The Dangers of Live Ammunition in Prop Guns

While prop guns are often used in various productions and events, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with using live ammunition in them. This article delves into the mechanics of prop guns and highlights the dangers of firing live bullets, providing valuable insights for those in the film industry and safety-conscious individuals.

Understanding Prop Guns

Prop guns, commonly referred to as “prop firearms” or “prop arms,” are often used in films, television shows, and live performances. These weapons can range from replicas made of materials such as wood, steel, plastic, or hard rubber to fully functional real firearms that can be loaded and used. The term “prop” does not necessarily mean that the weapon is fake or non-functional. In fact, many prop guns are real and capable of firing live ammunition, making them potentially dangerous if not handled with appropriate care.

Why Prop Gun Barrels Are Smaller

The barrels of most prop gun actions are specifically sized to be smaller than standard firearms. This design feature is meant to ensure that live rounds cannot be inserted, reducing the risk of accidental discharge. However, this does not mean that live ammunition cannot fit into the barrel. If the cartage is small enough to fit, it can fire, severely damaging the prop and posing a significant risk to the user. Some prop guns, especially those with plugged barrels, are even more dangerous if live ammunition is inserted due to the risk of explosive failure.

Front Firing Blank Gun Barrels

Front firing blank gun barrels, such as those used in world-famous incidents, are not plugged and are undersized. These barrels lack rifling and are inherently dangerous to fire live rounds. Despite their smaller size, live ammunition can fit and fire, potentially leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. The infamous Kentucky Ballistics incident highlights the dangers of firing live ammunition in front-firing blanks, where a large caliber round was discharged, resulting in significant harm.

Precautions and Safety Practices

Safety is a paramount concern when using prop guns. The camera and camera operators are focused on the visual outcome, but the safety of the production team, actors, and surrounding personnel is of utmost importance. It is crucial that prop arms are handled by professional arms wranglers who ensure that the guns are always unloaded or loaded with explosives, such as squib rounds, or blanks. Squib rounds, which have a bullet and primer but no powder, and blanks, which use a small amount of propellant, are commonly used to create realistic gunshots without the risk of live ammunition.

It is essential to always treat prop guns as if they are loaded with live ammunition, adhering to strict safety protocols. During pre-production, it is vital to clear the prop guns with the production’s arms department and to ensure that the firearms are properly inspected and maintained. Only professionals who are trained in handling live ammunition should manage the prop guns.

The incident involving Brandon Lee is a clear example of the dangers of using squib rounds that were not properly cleared from the barrel. The prop gun used in this case was live, containing a round with a primer and bullet only. Due to the failure to clear the barrel, a subsequent blank discharge led to the fatal injury of Brandon Lee. This underscores the critical importance of thorough safety measures and the risk associated with using live ammunition in prop guns.

Conclusion

The use of live ammunition in prop guns, while glamorous and dangerous, can have severe consequences. Understanding the risks and adhering to proper safety protocols is paramount in ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the production. Whether you are a filmmaker, a prop master, or a safety officer, it is crucial to respect the potential dangers and handle prop guns with the utmost care.