So-close-but-yet-so-far department:

Elizabeth writes:

How did Newsweek convince Gov. Sarah Palin to pose with a rifle for its cover?

Simple. It didn't.

Instead, it used an archive (fancy speak for old) stock photo of her taken back in June 2002...

However, to the magazine’s credit, it did not try to hide the fact that it’s a stock photo...

So that makes it OK.

Right? Or maybe not? What do you think?

Hey, is that even the right way to hold a rifle? Can’t you shoot your foot off like that?

Just wondering.

What a great photo. Makes me like her even more.
Way to go Sarah!!!

Posted by: Cindy | October 08, 2008 at 05:26 PM

I suppose that liberals would never know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun - being that you rely solely on the bravery and honor of patriotic Americans to protect you.

Posted by: Carl | October 08, 2008 at 05:26 PM

Is that a right way to hold a rifle? No. But it is an appropriate way to hold a breech loading shotgun. Which that is. Reporters often wonder how those rural hicks always can spot them. It's comments like that. It's ok to wikipedia things. That doesn't make you a stupid rural hick. In fact, having your facts right might make you seem less of an arrogant, erudite reporter who doesn't even know what she doesn't know.

Posted by: ASB | October 08, 2008 at 05:29 PM

Your question was "Can't you shoot your foot off like that?"

Obviously you don't know anything about guns....your finger has to be on the trigger for it to discharge. Also, with an over and under firearm, like that pictured, the gun has to be closed to fire. Guess you should stick to the gossip and fashions - Go get some gun training before you make stupid comments like that!

Posted by: ladyshooter | October 08, 2008 at 05:34 PM

That's not a rifle it's a over under shotgun, Which is broken open at the breach. That's a common way to carry them.

Posted by: royf | October 08, 2008 at 05:35 PM

She's posing with a shotgun. Not a rifle.

Posted by: Lees | October 08, 2008 at 05:35 PM

Why would you refer to an shotgun with an open action as a loaded rifle?. Thank you. Steve

Posted by: Hamaker | October 08, 2008 at 05:36 PM

How can one shoot themselves in the foot when the gun is broken open? Appears a slight one sided left lean with this photo.

Posted by: oldblue | October 08, 2008 at 05:38 PM

That's a shotgun, not a rifle.

Posted by: Tom C | October 08, 2008 at 05:38 PM

Well, actually, it's not a rifle. It's an over and under shotgun; but coming from Southern California, we can't expect all of you to know that.

s/ OIFVetForMcain
and Gun Literate Citizen

Posted by: OIFVetForMcCain | October 08, 2008 at 05:40 PM

The longarm appears to be a shotgun and side by side which breaks open. It is not possible to shoot the gun with the action open. Many hunters do carry a shotgun broken open like that over their shoulder.

I suggest before you ask a question if that is the correct way to hold a gun talk to people at a gun shop or range or hunter shop.

Posted by: Tasha | October 08, 2008 at 05:42 PM

It is a shotgun, not a rifle, and if you knew that you would also know they are frequently held over the shoulder with the breech open as a comfortable way to carrry.

Posted by: Bill | October 08, 2008 at 05:42 PM

A) It's not a rifle, it's a shotgun.

B) It cannot be fired because you'll notice that the barrel is at a 90 degree angle to the stock.

Posted by: Susan | October 08, 2008 at 05:42 PM

That's a shotgun not a rifle and it is 'broken' (ie. not able to be fired) and it is a common way to carry a shotgun.

Ok with me if they go to the archives, as long as it isn't altered.

Kent C

Posted by: Kent C | October 08, 2008 at 05:45 PM

A rifle? That isn't a rifle. But then, how can we expect anybody in the press to know that?

Posted by: Gay | October 08, 2008 at 05:46 PM

*facepalm*

- Can't you shoot your foot off like that?

Do you even know how a breech-loading shotgun works?

Posted by: Ryan Frank | October 08, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Palin's posing with a rifle on the Newsweek cover?

Where?

I don't see a rifle.

Posted by: JEM | October 08, 2008 at 05:51 PM

That's a shotgun, double barrel, one on top, one on the bottom. It's unloaded. To carry it this way, you're aware of what you might hit with the barrel.

Yeah, it's safe to carry it unloaded this way.

Posted by: Blademonkey | October 08, 2008 at 05:55 PM

Hey, genius. That's a shotgun, not a rifle. And no, it can't fire when it's open.

Isn't it time for some warm pudding and beddie bye?

Posted by: Warden | October 08, 2008 at 05:56 PM

If you have to ask if you can shoot your foot off holding the shotgun that way, you really shouldn't even have written this.

Posted by: TRO | October 08, 2008 at 05:56 PM

Elizabeth, it's a shotgun, not a rifle. And no, you can't shoot your foot off like that, because the breech is open and the weapon can't fire.

Jeebus.

Posted by: Jim Schuler | October 08, 2008 at 05:59 PM

Actually, it's a shotgun.
The LAT is showing it's usual commitment to accuracy.

Posted by: RobertP | October 08, 2008 at 06:06 PM

Mock it because you sure don't understand it. Rich irony.

Posted by: S. Simmons | October 08, 2008 at 06:08 PM

You know if your going to criticise someone for what they appear to be doing it might actually help if you knew what you were talking about. First of all the weapon she is holding is a shotgun not a riffle and secondly carrying it with the breach open like that over the shoulder is preity standard stuff and something you would regularly see on skeet shooting ranges because it enables people quickly ascertain that the weapon is unloaded and incapable of being fired.

Posted by: Matt | October 08, 2008 at 06:10 PM

It's a shotgun, not a rifle, and with the breech open like that you can't shoot anything. That's why someone who actually knows anything about the weapon she's holding would pose like that.
But even if you got the basics wrong, at least you still have a job at the Times (this week).

Posted by: Bill | October 08, 2008 at 06:10 PM

Well, fecal matter for brains, just for starters, when thought a fool, don't pontificate in public on what you know not and prove yourself one.

1) That is not a rifle, it is a shotgun.

