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Trigger Man
The “psycho in the woods” is one of the most enduring (and clichéd) movie plot devices employed by Hollywood. Usually the people who meet Mr. Psycho are in the act of transgressing against societal norms (the college-boy term for behaving badly) when the chainsaw gets fired up—teenagers indulging in drink and nudity is a favorite. This is why once you look beyond the blood and gore most horror flicks are really just prissy morality tales. Serves the little sex maniacs right. (Cue the wood chipper.)
Well, this formula is being applied to hunters this time in the film Trigger Man, which claims to be based on true events. Now I haven’t seen the film yet, which is in limited release, and I’m not sure I will, though it is getting some good reviews.
A synopsis of the plot says it is the story of three old friends from New York City who travel down to Wilmington Delaware (at 7:04 a.m. to be exact) for “a day long hunting (sic) excursion.” During the trip, “the hunters become the hunted.”
Now I’ve had the misfortune to live in and around New York City for a good chunk of my adult life and have had to do some pretty intensive travel to get to decent hunting spots. But Wilmington? (Motto: “A place to be somebody.”) For a day trip? That starts at 7:04 a.m.? What are these guys hunting for—Bud Light empties so they can score the nickel deposit?
A quick look at the trailer reveals a couple problems right off the bat. First, the actors are carrying rifles and the last time I checked the only long guns you can hunt with in Delaware are muzzleloaders and shotguns. (Though there is a provision to use primitive single-shot blackpowder rifles—antiques and reproductions—as long as they’re shooting patched bullets.) Two, they’re clearly hunting out of season, stalking through the woods during the height of the summer foliage. (The slug gun season in Delaware kicks off Nov. 9 this year for those who are interested.) At least they were wearing the required hunter orange.
Perhaps this morality tale is really an anti-poaching message. Or maybe our sport has once again been misunderstood, misinterpreted and butchered by the creative types on movie sets.
John Snow
I believe film makers call this butchering of fact "artistic license" and hunters have been getting a bad name in the "cinema" since Bambi and Elmer Fudd.
Any you expected it to change, why?
Posted by: jstreet | October 23, 2007 at 06:53 PM
In your opening description, you forgot the obligatory ankle-twist-chase. You know...the girl running through the woods in her underwear and high heels trying to get away from the maniac, and she's making pretty good time until *snap* - she twists that ankle. (insert eyeroll here)
"Hollywood". What can they dream up next?
Posted by: Annie | October 23, 2007 at 07:19 PM
The Model 70 Is Back!
Morgan, Utah - The Winchester Model 70 is one of the most respected bolt-action rifle designs in the world. Winchester Repeating Arms is excited to announce the return of the Model 70 for 2008. The All-American Model 70s will be built by American craftsmen in Columbia, South Carolina, at the same state-of-the-art factory (FN Manufacturing) as the rifles and machine guns used by American's Armed Forces. They are made to the exact ISO 9001 standard of quality that the U.S. Government insists upon for military firearms.
For 2008 the new Model 70 has the all new M.O.A.™ Trigger System, improved fit and finish and enhanced accuracy to go along with its classic Pre-64 Controlled Round Feeding, Three-Position safety and solid, sure handling.
M.O.A.™ Trigger System. The new Model 70 M.O.A.Trigger System is the most precise three-lever trigger system ever offered to sportsmen. Operating on a simple pivoting lever principle, the trigger mechanism has been completely redesigned to exhibit zero take up, zero creep and zero overtravel. The pull weight ranges from 3 to 5 pounds and is factory-set at 3 3/4 pounds. Because of the enhanced ergonomics, wide smooth triggerpiece and 2:1 mechanical advantage created by the unique design geometry, it actually feels like half that weight.
Three-Position Safety. The improved three-position safety on the new Model 70 has proven effective and highly popular with hunters and shooters for decades. Convenient to operate with the thumb of the firing hand, the Model 70 safety lifts the firing pin away from the sear. Then the safety selector is in the middle position, the action can still be operated, allowing unfired cartridges to be cycled with the safety on.
Hammer-Forged Barrel. Model 70 barrels are cold hammer-forged from a solid billet of steel for accuracy and long life. Massive rotary hammers shape the barrel steel around a mandrel to create the rifling. The barrel is threaded, target crowned and installed on the receiver. The chamber is then reamed and the bolt is headspaced. This results in 1 MOA accuracy for three-shot groups using properly managed barrel, quality match ammo and superior optics under ideal weather and range conditions.
Blade-Type Ejector. The Model 70's blade-type ejector allows full control when ejecting a fired case. When pulling the bolt back slowly the empty case pops out gently, which is perfect for target shooters and varminters. Pulling the bolt back smartly allows the empty case to clear the port with greater force. The blade-type ejector helps to eliminate short-stroking malfunctions.
The new Winchester Model 70 will be offered in a Super Grade, Featherweight™ Deluxe, Sporter Deluxe and Extreme Weather SS models for 2008. All will feature a thick black Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad that will help take the bite out of recoil.
The Super Grade will be offered in 30-06 Sprg. and 300 Win. Mag and will feature a fancy grade walnut stock with contrasting black fore-end tip and pistol grip cap and a sculpted shadowline cheekpiece. Suggested Retail $1,149.00
The Featherweight Deluxe has an angled comb walnut stock with Schnabel fore-end and satin finish with elegant cut checkering. It will be offered in popular long and short action calibers, including WSM chamberings. Suggested Retail $999.00 to $1,049.00.
The Sporter Deluxe features a satin finished walnut stock with cut checkering on trim fore-end and pistol grip, along with a sculpted cheekpiece. Available in popular long action and short action WSM calibers. Suggested Retail $999.00 to $1,049,99.
The Extreme Weather SS's premium Bell and Carlson composite stock features a trim, light feel with textured matte surface that gives a sure grip in any conditions. The Extreme Weather SS has a free floating, fluted stainless barrel to help minimize weight. Available in popular long action and short action WSM calibers. Suggested Retail $1,149.00 tp $1,199.00. Delivery on all models will begin in June of 2008.
Hope you all find the info interesting.
Jim
Posted by: jstreet | October 24, 2007 at 12:33 AM
We've had to deal with crap like this since Disney aired Bambi. And If I remember correctly, bambi's mother is shot in the springtime, with a fawn in tote, I believe that is POACHING in any state in the USA. I also heard that the famous like "Run Bambi, hunters are in the forest" Used to say poachers, but the film's crators wanted a stronger statement, hence the change.
Anyhow...Fils like Trigger man are pure entertainment and I'd hope that most human beings woould have enough common sense nto to take it too seriously. Unfortunaltey the nut jobs in Peta and simmilar organizations will hover around it like flies on uh..you knwo what.
Posted by: Joe | October 24, 2007 at 01:59 AM
Excuse the spelling errors in the above post, its late here :P
Posted by: joe | October 24, 2007 at 02:00 AM
Sounds like a dumb movie; no interest in seeing it.
Thanks for heads up John.
Posted by: Black Rifle Addict | October 24, 2007 at 07:27 AM
The movie sounds very realistic and plausible. I know I prefer waking up late to go on a long drive on the day of my hunt. Sure my walls are bare, but that has more to do with the deer not cooperating than with any of my tactics.
Posted by: Ben | October 24, 2007 at 09:54 AM
way to go ben, will i see the stupid flick,yup, when the sun comes up at night.
Posted by: don mitchell | October 24, 2007 at 11:24 PM