Sure, this picture might show less smoke than the Predient’s, but given the variances in exposure settings and possible differences in loads, I can’t rule out the possibility that the level of exhaust is normal for that gun and load. Here’s a picture from the Washington Post’s olympics coverage showing a shotgunner exhibiting roughly the same level of exhaust as did the President at the top of the page. And it seems like that’s true for shotgun target loads, too.
My much-loved Eley ammunition that I chugged through, case after case, in college during rifle team practice was the smokiest stuff I’ve ever come across. I agree that the smoke seems a little heavier than normal, but competition loads tend to be on the smokey side. It appears as though the shooter was merely holding a gun with the smoke being added in later.Įh, kinda. Without a doubt, this photo has been doctored for whatever nefarious reason. One such speculator breaks it down into three main points that smokeless powder doesn’t look like that, that the ports don’t look right and that BHO’s body doesn’t appear to be absorbing any recoil.įurther evidence would suggest that the smoke in the photo is somewhat heavy and is more consistent with the kind of smoke coming from a blackpowder gun, not a modern shotgun. But inquiring minds have raised questions as to whether that smoke was added after the fact. It does make the scene look more dynamic, with the gun firing instead of just a static shot of the President holding a shotgun.
The speculation in question centers around the smoke emanating from the barrels.