Revolvers are the epitome of a cool, rugged, and reliable firearm. These six-shooters were made famous by cowboys in the old Western films, but the use of revolvers in films goes well beyond the Wild West. They were the first repeating firearm in the days of percussion cap rifles and continue to be popular. There is an old saying that “God made Man, Sam Colt made them equal” was a genius marketing ploy in the 1800s that was fundamentally true in ways that shaped the forming of the United States. 

Revolvers are still popular today, especially when firing a magnum round, as many automatics cannot handle the additional power. Many of our favorite films and actors would simply not be the same without these iconic revolvers. Join us as we take a look at some of the most iconic revolvers to hit the screen over the years.

Colt Buntline Special

Wyatt Earp was one of the most legendary lawmen of the Wild West. He was well known during the era as being a badass no-nonsense lawman. The shootout at the O.K Corral is one of the best-known shootouts of the Wild West in which Earp was the only member left unscathed. The film Tombstone gives a fantastic depiction of the leading up and following the shootout.

There are some minor historical inaccuracies in the film, (if that interests you history buffs) however, one thing they got accurate was Wyatt Earp’s classic revolver. Nevertheless, court files show the real Wyatt Earp didn’t use his go-to revolver in the shootout at the O.K. Corral for whatever reason.

Regardless, the film did portray that Earp’s Colt Buntline Special was more than just his sidearm of choice. Without that revolver, the epic scene of him removing this legendary handgun from its case and carrying it the rest of the film, signifying his return to law enforcement and his return to a life of fighting crime, wouldn’t be as special.

This single action Colt has an extra-long barrel, especially for the era. Most cowboys and lawmen want a shorter barrel to have a faster drawl, but Wyatt Earp’s larger than life persona is personified in this long-barreled version of a classic pistol. 

• Caliber: .45 Long Colt
• Action: Single-Action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 12 Inches
• Overall Length: 
• Weight: 2.7 lbs.

Smith & Wesson Model 29 Revolvers

The best-known revolver from any film in history has to be Dirty Harry’s Smith and Wesson Model 29 .44 magnum. Nowadays, Clint Eastwood probably would’ve been carrying a Smith and Wesson Model 500 but the .44 Mag Model 29 was the most domineering revolver in the world at the time.

People who have never seen any of the films from the Dirty Harry franchise probably still know that Dirty Harry carried a .44 magnum. “Do you feel lucky, punk?” was made famous by Dirty Harry not knowing if he shot 5 or six rounds out of his revolver. That scene and all of the associated props are immortalized in film and for good reason.

The power of the .44 magnum is honestly no joke. It’s not a standard-issue by police departments since not many individuals can handle the recoil from this beast, yet Clint Eastwood wields it with one hand and accurately fires off rounds at a very high rate of fire for such a large caliber. If Dirty Harry had any other firearm the film it just wouldn’t be the same. If you ask your average person to name a movie gun, they will likely spit this one at your first. 

• Caliber: 44 Magnum
• Action: Double Action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 8 ½”, 6 ½”
• Overall Length: 12″
• Weight: 47.7 oz

Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers

The Navy Colt is all over The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, not to mention countless other Western films due to its prevalence in that era. This was one of the most popular guns in the West because it was able to be converted from a cap and ball revolver to a revolver that could fire cartridges.

The iconic scene of Tuco mixing and matching different parts from a variety of Navy colts was such a memorable scene. It was an amazing way to quietly demonstrate his prowess as a gunman. Having him pick the best parts and put together his ideal Navy Colt shows the variability in the production of the revolver while simultaneously showing the superb craftsmanship in design and production. The final 3-way shoot out in at the end of the film solidifies the Navy Colt as the ultimate Western firearm and historically significant revolvers in film. 

• Caliber (Cartridge): .38 Rimfire / .38 Centerfire
• Action: Single Action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 7.5″
• Overall Length: 14″
• Weight: 2.6 lbs

Smith & Wesson Model 19

The Lethal Weapon franchise was one of the most iconic action movie series of the past century. Definitely in part to the unique dynamic of old school and new school police and firearms that are depicted in all of the movies. This dynamic is heavily dependent upon the use of a revolver by Riggs, the embodiment of the old school badass police detective played by Danny Glover. “I’m getting too old for this shit” was made famous by this iconic franchise and was helped by this iconic revolver.

