What is the difference between a prop gun and a real gun?

A prop gun is any gun seen on stage or screen. Some prop guns are real, and some are blank or non-firing replicas. Never assume that a prop gun is "safe" to handle. Always consult the prop master or armorer before handling any theatrical firearm.

Can a prop gun hurt you?

Yes. Remember, a "prop" gun is any gun used on set or on stage. 

Some prop guns are real firearms used under the supervision of a theatrical weapons expert known as an armorer. It is the armorer's responsibility to provide the firearms, train the actors in their operation, and to ensure all safety protocols are followed.

The tragic deaths of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Alec Baldwin film Rust and of actor Brandon Lee on the set of The Crow highlight the dangers involved in using real guns as theatrical props. Both deaths were caused by real firearms improperly used on set.

Are blank guns safe?

Blank-firing replica guns are considered a much safer alternative to real firearms. These guns are designed to work with blank cartridges only. Blank cartridges (also called blank ammo) are firearms cartridges that contain explosive charge but no bullet.

However, just because there is no projectile, there are still potential safety concerns.

Discharging a blank firearm creates forces similar to those of a real firearm. Blank-firing replicas create a powerful release of hot air capable of causing burns and breaking skin and bones at close range.

While extremely rare, incidents involving blank-firing replicas can result in injury and even death.

It is more common to experience hearing or eye damage when using blank-firing replicas. The loud report of the discharged blank cartridge can cause hearing damage, and the burnt gunpowder can cause eye irritation.

Simple safety protocols can easily avoid these injuries. Never point the firearm directly at another person or animal. Maintain a safe distance from all other actors or crew members. Keep all body parts clear of the barrel, cylinder, or top of the slide. Always point the firearm in a safe direction and treat it like a real gun.

We recommend hearing and eye protection for actors and crew members when blank ammunition is being used.

Are non-firing replica guns safe?

Non-firing replica guns are designed to recreate the look and feel of real firearms without the ability to load ammunition. While they lack the realism of their blank-firing counterparts, they are by far the safest options for use in theater and film as they contain no projectile and cannot create the explosive force of a blank-firing replica.

In film and television, a muzzle flash can be added using special effects in post-production. In theater, a sound technician can add a gunshot effect to simulate live gunfire.

What type of gun should I use?

In this article, we have outlined three types of theatrical guns: 1) real guns used as props, 2) blank-firing only guns, and 3) non-firing replica guns.

Real guns should only be used under the supervision of a theatrical weapons expert or armorer. This is not an area where you should cut corners. If you cannot afford such an expert, you should not have real firearms in your theatrical production.

Blank-firing prop guns are an excellent option for many projects. They create a realistic visual flash and a loud report without the ability to fire a projectile. Although they are far safer than real guns, basic protocols must be followed to avoid unnecessary injury to the cast, crew, or, in the case of theater, the audience.

Non-firing replica guns, while the least realistic, are the safest option for use on stage and screen. They contain no projectiles and cannot produce a potentially dangerous discharge of gas.