The Weapons of District 9
[ I have done my best to ensure there are no spoilers in this blog post, but read forth at your own risk and DON’T read the comments that are below the blog post. All pictures are from the trailers and promotional material, not the movie itself. ]
Two readers emailed me saying that many of the weapons I mentioned in my 5 Weapons that should’ve been in Transformers 2 post were used in new hit sci-fi movie District 9. I was considering seeing the movie, but after hearing this I decided I had to go. It was fantastic! Despite being a low budget production, they must have hired a very competent weapons consultant. The weapons used were appropriate for the task at hand and were used correctly, something few action, or even historical, movies do right.
Where can I buy this target?
There are three main human factions in the movie. The Multi-National United is organization styled after the UN. The Mercenaries (I can’t remember what they are called in the movie) are private military contractors styled after the likes of Blackwater (Xe). The Gangsters live among the aliens and are involved in the arms trade.
The movie is set in South Africa so it is no surprise that many of the weapons used in the movie are weapons produced by the South African defense industry.
Multi-National United (MNU)
Vektor CR-21 – This is the “white” gun used by the MNU. The 5.56 mm CR-21 is a bullpup version of the Vektor R4. The R4 is the South African licensed-built version of the Israeli Galil (an AK-47 derivative).
CR-21
R1 ( FN FAL) – The R1 was the South African licensed-built FN FAL. In the movie it is used by airborne snipers.
R1 / FN FAL
Unknown Pump Action Shotgun – A pump action shotgun is used by a minor character. I could not identify it.
Mercenaries
Vektor R5 – This is the carbine version of the Vektor R4 rifle. The R5 has a 13.1″ barrel.
Vektor R5.
Colt M4 with M203 – Some troops appear to be using the M4 Carbine and M203 grenade launcher.
FN Minimi
PMP Neopup PAW – I am pretty sure this awesome semi-automatic grenade launcher was used briefly.
Denel NTW-20 – This South African made 20mm rifle was used too good effect.
Unknown Machine Pistol – A machine pistol or submachine gun was used in one scene, but I could not identify it. UPDATE: Commenters point out that it was the BXP.
Unknown Pistol – I could not identify the pistols carried by the mercs. UPDATE: IMFDB says it was a Beretta 92FS.
Gangsters
AK-47 – Not introduction needed.
RPG-7 – Again, no introduction need. Used realistically in the film.
RPG-7
Milkor MGL – I was surprised to see the gangsters packing this. I only saw it in one scene.
M1911 pistol – I am pretty sure a 1911 clone is used by one of the gangsters.
Aliens
Unknown weaponry 🙂
Alien Assault Rifle
While watching the movie I tried to keep track of what guns they were using. I probably missed many and I had trouble identifying some. Please post a comment below if noticed any mistakes or omissions I have made or identify any of the unknown weapons listed.
Thanks to Cory and Raymond for their emails regarding the movie weapons.
UPDATE: More info at IMFDB (Spoiler alert).
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
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The ailien weapon he is holding on the picture is called an ARC generator or arc gun and can also be refferd to a Mulcher. this is the most well known alien weapon in the movie. The other weapons that you see in the movie is the AMR B43 which he blast the nigerian gangmembers through walls with, the AMR B5-the gun that christopher uses in the mnu headquarters, this is also called the repeater. The Extraterrestrial Flamethrower (AMR B07). and the AMR B13, this is the gun Wikus was forced to fire at a innocent prawn with. I can also mention the exosuit that Wikus operates in in the last fighting scene in the movie with. Hope this helps :)
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