We rent two general types of firearms: NON-FIRING REPLICAS and BLANK FIRING
An Important Note
There are certain situations in which only an onstage gunshot will do, not a sound effect, not an offstage shot but a live “boom” that happens right in front of the audience. If this is what you must have then we can help. However…
If there is any other option to using a “live” shot onstage… take it.
Blank guns these days are decent… not great but better than they used to be and there are more choices now than in past decades. There are theatrical blank guns made just for your performance needs that are as safe as they can be and as the training of the actors allows. But know these facts:
- The best blank guns out there will jam.
- They will misfire.
- They may work perfectly for fifteen shows in a row and then inexplicably stop firing.
- They are not made like “real” guns which can cost $500, $1,000 or more and, since they are cheaper imitations, cannot handle the stress that their projectile firing counterparts can.
- They also cannot be repaired easily, if at all (gunsmiths generally will not touch them). This means that when they are broken they often must be replaced completely.
- You will sometimes find a “dud” in your ammunition that goes “click” right at the climax of your production. You will need back-up plans for when the gun does not fire (not IF – WHEN) which can include sound cues, offstage shots or back-up shots from onstage. If using a revolver, you will also need to consider extra rounds in the firearm to anticipate finding a “dud.” For semi-automatics there is no second chance… a dud in one of these means the end of that gun’s “performance” until it can be cleared.
- There is also the fact that blanks are still explosives and produce enough force via gas expulsion and flame to seriously injure or kill and emit enough sound to potentially cause severe damage to your hearing or the hearing of your audience members. Do not make the decision to use these props lightly. Do NOT use them without a qualified Fight Director or weapons wrangler who is experienced in their use.
- If you cannot afford to hire a Fight Director who is well versed in theatrical firearms and who can train your actors in their safe use, cleaning, staging and the many situations that will need their expertise, then you cannot afford to stage a play that requires their use.
Still need to use a blank gun on stage? We can help.
Blank Firing Guns
Our BLANK FIRING GUNS are manufactured solely for theatrical use and are INCAPABLE of firing ammunition containing a projectile. Our blank firing revolvers can generally fire either full, half or quarter load ammunition (caliber referred to as .380, 9mm or .380/9mm) while the semi-automatic pistols require full load ammunition ONLY, in 9mm. Please contact us with specific questions and we will assist you in choosing the correct blanks for your needs.
*Please note that we only rent our BLANK FIRING GUNS to theatres or schools who utilize the services of a qualified fight director to train their actors in the use of these weapons. Qualified individuals include those certified by the Society of American Fight Directors or sister organizations in Canada and Great Britain. For those theatres or schools in the DC/MD/Northern VA area we offer theatrical firearm training at reasonable rates. Please contact us with inquiries.
| BLANK FIRING GUNS | DESCRIPTION | WEEKLY PRICE * | |
 | Walther P-99 9mm Blank Firing Semi-Automatic Pistol | The Walther P-99 is a German designed medium frame semi-auto with internal hammer. This blank firing replica is officially licensed by Walther. Fires only 9mm full load ammunition. Modern nylon holster available. | $12.50 |
 | Beretta Model 85 Semi-automatic Pistol | This compact pistol, nicknamed “Cheetah,” was smaller than its ubiquitous cousin the Beretta 92, and was chambered for smaller calibers (from .22 up to .380). Beretta discontinued this line in 2013 but we still have plenty of blank firing models! Fires only 9mm full load ammunition. Modern nylon holster available. | $12.50 |
 | Ekol PPK Semi-automatic Pistol, blued (black) | Designed in Germany by Walther during the 1920-30s the Polizei Pistole Kriminalmodell (Police Pistol Detective Model) was later made famous by James Bond and fits nicely into the interior breast pocket of your favorite tuxedo. Available in blued finish (black) or satin nickel (see below). Fires only 9mm full load ammunition. Modern nylon holster available. | $12.50 |
 | Ekol PPK Semi-automatic Pistol, satin nickel | Designed in Germany by Walther during the 1920-30s the Polizei Pistole Kriminalmodell (Police Pistol Detective Model) was later made famous by James Bond and fits nicely into the interior breast pocket of your favorite tuxedo. Available in satin nickel finish or blued (see above). Fires only 9mm full load ammunition. Modern nylon holster available. | $12.50 |
 | Detective Special, chrome, snub nose | Blank-firing revolver in bright chrome. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Modern nylon holster available. | $12.50 $15 with leather holster |
 | Detective Special, blued, long barrel | Blank-firing revolver in blued steel. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Modern nylon or leather holster available. | $12.50 $15 with leather holster |
 | Small “Chief’s Special” style Revolver | This is a starter’s pistol that fires a very small and relatively quiet .22 caliber (6mm) blank. Very cost effective but not the best blank gun out there. Modern nylon or leather holster available. | $7.50 $10 with leather holster |
 | Colt 1873 “Peacemaker,” black | One of the most popular and legendary handguns in US history. This single action revolver was originally produced in 1873 by the US Army. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Holster available. | $12.50 $15.00 with leather holster |
 | Colt 1873 “Peacemaker,” chrome | The Legend in chrome! Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Holster available. | $12.50 $15.00 with leather holster |
  | 1851 Model Navy Revolver | A classis design from the Civil War era. This single action revolver is one of the sturdiest blank firing guns in production with authentic weight and feel. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Holster available. | $12.50 $15.00 with leather holster |
 | Derringer | This is the classic gambler’s gun. It has two barrels and can fire two shots before needing to reload. 5. Available in black or gold finish. It takes 6mm blank ammunition (.22 crimped). These loads have the same volume as a starter’s pistol. No holster available. | $7.50 |
Front Venting Blank Guns
These blank firing handguns vent their hot gases (and flame) out of the front of the barrel just like an actual projectile firing weapon which makes them ideal for use on film where every detail is caught. This mode of operation presents unique challenges for use on the stage and should only be undertaken under the supervision of an expert firearms handler.
WE DO NOT GENERALLY RECOMMEND THESE FOR STAGE USE.
| FRONT VENTING BLANK GUNS | DESCRIPTION | WEEKLY PRICE * | |
 | Blank Firing Revolver, 4.5 inch barrel, black, front vent | Blank firing FRONT VENT revolver. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Modern nylon holster available. | $15.00 $17.50 with leather holster |
 | Blank Firing Revolver, snub-nose, chrome, front vent | Blank firing FRONT VENT revolver. Fires 9mm/.380 revolver ammunition in a variety of loads. Modern nylon holster available. | $15.00 $17.50 with leather holster |
More front vent blank firing handguns coming soon!
* 4 week minimum for all rentals. Modern nylon holsters provided for a flat fee of $5 when available. Leather holsters are $2.50 per week on indicated models when available.