When he dispatches the bad guy in the second film, at an incredibly long range, after doing his signature neck roll, is partly iconic because of his use of an arguably outdated revolver. His attachment to his revolver is made evident in the scene when he is put back as a beat cop and forced to carry a new S&W semi-auto pistol which accidentally discharges while in the locker room. The revolver was an essential part of the character of Riggs and an essential part of this iconic movie franchise. 

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Action: Double Action
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 4″
• Overall Length: 9.9″
• Weight: 37 oz

The Samaritan

One of the most memorable revolvers in film comes from Hellboy, the original film (naturally). The custom rounds that the samaritan fired were just as memorable as the revolver itself. All of the weaknesses of the underworld creatures all put into one single round filled with white oak, holy water, garlic, and silver shavings. These bullets could take out a vampire, werewolf, and everything in between.

The revolver looks so big that it seems like an impossible thing for anyone but the protagonists to shoot. He even admits that he isn’t that adept at shooting it, which I always enjoy a bit of honesty from a leading character. The revolver only chambers four rounds, but he does shoot eight in the film without reloading, but who is counting. The Samaritan does leave ammo capacity to be desired but makes up for it with the large rounds of 22mm. To put the size of the round into perspective, the M61 Vulcan cannon that is commonly mounted on jets and anti-aircraft guns uses a 20mm round. Hands down the biggest revolver on this list, possibly the biggest revolver in film history, to not have the Samaritan on this list would have been a travesty. 

• Caliber: 22mm
• Action: SA/DA
• Capacity: 4
• Barrel Length: Unknown
• Overall Length: Unknown
• Weight: 10 lbs.

We hope you enjoyed this edition of Fast Five and be sure to check out our picks for the most iconic movie shotguns & pistols and let us know your favorite revolvers from the movies.

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Star Model B

Pulp Fiction easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Part of that reason is the flawless soliloquy given by Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the opening scene and in the final scene of the film. The classic “Bible” verse Jules recites in the opening scene and closing scene wouldn’t be the same if he hadn’t pulled out that beautifully nickel plated Star Model B pistol, which you find out in the closing scene is no ordinary 1911 because he calls his sidearm ‘Mr. 9mm over here’.

There are so many classic props in Pulp Fiction, few as prominent as Jules’ gorgeous Star Model B Spanish pistol. To not have this firearm as number one on this list would be blasphemy. ‘Mr. 9mm’ takes up the majority of the screen time for the final scene of the movie while he has it shoved into Pumpkin’s face while taking his time explaining to him the intricacies of his beloved bible verse, how he found G-d earlier in the day, and why he wasn’t going to kill him. 

Beretta 92

This sidearm was carried in both classic Christmas movies Die Hard and Lethal Weapon both with equal levels of effectiveness against the bad guys. Yes, both films take place during Christmas, look it up. I have to say its connection to Die Hard has to be more intense. From the iconic movie poster of John McClane holding it and in the final standoff with Hans Gruber with it taped to his back this classic 9mm was beautifully cast. The fact that ammo conservation was even a factor in this movie set it apart from other action films of the era.

Also, the fact that the Berretta 92 was a relatively high tech new weapon of the day, makes a lot of sense why it was chosen and stays the trusted sidearm of John McClane. This classic Christmas tale would certainly not be the same without the Berretta 92. So often in sequels, they try to give the main character a new fancier sidearm that often makes no sense, *cough cough* Boondocks Saints 2. The fact that the filmmakers have consistently used it in all the sequels is a testament to its importance and validity as a sidearm in the franchise.

Walter PPK

No list about iconic movie handguns would be complete without one of the most iconic and recognized firearms from movies, James Bond’s Walter PPK. Very few firearms have survived reboots and actor changes, but 007’s favorite sidearm doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Regardless of the new gadgets and tools given to 007, he will always carry his trusted Walter PPK.

