Old single action revolvers can “go off half-cocked” if you pull back the hammer and let it slip, without ever having to put your finger on the trigger.
Of course, the media doesn’t seem to want to do basic research to ask these key follow up questions. Was the hammer pulled back? Did it get caught on your holster? Your sleeve?
Doubtless the forensic lab will determine the force needed to cause the trigger to release the hammer of that particular firearm.
It was a fast draw. Cocking hammer is part of the draw.
Exactly, a slip fire.
He wasn’t drug or alcohol tested and from what I read, after a bit, he left the scene.
Those phone calls he was pictured making were probably to his agent and lawyer. Just sayin’.
I did read he got tested maybe the next day (?) but at that point, what does that matter? He ALLEGEDLY shot and killed someone. He should have been detained and tested.
That’s what I thought it was, too. People don’t realize how easily that type of gun can “go off.”
Nope. Not possible.
I have a single action Colt revolver model 1851. Dropping the hammer on a live round is not possible because the cylinder will not be perfectly aligned. A partially cocked hammer, that is prematurely released, will NOT hit the cap or primer, which ever the case may be. Plus my Colt has a half cocked position that locks the gun up. Bottom line is the hammer has to go all the back to turn the cylinder completely into proper position. Then the only way to release the hammer is to pull the trigger. He is BS’ing.
Yes, old Colts do have a "hair" trigger.
PS: This saying "Don't go off half-cocked” means don't go off with a gun that WON'T shoot, meaning don't go off unprepared.