged, or any other scenario? The photo was released with the intent of appeasing the complacent. The real issue is what he does in the office, not on the range.
And the nut ball environmentalist join in with there fascist allies!! “Ban cars with ARs” will be her quote!
you know that scene, in Heat, at the end, where Bob DeNiro goes to the hotel, flashlights the cops, and kicks in Waingrows door?
And the dude is sitting there on the couch, bleeding from the face, looking defiant?
And Robert Deniro says “look at me.”
and you can see the sudden realization flash across Waingrows face, and his composure falls apart and he begins to panic and hyperventilate for a moment before he gets what he had coming?
SOMETIMES ….. you want them to see it coming.
Let them watch us. The best word to describe American gun owners is “Inexorable”
-μολὼν λαβέ
I know one thing- the current administration will be putting procedures in place to try to fill in what blanks may still exist.
It certainly isn’t out of the question. Google promotes ads based off search history and recently visited sites, I’m sure the man can keep a record of people filling out NICB forms or following thetruthaboutguns.com….. Now as far as knowing every gun you own? that’s less likely.
Anyone who would risk the lives of millions of children by opposing vaccination on dubious and discredited scientific grounds needs to shut the hell up about other peoples souls.
We should all point to this incident when gun-grabbers promote things like enhanced background checks and mental health checks for gun ownership. All it took was one asshat who considers guns “offensive” and a kid’s permanent record is now screwed.
And all it’ll take is one politician who finds certain ways of thinking “unhealthy” and we get a de facto ban. Tyrants thrive on vague laws to enact their oppressive and illegal agendas on the citizenry.
Also, either home school your kids or find a private school. Public school in modern America is tantamount to child abuse, as someone else said earlier. And if those two aren’t options, spend a good hour after school every day to reprogram your kid’s mind from the brainwashing it had to endure.
It will only make them want registration of gun pictures as well.
What I’ve heard:
The Fair Play for Skeet Committee would like to have a word with POTUS. Also PETS (People for the Ethical Treatment of Skeet). And a new group called Pink Pigeons is up in arms. Michael Moore is planning a new film exposing the dark underside of clay bird shooting. There’s an environazi group claiming that steel shot makes groundhogs magnetic. AARP wants Obamacare amended to include hearing and eye protection for retired shooters. And the NRA says POTUS is holding the shotgun backwards.
That is all.
Meh. Just another ignorant actor in the Hollywood bubble. I’ll enjoy his movies for what they’re worth (which, for most of them, ain’t much) and continue treating his personal opinions and personal life as the irrelevancies they are.
On the other hand, Pleasantville was a great movie (bonus: Jim Carrey-free!).
Link didn’t work: http://www.click2houston.com/news/Home-invasion-suspect-arrested-after-woman-opens-fire/-/1735978/18331728/-/n9rr8pz/-/index.html
Another sad day in bradyland. A gentleman just trying to earn a living accosted by a crazy white lady. Well, it will be alright, he can be rehabilitated, Randy
Mine didn’t make the cut. 🙁
Well, I’m a ’65 Colt Python owner, so I know a great gun and trigger when I shoot one. I purchased a P-01 several years ago and it quickly became my go to gun. It readily eats any ammo you feed it and it’s accuracy is simply stunning.
RIP Kyle.
Do not fall for the Urban Myth;
It is not a hunk of steel that makes you an adult, it is the adult that accepts the RESPONSIBALITY of taking-up arms and all that entails.
Accepting the eons old burden of being an adult male does not come lightly to a demographic that has been Trained to remain an emasculated child since birth!
I skimmed through the first 50 or so comments. Most were done by the same seven or eight people and most of the time they were making puns at each other’s comments. Today was Superbowl Sunday (with many people away from the computer) and I question how representative today’s commentators were of their regular Sunday crowd.
Outstanding and congrats! As a relatively new shooter I am very excited to hear some real, no BS commentary around three gun competitions. YouTube and some of the other forums out there make my head hurt. Well done sir!