Originally, 007 was carrying a Beretta M1934 but was forced to switch to the Walter PPK because the Beretta M1934 malfunctioned on his last assignment, this occurred when Sean Connery was playing Bond in Dr. No. Tossing back martinis and utilizing that license to kill solidified the Walther PPK into movie history. Its subcompact size, smooths lines, and reliability make it an obvious pick for an assassin or secret agent. 

BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol (Broom Handle Mauser C96)

Han Solo is an iconic action hero who has been featured in six Star Wars films in addition to many other non-canon books, comics, and other media. Besides for his beloved hair sidekick Chewbacca, Han Solo is attached to his trusted sidearm, the DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol. While they may have outfitted this pistol to look futuristic, Solo’s Blaster is actually a slightly tweaked Mauser C96, commonly known as the Broom Handle Mauser first developed all the way back in 1895.

The Mauser box cannon went on to be reproduced all over the world and has been featured in well over 100 films and television programs, though none are as iconic as Han Solo’s. This is the gun that’s caused a whole lot of controversy in the famous Cantina scene in A New Hope where it’s not quite clear who shoots first, Han Solo or the green Greedo. 

Para-Ordnance Nite Tac 

Milla Jovovich has solidified herself as an action hero particularly for her role in the Resident Evil film series. The star character wields plenty of firearms throughout the films but it’s her dual-wielding of the Para-Ordnance Nite Tacs in Resident Evil: Extinction that has become so iconic. These pistols serve as her primary sidearms throughout the film and she uses them gracefully to wreak havoc on crazy survivors and battle the dead in the ruins of Las Vegas. However, her proclivity for Para-Ordnance goes back to Resident Evil: Apocalypse in which she can also be seen dual-wielding Para-Ordnance pistols, this time the .45 ACP P-14s. 

Conclusion

To be an iconic movie pistol partially means that the firearm and the film are almost inseparable. We understand that this is an incomplete list so we ask that you share with us your picks for the most iconic movie pistols. Also don’t forget to check out our picks for the most iconic movie shotguns, which may have a few surprises.       

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Guns are heavily linked to films, they are the modern-day Excalibur to our favorite heroes. That being the case, Hollywood has provided us with many timeless heroes with an equal depth of iconic firearms, especially shotguns. This is a list of our favorite iconic shotguns found in films. Tactically-speaking, shotguns are not ideal for the majority of gunfights, but they look pretty sweet in the movies and have become a go-to for filmmakers to bring some extra firepower to their characters and have their weapons stick out. Shotguns are not a standard issue weapon in the military so they help to bring some extra flair in a lot of action movies.

Please keep in mind that this is by no means a comprehensive list. If you feel like we missed a big one, please let us know in the comment section. We love to hear from our readers and discuss all things guns.

Winchester 1887

So iconic is this firearm that it is on almost every movie poster of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The Terminator franchise has had some weak films since its inception and following sequel, but the iconic scene of the T-800 pulling the Winchester 1887 out of the box of roses in the hallway of the mall will always remain one of my favorite scenes in cinema history.

Watching the T-800 blast away with one hand while driving a motorcycle with the other is one of the scenes that solidified Arnold Schwarzenegger into action movie royalty. A few other films have also used the Winchester 1887, usually modified or sawed-off, but none have used it in such as memorable or eye-catching way as Terminator 2. 

• Gauge: 12/10
• Action: Lever Action
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 20in. (508mm) (full barrel)
• Overall Length:39 ½ in. (997mm)
• Weight: 8lb (3.6 kg)

12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun

Mad Max and the sawn-off 12 gauge double-barreled shotgun are synonymous. Mad Max wielding a sawn-off 12 gauge like a pistol while driving a muscle car around a desert wasteland is an iconic image in cinematic history.

It has spawned an entire genre of post-apocalyptic desert movies taking place in similar environments with similar loner heroes who come out of the wasteland and save the day. This is typically followed by the end of the film with hero slowly fading back to their life of solitude in the desert wasteland. Rarely has a firearm followed a character so closely across four films and even an actor change (with the exception of the Walter PPK and James Bond). In the dirty, dusty future of the Mad Max apocalypse, the sawn-off double-barrel shotgun is almost an ideal weapon.

