Even if it's just a photo OP shouldn't there be a reflex to not put fingers on the barrel?
Probably got smacked by NCO later and made to do a few more hours of extra training to straighten out the habit.Even if it's just a photo OP shouldn't there be a reflex to not put fingers on the barrel?
Not really. It is not that big of a deal. The barrel stays cool enough to hold with a naked hand until you fire 10-15 rounds (my personal experience). The problem here is, commonly discussed, inept photography. I wouldn't be surprised if the photographer told him to put his hand there.Even if it's just a photo OP shouldn't there be a reflex to not put fingers on the barrel?