Hollywood Guns | SHOT 2017

    Not everything at shot is some new sexy product (or some new variant of something common). This year Brownells hosted a very under-attended event at their booth that showcased a number of guns that were used in movies and TV shows.

    Larry Zanoff, of Independent Studio Services (the largest and most flexible prop house in the world), brought some examples of their work that has seen the “big screen”.

    Mal's Sidearm, the Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier Model B, is actually a modified Taurus 85 completely covered by brass castings.

    Mal’s Sidearm, the Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier Model B, is actually a modified Taurus 85 completely covered by brass castings.

    One of my favorite shows, Firefly (and Serenity), was well represented, showcasing the custom pistol that the main character Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) carried. I also got exclusive access to see one of Jayne’s (Adam Baldwin) pistols. I promise I didn’t creep too much, but I did get to fondle both pistols (probably longer than was appropriate).

    Jayne's Futuristic 1911 is just that at the base--a 1911 with custom grips and some modifications to the front and rear of the slide.

    Jayne’s Futuristic 1911 is just that at the base–a 1911 with custom grips and some modifications to the front and rear of the slide.

    Other guns represented included the LeMat Revolver (along with a customized replica with better ergonomics) used by the “Man in Black” (played by Ed Harris) on the recent show Westworld.

    The Man in Black's LeMat 1861 used for close ups. Next to it is a custom built "replica" that was more comfortable to shoot and operate.

    The Man in Black’s LeMat 1861 used for close ups. Next to it is a custom built “replica” that was more comfortable to shoot and operate.

    One thing I learned about these prop guns is that they are not inert. They are fully functioning firearms that have basically been retrofitted with blank firing adapters.

    Larry referred me to a resource which basically ruined several days of my life and will share with you readers, in hopes of also sucking away your time further: The Internet Movie Firearms Database.

    Tom is a former Navy Corpsman that spent some time bumbling around the deserts of Iraq with a Marine Recon unit, kicking in tent flaps and harassing sheep. Prior to that he was a paramedic somewhere in DFW, also doing some Executive Protection work between shifts. Now that those exciting days are behind him, he teaches wilderness medicine and runs an on-demand medical staffing business. He hopes that his posts will help you find solid gear that will survive whatever you can throw at it–he is known (in certain circles) for his curse…ahem, ability…to find the breaking point of anything.

    You can reach him at tom.r AT thefirearmblog.com or at https://thomasrader.com


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