2) That is one of the most safe and correct ways to carry a broke open piece. (yes, a gun is called a piece)

3) liberal derrière's should go back to what they know best, other liberal derrières, making a derrière out your self in putting down conservatives is just so, you know, like a derrière.

Posted by: Trannny | October 08, 2008 at 06:14 PM

I don't know how to break this to you Elizabeth, but that's a shotgun (yes, it makes a difference) and the breech is open-so, no she isn't going to "shoot her foot off like that".

Posted by: Ralph Strickland | October 08, 2008 at 06:14 PM

I don't have a problem with Newsweek's use of a stock photo, as long as it isn't doctored.

It would be physically impossible for Governor Palin to shoot that rifle in that position, for three reasons:

1. She cannot reach the trigger without shifting her grip.

2. She has the breech open, so the firing pin cannot make contact with any rounds in the chamber.

3. She's not holding a rifle. It's a shotgun.

Posted by: William Lane | October 08, 2008 at 06:14 PM

The shotgun cannot fire in that position. It is a break-open shotgun (not rifle) and it is broken open.

Posted by: joe | October 08, 2008 at 06:17 PM

Well, considering that she's holding a breach loading shotgun and the breach is OPEN it would be pretty dang difficult for her to shoot herself that way.

But I wouldn't expect anyone from the liberal media to know anything about what they are talking about anyway.

Posted by: Instinct | October 08, 2008 at 06:18 PM

Do you even know what a rifle is?

Posted by: Rip | October 08, 2008 at 06:20 PM

what's the issue? it's an archived stock photo, which i'm fairly sure means available for use without the permission of the photographed subject. i may be wrong, but i don't think all their cover images are accompanied with release forms signed by the subject

Posted by: whats the problem | October 08, 2008 at 06:20 PM

That's a shotgun. Factcheck on aisle 5! Also, it's impossible to fire that shotgun as it's being breachloaded. Just awful. Looks like you shot your foot off with your mouth...

Posted by: joeschmo1of3 | October 08, 2008 at 06:24 PM

Umm, that is not a rifle, it is a shotgun. The breach is open so there is no way it could go off and shoot her foot even if it were a rifle. I guess you know zero about guns so perhaps you should not write about them and show your ignorance for all the world to see.

Posted by: goat | October 08, 2008 at 06:29 PM

You people at the LAT sure are stupid. That's probably while you'll be out of business within two years.

Posted by: thebronze | October 08, 2008 at 06:30 PM

The way she is pointing that loaded Machine Gun proves she is racist.

Posted by: Journalism Student | October 08, 2008 at 06:30 PM

Dish Rag is right. But more like bird-cage liner.

Posted by: thebronze | October 08, 2008 at 06:31 PM

Good catch. That is a 50 caliber automatic street-sweeper cop-killer assault weapon. Not only could she have blown her foot off, she could've killed every human within a 1000 yard radius. Which she would've probably enjoyed, since she loves to kill things. She is terrifying, and I have nightmares about her every night.

Hold me.

Posted by: Stace | October 08, 2008 at 06:34 PM

"Hey, is that even the right way to hold a rifle? Can't you shoot your foot off like that?"

No, you can't "shoot your foot off like that."

Look at the shotgun in the picture. You have to fold the shotgun up before you can even shoot it.

You really have to. I'm not kidding.

So those are essentially just two tubes hanging over Palin's shoulder in that picture. It's a very safe way to carry that kind of shotgun.

You have to put shotgun shells into the the back end of the tubes every time you want to shoot. And you have to fold it up before you can shoot it. And every time you unfold the shotgun it ejects the shotgun shells -- whether you've fired them or not.

I hope that helps.

Posted by: Tinian | October 08, 2008 at 06:42 PM

"So that makes it OK.

Right? Or maybe not? What do you think?"

I don't understand. Are you coming at this with the presumption that it's wrong to show a pic of a politician with a gun? Or that it presents a bad image? I don't see it that way at all.

Posted by: JohnW | October 08, 2008 at 06:44 PM

Yes, it is a shotgun, not a rifle. Good for "y'all".

And, in case you haven't noticed, it's an election for a president to replace W. and repair what can be repaired in this country (and not a NASCAR race).

Duh?!

Posted by: Joe | October 08, 2008 at 06:46 PM

You're dead wrong, Stace. Everybody and his dawg knows that she's holding an atomic howitzer capable of lobbing a 155mm cobalt-enhanced warhead from Alaska to a target in California, wiping out all intelligent life. (Unless of course the target is a newspaper office, in which case the effort would be superfluous.)

Posted by: Dissident Egghead | October 08, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Gee, I grew up in a city and knew by the age of 8 the difference between a shotgun and a rifle.

I also knew that carrying a shotgun like that is the safest way to do so.

Who edits your posts - Barack Obama?

Posted by: MU789 | October 08, 2008 at 07:02 PM

"Hey, is that even the right way to hold a rifle?"

Instead of piling on, I'll be nice and ask - that was a joke, right?

Posted by: J | October 08, 2008 at 07:05 PM

There's nothing like seeing some condescending twit get their rear end handed to them. Thanks for the laugh Elizabeth!

Posted by: jamrat | October 08, 2008 at 07:09 PM

what a dimmie.....an over/under shotgun with open breech.....sheesh....freakin LA live in the bubble liberal

Posted by: matt | October 08, 2008 at 07:14 PM

Know why so many of Palin's supporters know all about shotguns? They are the perfect accessory to KKK robes!

Posted by: tomk | October 08, 2008 at 07:15 PM

Anyone covered the rifle/shotgun fiasco here, basic gun safety, breech loading, and/or mocked the writer for being an idiot?

All that's covered? Damn.

Anyone up for scrabble then?

Posted by: Gekkobear | October 08, 2008 at 07:15 PM

Finally we have proof of non-Obama-voting rural folk bitterly clinging to their guns!

In this case, that gun would be a semiautomatic M1A1 Blackhawk sawed-off uzi.

Posted by: AK | October 08, 2008 at 07:21 PM

Folks with 3-digit IQs get math, science, and engineering degrees. Folks on the 2-digit side of the curve go to J-school.

