Are Prop Guns Lethal or Non-Lethal? A Step-by-Step Guide!

As one of the most popular props for movies, TV shows, and theatrical presentations, prop guns have a long history of use in show business. From tiny pistols to large hunting rifles and machine guns, these fake firearms are hugely popular in film productions. But what are prop firearms? And why are they so popular?

 

Prop weapons have been around since the early 20th century, but didn't really become a mainstay of Hollywood until the mid-1980s. During this period, filmmakers and TV producers began using props to advance a film's storyline. The primary purpose of these guns on screen is to serve as villains' weapons, or weaponry belonging to a particular character in the movie. 

These props are constructed with the intent of appearing real on camera; however, many prop firearms today look so good that they could pass for real firearms. Today, most props used in movies (guns included) still aren't built to fire real bullets or buckshot.

Non-Functional Replica of Real Gun

A metal prop is a replica of a working firearm made of metal that can be easily transported. The weapons are mostly cast out of aluminum and the handle will often be made out of another heavier and durable material like wood.

 

There are many reasons why a person would want to own one such as film making, theater productions, costume dressing or just for fun. But in all cases it is important to remember that this type of weapon is not intended for use outside the boundaries set by law.

A metal prop gun is a non-functional replica of a real gun. It does not fire or have any other function and only serves as a prop to be used in presentations or films. The guns are also unsuitable for self defense and never should be permitted at any public gathering.

Props can be Lethal or Non-Lethal!

Remember that your metal prop guns either need to be made from a non-lethal material like resin or rubber or you need to know how to remove the lethal parts. 

 

Depending on which country you live in and who makes your gun it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to remove all of the real firearm parts from your replica collectible and it is illegal to try and do so. In addition, your local laws may prohibit you from owning a replica firearm.

Whether you're writing a television series or screenwriting, prop guns will be involved. And whether they are lethal or not is important!

·        Step One: What is a Lethal Gun? 

A lethal gun's primary function is to kill. There are many different kinds of lethal guns from handguns and revolvers to shotguns and machine guns. This does not include BB or paintball guns because they are used for games and entertainment purposes only.

·        Step Two: What is a Non-Lethal Gun? 

A non-lethal weapon is also used for defensive purposes as well as shooting targets and objects. This type of gun is not intended to kill, and therefore is designed not to kill. Non-lethal blank guns are great for writing for television shows because it creates a sense of reality that not everything can end with just death.

·       Step Three: The Effects

A lethal gun will leave an entry wound or exit wound caused by the bullet. This wound has no treatment, and therefore death may occur within minutes or hours depending on the injury sustained. 

Another effect of a lethal prop is the destruction caused by the bullet's impact on its target. An example of this would be a high powered rifle which causes splatter of blood and tissue from the target's body (which are actual effects in real life).

A non-lethal prop is not as fatal, but it can still have an impact on the victim's body. This impact can include bruising, bleeding, swelling, and skin peeling. Again depending on where the injury is located may determine if it will heal or not.

·       Step Four: Safety

Lethal prop guns should always be handled with care and respect because they are used to kill people! However, with non-lethal props you can use them safely because they are designed to not cause any damage to the shooter or their surroundings.

·        Step Five: How to Use Them Effectively in Your Script!

There are plenty of ways to integrate lethal and non-lethal props into your script. The most important part is to focus on the effects so you won't be just using one kind of gun over the other. 

It's best to change it up by using both lethal and non-lethal guns at different times within the script. A common example is a lethal gun being used as a non-lethal gun, such as a bullet fired from a high powered rifle used for target practice.