Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Hollywood may know Sydney Sweeney for Euphoria and The White Lotus, but gun owners know her for something else entirely — she can run a pistol like a pro.
A 2019 video from Taran Tactical Innovations has resurfaced, showing the actress confidently sending rounds downrange in nine seconds, landing double-taps and ringing steel with ease. Taran Butler himself praised her shooting, saying she was impressive for a first-timer.
The clip’s resurgence comes as Sweeney faces controversy over a pulled American Eagle ad. The spot — playing on “jeans” and “genes” — sparked criticism from the usual online outrage brigade, but the company defended it and still saw a stock bump thanks to her star power.
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Fueling the culture-war chatter, public records show Sweeney registered as a Republican voter in Florida in mid-2024. That revelation drew cheers from many on the right — and even a nod from Donald Trump — while her critics doubled down.
( @realDonaldTrump – Truth Social Post )
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) August 4, 2025
( Donald J. Trump – Aug 4, 2025, 10:19 AM ET )
Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the “HOTTEST” ad out there. It’s for American Eagle, and the jeans are “flying of the shelves.” Go get ‘em Sydney! On th… pic.twitter.com/VKgcX5R573
But politics aside, gun owners see something worth celebrating: a Hollywood A-lister who’s not afraid to get behind a trigger and show solid fundamentals. In an industry where firearms are often portrayed inaccurately, Sweeney’s training — complete with proper grip, stance, and trigger control — is a refreshing change.
Whether she’s on the red carpet or the firing line, she’s proving she can keep her cool under pressure. And in a time when pop culture rarely gives the Second Amendment a fair shake, this viral video is a reminder — shooting isn’t just for action stars on screen. Some can actually do it for real.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
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As ‘upset’ as the left is about her genes/jeans ad, can you imagine how ballistic (pun intended) they will be over her shooting?
To Whom It May Concern:
It would be nice to view the video, however, youtube will not let you see it without logging on the their site. I do not do youtube for this reason.
Thank you anyway.
Jay
You did read the line that said she was a “first-timer”, in the video? Did you do everything perfectly your first time handling a weapon? “Just Sayin”.
It never ceases to amaze me how far the left will go to promote race-baited hatred and jealousy. Attacking this young lady just because she attractive, successful, and enjoys a fun day at the gun range is absolutely despicable. But there again, what else do you expect from the left-wing fruitcakes?🙄😏
I know I’m being picky but I thought I “heard” quite a few misses., which is fine, but what I didn’t see was her checking to make sure the weapon was clear or that she put it on safe, if there was one. Just sayin
You did read the line that said she was a “first-timer”, in the video? Did you do everything perfectly your first time handling a weapon? “Just Sayin”.
Yes I did read that which means she was under instruction. And even though it was her first day, it wasn’t her first time. Perhaps the instructor should’ve walked her through that and yes… I did do perfectly my first time out because I was under instruction.
Don’t know how, where, and when you received your instruction, but I’m assuming you received a great deal more than this young lady did before filming the short video. It’s rather easy for armchair quarterbacks like you to be hypercritical behind the safety of your keyboard. That’s your choice of course, but instead of celebrating the positive aspects of this situation, including the fact that a well-known celebrity is pro-2A, you chose to focus on the negative. You also chose to present yourself as a narcissistic know-it-all Having done my time as a Federal LEO, working with a variety of instructors and officers from all backgrounds, I doubt that you, yourself did “perfectly” the first time you handled a firearm… but if thinking that makes you feel all warm & fuzzy, proud of yourself, and helps you sleep at night, be my guest.
Actually what I’m seeing is a mental midget giving me a hard time about noticing someone didn’t clear their weapon. Are you having a bad day or do you just like to try to bully people on the Internet? Your bullying doesn’t work on me Frank so go try and find someone on your low IQ level to play with. Not really interested in your opinion or stance on anything else! OUT
I’m the bully? You’re the one who started by bullying a young woman, who is just getting started in her pursuit of all things 2A. You had to point out some issue(s) to make you feel like you ARE somebody. You’re a loser, and a self-aggrandizing jerk. You’re “OUT”, all right… out of your league. In a battle of wit, you’re unarmed, so go ahead… spend a few hours thinking up another witty reply. I suggest you consult a dictionary and thesaurus. You might even find some three syllable words to use.
if i was there i would give her a big hug…..really big hug…..oh hell they would need a crow bar to get her loose!