Posted by: pdq | October 08, 2008 at 07:23 PM

You morons! That's not a rifle! It's an over and under shotgun with the breach open! It's also unloaded. No, you can shoot your foot off like that! That's the safe way to carry a shotgun.
Dimwits!

Posted by: Michael Costello | October 08, 2008 at 07:32 PM

Shouldn't have brought attention to this shotgun, now California will BAN it.

Posted by: Todd | October 08, 2008 at 08:11 PM

Like, OMG, you losers are like sooo immature. Like, who cares if it's a rifle or a shotgun, Palin is a gross nazi and you all smell of budweiser and chewing tobacco. I'm going to go have a cappuccino and plan my vacation in Nicaragua, where I'm writing about sustainable natives of melatonin.

Posted by: Lupo | October 08, 2008 at 08:13 PM

Can't you shoot your mouth off like that?

Posted by: Jim Treacher | October 08, 2008 at 08:14 PM

The fact that you couldn't be bothered to learn some basic facts about firearms before deciding something was unsafe should, in a just world, lead to your boss sitting down with you for an impromptu performance review.

Did you really think a shotgun that was broke open could still fire?

Posted by: Rob Taylor | October 08, 2008 at 08:20 PM

Well, calling a shotgun a rifle only means this article is about as accurate as anything else the MSM puts out. No wonder papers are dying. Good riddance.

Posted by: Dr .Dean | October 08, 2008 at 08:28 PM

It will be pheasant season soon here in fly over country and soon we'll be seeing hunters walking in town carrying their shotguns just like this out to the fields.

Posted by: sluggdugg | October 08, 2008 at 08:41 PM

My God but you're stupid, Ms.Snead. But I'm just restating the painfully obvious.

Posted by: Richard Blaine | October 08, 2008 at 08:42 PM

Trig Palin is smarter than any journalist at the LA Times.

Yeah - I went there.

Posted by: John | October 08, 2008 at 08:45 PM

Definitely stick to showbiz blogging, Liz. If there's no red carpet involved, don't blog about it.

Posted by: From Hollywood | October 08, 2008 at 08:47 PM

See other comments. Do you feel ignorant yet, Elizabeth?

Posted by: TennLion | October 08, 2008 at 08:50 PM

Now, now, don't be too hard on Elizabeth.
We have several politicians and political reporters this year who don't seem to have access to a copy of the Constitution, and therefore have to mock Palin's assertion that the VP is the President of the Senate. And if they can't even get that job description right, which hasn't changed in a couple hundred years, this is a minor flub. At least she knew it was a gun.

Posted by: Nony Mouse | October 08, 2008 at 08:51 PM

Everyone is aware of liberal bias in the media. We know how desperate and angry all democrats are, as their representative media constantly focuses on the negative in the world. The best part of the "unflattering" photo of Gov. Palin is that Republicans actually support the right to bear arms. So again, while the liberal Newsweak thinks they are putting out a bad photo, it is merely the liberal elitist DC and NY and SF folks that think the photo is unflattering.
Even more fun to think about----the liberal media is so excited about an Obama presidency!!! Yippee! It will be so great when those evil rich people and evil corporations get hit with all those taxes!!! Yippee!!! Oh... oooops ...guess how the media and Newsweak make money? Oh.....ads? Guess who buy products and make products that are advertised? Evil rich people and evil corporations!! When Obama rolls back the tax cuts, so that evil rich people and evil businesses have to pay more to the government, what do you think rich people and businesses will do? The evil Rich will buy less products, and the evil corporations will make less prducts ... thus there will be less need for advertising. With less spending on ads, there will be less revenue at Newsweak and their media friends. At some point, we will see magazines fold, and newspapers fold .......... (just check out the newspaper industry which is getting pummeled!!!).
So much irony!!! So all these forms of media will help to put themselves out of business .... YIPPEE!!!

Posted by: HLL | October 08, 2008 at 08:52 PM

The really tragic part of this is that there will be no way to laugh the imbecile who posted this right off the 'net.

Posted by: Billy Beck | October 08, 2008 at 08:55 PM

"to a target in California, wiping out all intelligent life." ? What? I'm sorry Dissident Egghead; living in California I have to say there is very little intelligent life here.

These people run red lights when they want (which may be because red = republicanism...) but they also drive on the shoulders where there is no lane, turn whenever they feel like it, treat lanes on the road like the US Gov't used to treat donkeys, and generally display a complete lack of affection for the general rules of the road. As a former midwesterner, I shudder whenever a Californian wants to add to the federal laws - cause I know the typical Californian won't follow the law they wanted anyways. {Rule of Thumb - A Californian asking for more laws of any type is like a pedophile asking for more laws against adult-child sex. They're asking for the law because they already know how they're going to break it.}

We could halt "climate change" in its tracks if we Californians would just get rid of the traffic lights we don't follow. [Red light, red arrow --> meaningless...] Of course its much better for us if we foist it onto others... How much can you absorb for us?

Posted by: JAFAC | October 08, 2008 at 08:56 PM

"Rifle" ... "shotgun"... whatever!!! No one should be allowed to own a gun that large. Civilians should be allowed only to own miniguns.
http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/2006/M134-Gatling-Livermore3feb06.htm

(Note: just practicing - in case I want to start my own L.A. Times blog)

Posted by: Dogmandeux | October 08, 2008 at 08:58 PM

As a student of the media, I can assure you that is not only a rifle, but a semi-automatic rifle that uses only bullets that can penetrate protective metal worn by police officers...otherwise known as "cop killer" bullets. I can also assure you, after spending the last 3 weeks in Alaska looking into who this Palin person is, she is extremely dangerous and has proposed that the government use the windfall profits from the oil companies to buy every newborn child in Alaska a semi-automatic rifle that uses cop killer bullets. Think about that people. And I see that Journalism Student paid attention in class, as it is a documented fact that the KKK started the trend of carrying semi-automatic guns in that manner to demonstrate their authority over minorities and is in fact, racist. Trust me....I know what I am talking about....I am the media.

Posted by: Columbia School of Journalism | October 08, 2008 at 09:05 PM

Tell us the truth, Elizabeth. You've never actually touched a gun, have you?

