Hollywood and Firearms: Separating Fact from Fiction

This month, let’s delve into how Hollywood portrays firearms and the accuracy of these depictions. Growing up in a military home as the son of a 39-year Army veteran, and as a gunsmith myself, I’ve developed a keen eye for all things gun-related. My father wasn’t a fan of TV, and our movie nights were mostly reserved for war or action films featuring guns. Even in “A Christmas Story,” a BB gun played a central role, with Ralphie’s Red Ryder battling Black Bart and his gang.

Hollywood’s Complex Relationship with Firearms

The entertainment industry exhibits a love-hate relationship with firearms. Many actors and actresses speak out against gun violence, yet firearms are ubiquitous in films across all genres, from action-packed blockbusters to animated features. This paradox is evident in how firearms are portrayed, with little regard for their actual capabilities or usage.

The Misconceptions of Gun Handling in Films

Hollywood often gets the mechanics of firearms wrong. Classic Westerns show cowboys never running out of ammo and performing miraculous shots, like disarming foes from the hip. The Rifleman’s quick-shooting lever gun, while modified for rapid firing, still stretches credibility. Modern films continue these inaccuracies, with characters maintaining their weapons through intense action sequences, such as car chases, or performing impossible feats like curving bullets.

The Unrealistic Power of Firearms in Movies

Film depictions of firearm power are frequently exaggerated. For instance, in “The Expendables,” shotguns seem to send victims flying backward with immense force, a scenario that would also injure the shooter. Additionally, the portrayal of heavy firearms, like Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s minigun, often overlooks the practical limitations of ammunition and weight. Many film firearms are props made of rubber or plastic, with real guns on set usually having their barrels plugged to prevent live fire.

Notable Accurate Depictions of Firearms

Despite the frequent inaccuracies, Hollywood has produced some films with realistic firearm portrayals. For instance, the lever-action shotgun in Terminator 2 is a real model designed by John Browning. Movies like Quigley Down Under, Saving Private Ryan, and John Wick are praised for their accurate representation of firearms. The John Wick series, in particular, stands out for its rigorous training and attention to detail in firearm use, showcasing the commitment of some filmmakers to authenticity.

Conclusion: The Role of Firearm Consultants

While Hollywood often misses the mark with firearm accuracy, there are efforts to improve realism. The industry increasingly relies on firearm consultants and experts to enhance the authenticity of their films. Next time you watch a movie, you might notice fewer inaccuracies, thanks to the ongoing collaboration between filmmakers and firearms professionals.

Written by: David Johnson, Leatherneck Gunsmithing