The 12 gauge platform is incredibly useful in an apocalypse because of the versatile rounds it can shoot. The 12 gauge can take down an elephant or small game depending on the type of round you load in it. The cut-down barrel and stock make it concealable and also comfortable for everyday carry. Likewise, because of its simple design, the double-barrel shotgun is very reliable and every trigger pull will give you a bang, unless you load bad ammo into it, as seen in two of the Mad Max films. Overall, the 12 Gauge Double Barreled Shotgun is a great tactical and entertaining choice for a drifter in a futuristic apocalypse. 

• Gauge: 12 gauge
• Action: Break Action Breech Loading
• Capacity: 2
• Barrel Length: Unknown
• Overall Length: Unknown
• Weight: Unknown

Spas 12

With a futuristic look and original design, it is only logical that the spas-12 comes up in some classic actions movies and iconic scenes. Visible in almost every armory in movie history and a go-to pick anytime a character needs a cool looking shotgun, the Franchi Spas-12 is as iconic as they come. Its most classic role has to be in Jurassic Park where it was wielded in a hunters duel against a velociraptor. *Spoiler alert*, it may not have been the best firearm to try and kill a velociraptor with since the hunter was eaten alive and didn’t manage to kill the dinosaurs.

The Spas-12 original design of being a semi-auto shotgun with the capability to be pump action. This function is used for low-pressure ammunition such as tear gas and less than lethal rounds such as rubber bullets and sandbags. The Spas-12 was banned under Clinton’s assault weapons ban in 1994. Purchasing one requires finding a “grandfathered” one that was imported prior to the ban.

• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Action: Pump-Action/gas-actuated
• Capacity:8+1
• Barrel Length: 18 in 
• Overall Length:41 in (stock extended)
• Weight: 9.98 lb   

Remington 11-87

This semi-automatic beauty was made iconic by its suppressed version in No Country for Old Men. The psychopathic hitman on a killing spree wields this eye-catching and memorable suppressed shotgun. Completely inaccurate for the film’s setting because the Remington 11-87 was invented in 1987 and the film takes place in 1980, I will cut the filmmaker some slack because this weapon is so iconic.

The first time I had ever seen a suppressed shotgun and was blown away by the creative use of it by the character in the film. The originality of the firearm meshed perfectly with the originality of the character, quietly unassuming while simultaneously being very intense and intimidating the character and the firearm mirror each other. The sight of this shotgun immediately brings thoughts to this movie and this film bring immediate images of this iconic suppressed shotgun. It was a tactically logical choice for the character to have this weapon in his arsenal.  

• Gauge: 12
• Action: Semi-Automatic
• Capacity:7+1
• Barrel Length: 14 in
• Overall Length: 34 in
• Weight: 8.25 lbs   

The Holy Shotgun

The Holy Shotgun (fictional) from the film Constantine starring Keanu Reeves always comes to mind when discussing movie shotguns. In my opinion, a very underrated film, John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) battles demons with a semi-automatic gold plated shotgun covered in religious relics with an under-barrel flamethrower. One of the most savage looking weapons ever used in film history, even the gold shells look intimidating.

Usually, I am not a fan of gold weapons as they are unnecessarily flashy and serve no real tactical purpose, I make a huge exception to the Holy Shotgun. This weapon could be no other color than gold, and it fits the film perfectly in functionality and tactical utility. If I were battling demons this would be my go-to firearm. Not to mention the dragon’s breath under-barrel attachment, which shoots a stream of fire. The fictional weapon seems to be based on the Armsel Striker 12/SWD Street Sweeper, this conclusion is based on the similar drum magazines and general shapes. 

• Gauge: 12  
• Action: Rotating Cylinder
• Capacity: 12
• Barrel Length:7.5 in
• Overall Length:20 in
• Weight: 4.2 kg   

Conclusion

Scatterguns have solidified their iconic role in movies due to their bad-ass look and all-around visual appeal. It is also great when they fit a realistic role in the film and also demonstrates the tactical versatility and limitations to the platform. 

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