Posted by: Richard R | October 08, 2008 at 09:10 PM

Yes, you can shoot off your foot like that. Not Ms Palin, the author.

Posted by: Zoe Brain | October 08, 2008 at 09:18 PM

Poor Liz ... She is just too busy trying to be smarter than everybody.

Posted by: HadaAbeche | October 08, 2008 at 09:25 PM

That's not a rifle, it's a light saber. And yes she can cut her foot off and still limp to the dark side.

Posted by: Jason X | October 08, 2008 at 09:26 PM

I hope you know more about journalism than you know about firearms.

If you don't, then perhaps you should look for employment in another industry.

By the way, it's a laser powered grenade launcher that shoots anti-tank rockets, not a rifle.

Posted by: Boy on a bike | October 08, 2008 at 09:28 PM

“Hey, is that even the right way to hold a rifle? Can't you shoot your foot off like that?”

No, but reporting while ignorant can cause one to shoot their mouth off.
While less physically painful then losing a foot it can prove to be far more embarrassing for someone from the Sundance and Cannes crowd.
You may want to stay away from grown-up news and stick to the “sizzling international style scene” in the future.

Posted by: savoy61 | October 08, 2008 at 09:33 PM

Wow. Some idiot above wrote:

"Obviously you don't know anything about guns....your finger has to be on the trigger for it to discharge"

Um...no, there are cases where guns can discharge without the trigger being pressed. Not in that picture, but if you want to argue that your finger has to be on the trigger for a gun to discharge you are out of your element there- that's plain wrong.

Joker conservatives think because you vote for Bush and subscribe to a gun magazine you are tough as nails and know everything about guns. Try owning a few before running off at the mouth. I'll bet 90% of the posers on here don't own a single gun.

Posted by: WildBill | October 08, 2008 at 09:38 PM

More to the point, it's exactly the same sort of firearm that Kerry went out of his way to pose with in 2004, but Time didn't see fit to put that picture on his....er.....their cover.

Posted by: Roscoe | October 08, 2008 at 09:43 PM

Elizabeth, I'm not going to make of fun of you. It's ok to not know anything about guns if they aren't your thing (a little bit of homework though and you would have avoided a silly question). Instead, if you happen to be in the NY/NJ area I'd like to invite you to come out and do a little shooting. I bet you'll like it. Most everybody who tries it does. Afterwards you can seriously talk fashion with my wife (not really my thing) and I'll chime in if the conversation turns to art or movies or politics. My daughters might have some things they want to talk about too (they also might want to come shooting). No joking around. This is a friendly open invitation - weather permitting. You have my email address.

Posted by: Bert | October 08, 2008 at 09:43 PM

Elizabeth, you're automatically seen as a represenatative of female journalists. A post like this one contributes to prejudice against all women.

Posted by: David | October 08, 2008 at 09:50 PM

This is why LA media should not set gun control policy.

First off, that is not a rifle. That is a shotgun. To be technical, it is an over/under. If you go to a sporting clays range, you will find one there. That is not an appropiate way to carry a rifle, but it is appropiate way to carry an over/under with an open breech.

Secondly, the breach is open. That means the firing pin will not make contact with the shells, causing the shotgun to fire.

Third, her finger is not on the trigger.

I shouldn't be surprised that the facts get in the way of another anti-gun hitpiece from the coastal media.

Posted by: Educated | October 08, 2008 at 10:16 PM

Ya can't expect some LA journo yahoos to know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. Maybe they can differentiate a blow dryer from a curling iron 3 out of 4 times.

Posted by: Texas Pete | October 08, 2008 at 10:20 PM

There is a factory in China called the idiot factory. They make career politicians and reporters. Have you checked the bottom of your foot for a sticker yet?

Posted by: Riley Housley III | October 08, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Yo Lizzie, your ignorance is hilarious. I was overjoyed to see that the LA Slimes is letting go of another 50 to 75 newsliars. Great to see your Commie rag going down the tubes. Perhaps you will be among them?

Posted by: John Cunningham | October 08, 2008 at 10:24 PM

Awesome photo! A real American type on the cover for a change. Thanks LATIMES for helping her that much more to election victory. (Like she needs YOUR help).

BTW, when will we get a cover shot of Barry H. Obama with his wife helping him get into his skirt?

Posted by: Roberto | October 08, 2008 at 10:26 PM

Hey, wasn't it an LA Times editor who waxed rhapsodic about newspapers' vaunted "layers of fact-checkers?"

Jus' sayin'!

P.S. Ms. Snead: My first rule of journalism is don't try to be snarky on topics you know next to nothing about.

Posted by: Jason Van Steenwyk | October 08, 2008 at 10:27 PM

Is the picture authentic? Yes, it is. So what are you wingnut loser freaks whining about now? If John McShithead is losing, tell the senile idiot to file his complaint with the nearest mirror.

Posted by: Leaderboard | October 08, 2008 at 10:50 PM

No, but she probably could get her foot into her mouth if she is a relative of yours Elizabeth.

Posted by: Yon Toad | October 08, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Everyone is ragging on the poor reporter, ok it's a shotgun, but say someone came sneaking up, put some shells in, then took a needle nosed hammer and pounded the end of the shells unbeknownst to Palin, yes she could shoot her foot right off, if the barrels were pointed at her feet, which they are not. But if they were, and someone did hit the shells just so, it could possibly happen in some alternate universe with different physics than this one.

Good catch, reporter. Palin is reckless and crazy. Add that to your list of her many faults. Plus, she went to college in Idaho. Ugh.

Posted by: docweasel | October 08, 2008 at 11:08 PM

I've never owned a gun in my life, and I can tell that she's holding a breach-loaded shotgun, not a rifle, and that they are commonly carried that way.

I don't enjoy hunting, but she's not doing anything illegal, or even stupid, in the photo. I don't know what kind of sewage you're trying to stir up here, or who you're voting for, but this doesn't seem like a particularly offensive magazine cover to me.

Posted by: Todd | October 09, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Easy now guys... I think the original poster has been suitably chastened on his/her shotgun-related knowledge deficit.

That said, it is poor form to wax snarky on a topic where one lacks even the most basic knowledge.

