An observation on our media and "reality."

[Bogie]

So, sitting at home, doing nothing, I've somewhat broadened my horizons.
 
(that's my story, and I'm sticking to it...)
 
There's a show about folks who go out and jug alligators in some swamp. They pull 'em up, shoot 'em, and drag 'em into the boat, presumably so that someone can turn them into boots and tasty vittles.
 
(garlic butter guys...)

And since this is "reality" television, I noticed that one guy's preferred firearm, at a range of about three feet against a mostly stationary target, is... A bolt action rifle with a scope.
 
A scope.
 
Sheesh.

[WLJ]

So, sitting at home, doing nothing, I've somewhat broadened my horizons.
 
(that's my story, and I'm sticking to it...)
 
There's a show about folks who go out and jug alligators in some swamp. They pull 'em up, shoot 'em, and drag 'em into the boat, presumably so that someone can turn them into boots and tasty vittles.
 
(garlic butter guys...)

And since this is "reality" television, I noticed that one guy's preferred firearm, at a range of about three feet against a mostly stationary target, is... A bolt action rifle with a scope.
 
A scope.
 
Sheesh.

I can understand using a low power 2-3x scope since, correct me if I'm wrong, they're usually aiming for the brain to both neutralize and do min damage to the skin and gator brains aren't exactly a big target.

[dogmush]

Also those guys aren't rich.  He may also use that rifle for squirrel/rat/possum control.

[WLJ]

Also those guys aren't rich.  He may also use that rifle for squirrel/rat/possum control.

Thought about that too after I posted.

[HankB]

Parallax and a blurred image at 3 feet might be a problem with a 'scope . . . instead of actually aiming through it I suspect he just points the muzzle at the gator's brain and pulls the trigger when he thinks it's lined up right.

[WLJ]

True but there can be exceptions for certain scopes. Only having seen what he's talking about in passing I can't say what scope they're using.
Probably just more of a case of them using what they have as Dogmush said. Hey if it works it works.

[Bogie]

When I was growing up, we used a .38 on steers and hogs... I figure that a handgun wouldn't be popular with the producers tho...

[French G.]

I think that is just the gun they have. Of all the reality shows the alligator people seem pretty real. I figure it is just a point shoot or contact shot, I do the same thing culling roosters, a contact .22 when they are on the roost is way less traumatic for them. I grab my scoped .22 because it is what I have. Need a cheap .22 pistol, not leaving a Colt 1911 with a conversion out of the safe to get stolen.

[Doggy Daddy]

It's not always a close range shot.  Sometimes they'll shoot one at a distance, then boat on over and retrieve the gator with a treble hook.

[Kingcreek]

It's not always a close range shot.  Sometimes they'll shoot one at a distance, then boat on over and retrieve the gator with a treble hook.

This^
They aren’t using the scope at boatside distances.

[JN01]

Is a scope that thing that goes up?

[230RN]

I'm surprised that any modern producer / writer / director / editor would allow depiction of an actual killing shot.

Terry

REF:
Personal conversation with 230RN

[BobR]

Also those guys aren't rich.  He may also use that rifle for squirrel/rat/possum control.

Don't forget Nutria, those things usually have a bounty during certain times of the year. A great way to make a little extra money.

bob

[bedlamite]

Is a scope that thing that goes up?

No, but it does turn it into a dangerous military grade sniper rifle.

[WLJ]

No, but it does turn it into a dangerous military grade sniper rifle.

Yeah, don't you just love how the media labels any rifle with a scope a "Sniper Rifle"

Oh look, a Sniper Pistol

[gunsmith]

reality shows are fake, you're better off on youtube, cheaper and realler