Sweeping

[Metryq]

After one is trained in the use and safety of firearms, one can't help but notice the number of times people in movies and TV will "sweep" unintended targets with the barrel of their gun, or scratch the back of their head with it, and other behavior that makes a Range Safety Officer go, "GAH!"

One such example is a close-up of Kirk, just before the commercial break, staring down at Garrovick's team who have just been killed by the "Obsession" creature. Staring in shock, Kirk—his finger still on the trigger—wipes his lower lip with the phaser and barrel.

Then there's the climactic scene in "The Corbomite Maneuver" where Kirk continues to point his phaser at Balok even as introductions are being made.

And there are many other examples in the series. No respect for fancy heaters.

 

[Phaser Two]

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Don't think he would have hit anything.

 

[scotpens]

Not Trek, but I couldn't help being reminded of this classic scene.

 

[Metryq]

Yep! Finger inside the trigger guard and everything! My favorite is when two armed people are out looking for the bad guy. One stumbles, and the other grabs him around the chest, fist full of hot iron pointed directly at their heart, or up at their face.

 

[Ssosmcin]

Then there's the climactic scene in "The Corbomite Maneuver" where Kirk continues to point his phaser at Balok even as introductions are being made.

This isn't a mistake or carelessness. Kirk continues to point it until he's a little more sure. As soon as Balok invites them to be seated, Kirk puts it away. We're literally talking seconds. Not nearly as bad as scratching his chin (which I always did a "yikes" over).