Posted by: TheNewGuy | October 09, 2008 at 12:11 AM

Let me be the first to denounce the racist subtext in the aggressive manner Palin points that fully loaded machine gun at an inner city minority school child cowering at her feet (cropped just out of shot by the fascist corporate-controlled media).

For shame, what have we become? If only there was some kind of incompetent crypto-socialist, we could elect instead. Someone from the utterly corrupt Chicago political machine would be ideal, maybe on with a few convicted crooks or former terrorists as political allies and supporters.

Oh well.

Posted by: Amos | October 09, 2008 at 12:21 AM

Why has no one mentioned that she is holding a shotgun and not a rifle?

Posted by: gonk | October 09, 2008 at 12:28 AM

The only thing that exceeds your ego is your ignorance. You could blow your brains out with a peashooter!

Posted by: uramoron | October 09, 2008 at 12:42 AM

Not only is that NOT a rifle (it's a shotgun), you are actually REQUIRED as a safety measure to have the breech open at all times on a shooting range unless you are in the act of preparing to fire - and most shooters DO carry their shotguns in exactly that manner - in other words, the Governor is DOING EXACTLY WHAT SHE IS SUPPOSED TO DO IN OBSERVING PROPER GUN HANDLING SAFETY.

You are a stupid, stupid woman.

Posted by: SkeetShooter | October 09, 2008 at 01:35 AM

Sarah Palin is a joke!

She's an inexperienced, uneducated and cruel dimwit who only cares about herself, money and oil!

I can't believe that anyone with any common sense for vote for Palin and McCain!

Posted by: lucca | October 09, 2008 at 01:46 AM

I don't know the difference between a shotgun and a rifle. Is that wrong somehow? So they made a mistake. Stop being so rude about it.

Posted by: Wow | October 09, 2008 at 01:47 AM

"It is better to keep your mouth shut and be assumed a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain

Posted by: Mark Twain | October 09, 2008 at 02:48 AM

No response from Elizabeth yet? Guess everyone at the times is busy on Monster.com today.

Posted by: Lockestep | October 09, 2008 at 03:02 AM

LMFAO at these comments. She's just a stupid gossip columnist, but it's still hilarious.

Posted by: The One | October 09, 2008 at 03:10 AM

"Yes, it is a shotgun, not a rifle. Good for "y'all"."

Nice comment Joe.

Not-so-subtle racism noted.

I don't say "y'all", and I STILL know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun.

Posted by: TomB | October 09, 2008 at 03:34 AM

Sarah Palin took gun safety classes so she wouldn't shoot herself in the foot.

Elizabeth Snead needs to take word safety classes so she doesn't shoot herself in the foot.

Posted by: Scaldis Noel | October 09, 2008 at 03:36 AM

So where's The Dissident Frogman when Elizabeth needs him?

http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/blog/link/like-a-suppository-only-stronger/

Posted by: nilk | October 09, 2008 at 03:49 AM

You're not very bright, are you?

Posted by: Scott | October 09, 2008 at 03:58 AM

My only comment is a question. Why is this even in print??

Posted by: yolo | October 09, 2008 at 04:12 AM

"penned the scathing E! Fashion Police for five years, calling some stars to task for unspeakable crimes of fashion"
So I guess Palin did the unspeakable crime of actually knowing how to safely handle a shotgun?

Posted by: southernidigt | October 09, 2008 at 04:13 AM

Step up Elizabeth...admit your an elitest who despises people who own or use guns. Forget the 2nd amendment. It's a shame that someone as ignorant as you has a pulpit to spout off such views.

I am sure you know now, but it's a shotgun which is being carried safely breach open.

I hope that Matt Damon knows the difference between the two. I'm serious. I really need to know that.

Posted by: bpowell | October 09, 2008 at 04:32 AM

Come on folks.... Everone knows that the Sarahcudda is shown shouldering her Illudium Pu-36 Explosive Space Modulator, and she's not smiling -- she been made very, very angry.

Posted by: FlyingTigress | October 09, 2008 at 04:37 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You're attempt to make Sarah Palin look foolish and back fired. Keep it up, less than a month to election day and we need more idiotic commentary from Obama-Lovers like you to get McCain over the goal line.

Posted by: Skip | October 09, 2008 at 04:44 AM

dear ms snead,

the old saying, its better to be thought of as a fool and say nothing than to speak and prove it to all. ms snead you indeed are a fool. to everybody else, if you like a socialist muslim, vote obama. for me I am voting for Sarah Palin.

Posted by: Socal Sammy | October 09, 2008 at 04:45 AM

Oh, look! The "writer" has a pretty face and an empty head!

How often does that happen in Los Angeles, anyway?

Posted by: Harry Bergeron | October 09, 2008 at 04:57 AM

What a great photo. She looks like she's in charge yet can maintain a certain femininity. By the way, that is the proper way to handle a shotgun. Just goes to show that this lib writer 's attempts to be smug are grounded in ignorance of the topic, a very common problem in the lib MSM!

Posted by: countrycuz | October 09, 2008 at 05:07 AM

In the future you might ask someone who knows more than you about the subject before you open your mouth and make a fool out of yourself.

The only person that shot her foot off was you.

Posted by: Bitter & Clinging | October 09, 2008 at 05:38 AM

I love it. Freedom is one of her values. I hate all the anti-gun pukes!

Posted by: Red Rider | October 09, 2008 at 05:39 AM

the question really is "WHY is she holding a 'rifle'?"

the answer is: She's fixin' to plug some COMMIES!

Go, Sarah, GO!

Miss Snead,

I see that your entire blog is filled with links to comments on fashion at Hollywood shindigs. Please stick to commenting on those; it will protect you from displaying your grotesque ignorance of other matters in public

Posted by: Grognerd | October 09, 2008 at 05:52 AM

Wow. Others have already covered it in detail, so I won't bother pointing out the specific errors of this post. Suffice to say it may possibly be the most ignorant blog post I have ever read.

Posted by: John | October 09, 2008 at 05:56 AM

This staggering ignorance is exactly why rural and gun owning people have little trust in City and anti-gun people making their gun ownership laws for them.

Then again, anyone who couldn't survive if there wasn't a grocery store around has no business telling rural folks how to live and should be more humble about life and more accepting of peoples differing opinions.

Posted by: SGT Ted | October 09, 2008 at 06:13 AM

its really kind of sad, and more than a little discouraging, to think that "real american" means "someone must owns guns" and that "unpatriotic" means "someone that doesn't, which must mean they are a liberal which must mean they hate this country like barack obama hates this country because i don't like him". what has happened to simple manners? why is okay to wrap yourself in the american flag (you know, the flag of free speech and personal choice) and at the same time be plain old mean-spirited and nasty to people that hold different views from you? what would be the cost of saying, "excuse me ma'am, that's a shotgun not a rifle" and letting it go at that?

btw, i grew up hunting and fishing. i come from coal miner stock and i still have my grandfathers 12g.

and yes, i know how to use it and no, i don't think that makes me much smarter than someone who doesn't.

Posted by: tiredofinvective | October 09, 2008 at 06:19 AM

The really ASTONISHING thing here is that none of you realizes that Ms Snead is not, in reality, suggesting Palin is REALLY going to harm herself.

She is making a joke about Palin's propensity to shoot herself in the foot. Something Caribou Barbie certainly knows something about.

Posted by: Greg | October 09, 2008 at 06:21 AM

Elizabeth, I think it's time you post a correction to this story, You've only succeeded in showing the world that you can not be trusted with firearms or anything else that might involve gunpowder. I'm not so sure if you can be trusted with any sharp or pointy objects. Sometimes its best to keep your opinons to yourself instead of showing the world how much of a biased dingbat you really are. Stick to gossiping about celebrities, it doesn't require a lot of brain cells to do that.

Posted by: mizflame98 | October 09, 2008 at 06:21 AM

ps - ...and i am one of those conservatives that, tired of watching our country's civil and economic liberty being destroyed by debt, war and the destruction of the middle class, will be voting for Barack Obama.

Posted by: tiredofinvective | October 09, 2008 at 06:22 AM

Hahaha...oh, dear. Did you really think you knew more about firearm safety than someone famous for hunting?

Uh huh. And you would have gotten away with it if it weren't for us kids!

Posted by: S. Weasel | October 09, 2008 at 06:25 AM

Elizabeth, Stick to writing about people with whom you have something in common: self-absorbed and ditzy.

Posted by: Bryan | October 09, 2008 at 06:29 AM

I just wanted to say that I agree with Cindy, and I hope that she's single.

As far as the photo goes, that is the proper way to hold a crack barrel shotgun. But, I'm sure you're now aware how ignorant, myopic, and downright retarded you are- so there's no point in saying it again.

If you liberal dingbats freakshow hippies keep posting crap about Sarah, I sh|t you not, I'll vote for her and convince everyone around me to do the same. You are really starting to tick off independent voters.

Posted by: JustAnotherGuy | October 09, 2008 at 06:42 AM

Given the flood of responses here about how to properly hold a gun, not to mention the snarky and cheap shot at Sarah Palin that the reporter tried to work in...

...It seems pretty obvious who REALLY shot themselves in the foot. But hey, it's the LA TIMES, so what did you expect?

Posted by: Big Dumb Ape | October 09, 2008 at 06:44 AM

Rifle? That' a a shot gun. Boy you liberals are just stupid in your quest to destroy a conservative woman. Sarah is more like me than any other politician. If I have to vote for McCain to get her in office, so be it. Sen Obama and Mrs. Obama need to go back to Chicago to hang out with their left wing loony friends.

Posted by: Virginia Womyn | October 09, 2008 at 06:55 AM

Can I get a copy of that matted and framed?

Posted by: ConservativeOne | October 09, 2008 at 07:23 AM

What a lot of commenters fail to understand is that a passing falcon could release a stone that could make contact with the shotgun shell and could cause that to discharge, thus shooting her in the foot.

Things like that happen. Lawn Darts?

Posted by: EB | October 09, 2008 at 07:25 AM

FYI......You can't shoot the gun with the breach open.

Posted by: PurdueMatt | October 09, 2008 at 07:27 AM

Hey Liz, honey! Is that the right way to hold a keyboard? Can't you shoot off your mouth like that?

Posted by: Mad Dawg | October 09, 2008 at 07:30 AM

Hey Liz - Boy don't you feel stupid...

Posted by: Crowbar | October 09, 2008 at 07:35 AM

Y'all need to calm down just a bit.

You are right that the weapon in question is a shotgun and not a rifle.

At least some of you experts can't tell whether it's an over/under or a side-by-side.

More than a few of you experts can't spell "breech" correctly.

The writer's reference to "shooting yourself" was phrased as a question, and she clearly indicated she was not certain about the issue. That's hardly worthy of such nasty abuse. You could have just answered the question, as she asked. (After all, there are all kinds of ignorance - as many of you have proven here today.)

The writer said absolutely nothing critical of Palin or guns (other than her question about safe handling). The blog post was actually about the use of archive photos. The extreme defensiveness and hostility in the response comments would seem to reveal just a little bit of insecurity, no? Maybe your issues aren't really with the LA Times.

Posted by: Kevin T. Keith | October 09, 2008 at 07:37 AM

Yes, that's the correct way to carry an over and under shotgun; at least thats how I carry mine.

Posted by: Right Brain | October 09, 2008 at 07:40 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

"I'd like to buy a clue, Alex!"

Posted by: Wil Golden | October 09, 2008 at 07:43 AM

I'm still confused - is it a rifle or a shotgun? Also, can't the machine guy thingy fire at her foot? Does anyone really smart with guns know?

All ya' all NRA types should really read the blog comments before posting about your deep gun knowledge over, and over and over....did McCain teach you about the internet?

Posted by: hank | October 09, 2008 at 07:53 AM

At least your columns are appropriately categorized, "The Dish RAG" ...

Posted by: D.J. | October 09, 2008 at 07:55 AM

PALIN IS PERFECTLY QUALIFIED TO USE A GUN. SHE A GRADUATE OF THE "CHENEY SCHOOL OF GUN SAFETY"

Posted by: hank - again | October 09, 2008 at 07:58 AM

Hey Elizabeth, stick to fashion and other irrelevant topics. We'll call you when we need someone to show off their elitist ignorance.

Posted by: Brandon | October 09, 2008 at 08:02 AM

Know what happens if you point a shotgun at a wolf and pull the trigger? It dies.

Know what happens if you point a rifle at a wolf and pull the the trigger? It dies.

Know what happens if you point a shotgun at your foot and pull the trigger? You put a hole in it.

Know what happens if you point a rifle at your foot and pull the trigger? You put a hole in it.

Know what happens if you try to put lipstick on a wolf? It'll bite your foot off.

Dumb-ass right-wing conservative hicks.

Posted by: Grigori | October 09, 2008 at 08:05 AM

Uh, yes, that is the proper way to hold a .... SHOTGUN.

First, it's a break-action shotgun that is in it's open position. When such a shotgun is opened, it automatically ejects the shells in the breach.

Second, you could not shot the gun when the breach is open.

Stupid potshot like this only prove that you're the idiot here.

Posted by: Brian | October 09, 2008 at 08:06 AM

Brandon - pointing isn't enough, you actually have to shoot the weapon you dumb-ass urban piss ant.

Posted by: Ron | October 09, 2008 at 08:16 AM

Dear Grigori,

Here's a promise: swallow your meds like a good boy, and the nice young men in the white coats will take you out for ice cream.

Posted by: MarkJ | October 09, 2008 at 08:16 AM

It might be a break-open double rifle, but those are very rare critters, and my guess is that it's a shotgun. Even if it was a double rifle, though, that's a proper way to carry it, and she won't shoot herself in the foot. (It would be better if her hands were not on the metal of the barrels, but it doesn't have a sling on that short forearm. )

Posted by: htom | October 09, 2008 at 08:18 AM

In re: Crowbar... while the reference to "shooting yourself" was phrased as a question, and she clearly indicated she was not certain about the issue, your trying to parse ignorance is perhaps more ludicrous than the writer's statement.

When I studied journalism there was such a thing known as "research" that one did before writing a story. That keeps the writer from appearing ignorant, uninformed and like pretty much a complete tool. Such an appearance is something any reporter wants to avoid at almost any cost.

The dish was about the use of a stock photo, however the writer injected ignorance into the article, perhaps innocently as you assert, and made it about something else all by herself.

Posted by: The Big Dog | October 09, 2008 at 08:19 AM

For us people in fly-over country, that is one sexy hot photo.

Here's hoping it will backfire on the liberal media, and by comparison, down-home Democrats will see Obama/Biden as the effete snobs they are.

Posted by: Frank | October 09, 2008 at 08:21 AM

I think the point has been made.

Rifle, Shotgun, a Million or a Billion, Iran or Iraq, they're just details. The important thing in journalism is not minor things like facts, it's the lede, the story that's important.

That's the perception. And there's just enough truth in it for "journalism" to be considered something of a joke, even though such arrogant ignorance as this article exemplifies is the exception rather than the rule.

Posted by: Zoe Brain | October 09, 2008 at 08:23 AM

That's no rifle! It's a nuclear-powered flamethrower. She's not smiling, either. Well, actually she is, but that particular grin is known as the "Chuck Norris Fang Display". You only get to display it after you've been killing puppies, kittens, and baby seals, or after yet another ritual evisceration of The One.

The photog died immediately after snapping that shot, and Elizabeth Snead believes everything I just said.

Posted by: Q_Mech | October 09, 2008 at 08:27 AM

It's funny how you (Snead) set out to embarrass Palin, when in turn you only embarrassed yourself.

Posted by: Dave | October 09, 2008 at 08:30 AM

Did it ever cross your mind that Sarah Palin, an avid hunter, might possibly know more about gun safety than you do?

Apparrently not. Your bias and ignorance are showing - and telling.

Posted by: DamnCat | October 09, 2008 at 08:31 AM

Lots of female libs like Snead feel a deep inferiority to super woman Palin and lash out at her with ignorant hostility.

Posted by: Koo Stark | October 09, 2008 at 08:31 AM

Typical clueless liberals (author and posters.)
Elizabeth was obvious taking a shot (pardon the pun) at Sarah, but it backfired (sorry again) big time. That's what happens when you don't have a grasp of facts, which the left and the media seem to be guilty of time after time. The reason is, if they try to debate the facts, they lose.

Posted by: Johnny | October 09, 2008 at 08:32 AM

To use an Ann Coulter line, why don't you stick to things you know about like abortion clinics and gay bathhouses.

Posted by: Bill | October 09, 2008 at 08:38 AM

"Hey, is that even the right way to hold a rifle? Can't you shoot your foot off like that?"

That's not a rifle, and no-

but it seems it's a great way for you to shoot your mouth off... on a subject you obviously lack even the most basic knowledge.

Posted by: gbnyc | October 09, 2008 at 08:43 AM

Sarah is obviously as experienced with handling a shotgun, as she is at politics.

She is using the preferred method for holding an over and under shotgun when not in use.

Posted by: SportingClays | October 09, 2008 at 08:44 AM

The fact is the mass murdering weapon Ms Palin holds is a greenhouse gas emitting, subtly racist automatic pistol thingy capable of the wholesale slaughter advocated by Senator Robert "Sheets" Byrd (back when he was just a simple Democrat ward person, not the vaunted leader of the Party he is now). It is also the same weapon Senator Robert "Chappaquiddick" Kennedy uses when he chases women with Senator Chris Dodd (the old "Get the waitress in a sandwich" game). The only difference with this killer gun thingy and the kind of bombs Bill Ayers used is that Bill and Obama have the best interest at heart, and only want to gain power so they can lead the uninformed away from this kind of deadly radioactive global warming shooter-like sniper-mabob that WILL TAKE A FOOT CLEAN OFF!
Do not EVER mess with a reporter-like word spiller like we have here again, lest you risk the wrath of those who ignore reality and gloss over the lies that lead them into ignorance.
Or sumthin'

Posted by: wellarmedliberalwoman | October 09, 2008 at 08:51 AM

What a bobblehead this author is!

Posted by: LOAL | October 09, 2008 at 08:55 AM

Dumb-ass right-wing conservative hicks?

Ouch. Sick burn. I think I'll just go back to clinging to my guns and religion.

You go back to your coffee shops and cry about racial and social discrimination, hypocrit.

Posted by: FO13F | October 09, 2008 at 09:00 AM

I'm a liberal, a gun-lover, a veteran and, now, a reporter. First, not a rifle. That is a shotgun. Second, no you can't shoot your foot off like that. Third, don't ask questions, answer them.

Posted by: LibVetJorno | October 09, 2008 at 09:19 AM

Wonderful way for a columnist to shoot herself in the foot. Really, reading you becomes a spectator sport!

Posted by: shezan | October 09, 2008 at 09:25 AM

She looks hot, I'm blowing this up and making it a poster, will go right next to Lynda Carter and Farrah Fawcett.

Thanks, Newsweek!

Posted by: Coffee | October 09, 2008 at 09:31 AM

Someone in the Alaskan Independence Party stating Sarah Palin was labeled a Republican to get her elected.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eniG9l_7its

Posted by: DR | October 09, 2008 at 09:33 AM

Brandon -

Do you have any idea why people hunt wolves? It's because the wolf population, if not kept in check, will explode. Which means fuzzy bunnies and pretty caribou get eaten. Wolves will come to town and kill your cat, dog, or child, if they think they can get away with it. But if you're a liberal, I'm going to assume you don't have children.

Being shot is a much nicer way to die than going to a slaughterhouse. I recommend that you become a vegan, right down the the canvas shoes and belt (no wool either) if you are going to make any anti-hunting comments.

People like Sarah do the dirty work liberals don't want to do. They keep wildlife populations in check. And they keep America's enemies at bay.

Posted by: The other coyote | October 09, 2008 at 09:40 AM

The sad thing is, useful idiots like this and most of the media maggots vote. If this is representative of their intelligence, then I can understand why the socialists go on murdering rampages after they subjugate a country, as we saw in Vietnam, Cambodia, Darfur, etc.

Posted by: PhilMB | October 09, 2008 at 09:43 AM

Whoopie. Caribou Barbie can shoot a gun. So can a lot of drug dealers and muggers. I don't what them a heartbeat away from the presidency either.

As for shotgun/rifle, what's the difference? It can still kill a person. Ask Dick Cheney's friends (before he offs the rest of them)

Posted by: DrBear | October 09, 2008 at 09:47 AM

Well I'm a proud DA-right wing conservative hick. Even worse - my husband works for the big bad oil industry as an engineer! We go to church more than once a week, send our kids to a conservative Christian private school (after homeschooling for a while! Quick liberals....stop reading now before you choke on your latte). We're married and have more than 2 kids (oh the horror!) and we live in the midwest in the country surrounded by farmland. We own a variety of guns - including a shotgun like the one Mrs. Palin is holding in this pic - and we are proud gun owners!

Liberals love to bash conservatives and push their hate on us. So much for the tolerant group!

Posted by: Jennifer | October 09, 2008 at 09:47 AM

That actually is an appropriate way to hold a break action side by side. So yes, her foot will be fine. Your foot needs to stay in your mouth where it belongs, however.

Posted by: ceemmart | October 09, 2008 at 10:04 AM

I recently took some of my liberal friends skeet shooting. We used a semi-automatic Berretta in order to dampen the kick. When they learned that they had been shooting a semi-automatic all day, my friends were just a bit confused. After all, the shotgun wasn't an automatic like you see in Al Capone movies. As I've often heard, don't let facts get in the way of a bad argument.

Posted by: David | October 09, 2008 at 10:06 AM

Actually, here's a better question - hey Elizabeth, is that the right way to use a keyboard? Can't you chew your foot off with that?

Magnificent stuff! I'd say, "keep it coming", but the media doesn't need any encouragement from me.

Posted by: Q_Mech | October 09, 2008 at 10:08 AM

Dufus......it's a shotgun, not a rifle. No wonder the media is waaaaaaaaaay behind on Palin. Can't tell a shotgun from a rifle, and THEN, to write that an empty one of those awful, people killing pipes is going to go off by itself and shoot that gorgeous woman's foot off. Right.
Go back under your woodpile Elizabeth.

Posted by: Rog | October 09, 2008 at 10:12 AM

Liz, go back to interviewing Paris Hilton or reporting about Britney not wearing panties.

So Palin holds a shotgun. OMG!

And? So what? At least in America citizens are allowed to arm and defend themselves! Unlike here in Europe where the governments disarmed the law abiding citizens so that they can push through their racist socialism.

Posted by: Takekaze | October 09, 2008 at 10:15 AM

Obviously, this is not a rifle. It is a breech-loading, double-barreled shotgun, and this is a perfectly acceptable way to carry it, loaded or unloaded. Ms. Snead, it seems that you are supportive of Palin, but really, you should fact check anything you don't know. Your statement shows your ignorance of common firearms types.

Posted by: mike in va | October 09, 2008 at 10:17 AM

I love Govenor Palin even more now for that photo.
I know the elite left may think ignorance is a virtue when it comes to firearms, but you could have done the slightest bit of research...or was the prospect of that just too distasteful? You didn't count on anyone who is savvy about guns to also read your column, huh?

Posted by: Noel | October 09, 2008 at 10:18 AM

wow; I'm a gunowner, an avid shooter, have my concealed carry, and am amazed how rabid and stupid some people are getting over a simple mistake by someone who doesn't shoot/own guns... blah blah... more mental masturbation by those who should keep their ranting to themselves...

Posted by: Matman | October 09, 2008 at 10:21 AM

Elizabeth, Sweetie,
I think you have done enough political commentary for one day - we can see you have tired yourself out. Go sit down with a nice latte and the latest copy of Vogue. Maybe tomorrow you can tackle the economic bailout plan and ask how come you've never seen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Are they related to each other? Do they like George Clooney movies?

Posted by: Jack in Virginia | October 09, 2008 at 10:22 AM

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