The following are some of the most often asked questions regarding theatrical weapons. They are treated in a general sense, although often they are more complex than may appear. If you require fuller information, or have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to call and we shall do our best to answer your query.
What is a theatrical firearm?
This is an actual firearm that has been specially modified for blank fire. Although it is real in all respects of appearance and function, it is intended only for blank fire. Many theatrical firearms have been modified to preclude disassembly.
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Can a theatrical firearm discharge a live cartridge?
While most theatrical handguns will be capable of chambering a live cartridge, a permanent restriction in the barrel will preclude discharge of a projectile. However, any attempt at firing a live round in such a modified gun would result in catastrophic failure and severe personal injury or death. NEVER have any live ammunition on a set.
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What is a “SafeShot” weapon?
This is an actual firearm that has been specially modified with our patented technology to chamber only a special SafeShot blank. It has a solid occlusion machined into the barrel which prevents any muzzle discharge whatsoever, while allowing all other elements of function as normal. It is used in close-quarters or point-blank discharge.
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Are rifles and shotguns modified?
Semiautomatic weapons are modified to permit repetitive blank-fire. Certain longarms do not require modification for function, but may have restrictors in the barrel. Shotguns generally do not have restrictors, so again, NEVER have live ammunition on set.
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Are blanks dangerous?
Blanks can be potentially as deadly as live ammunition if improperly used. They are not toys or “caps,” and generate high pressure and flame. Follow the advice in “Safety and The Use of Theatrical Firearms.”
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Are blanks of the same caliber identical and interchangeable?
No. Blanks are produced by many sources. Theatrical blanks are different from those produced commercially and differ among various sources. Never interchange blanks. Use only those recommended and supplied by the source of your firearms.
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I know that theatrical blanks come in ¼, ½, and Full-Charge. Is there a lighter load?
There are thresholds at which too light a blank will either not function a weapon, or at which level the powder charge does not ignite properly. While an ultra-light load may be satisfactory in an automatic pistol where repetitive firing is not necessary and a single shot will suffice, this becomes problematic in revolvers. In this situation if adequate back-pressure is not generated by the blank, the primer will back out when fired and prevent the cylinder from rotating to the next shot.
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What is a replica or non-gun reproduction?
This is a non-function model of a real firearm used when a blank-fire weapon is not need. It does not load or unload, or chamber dummy ammunition. While it is not regulated by a separate permit requirement, its use is subject to local regulation, since it does resemble very closely a live real weapon.
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What is dummy ammunition?
Dummy ammunition is a look-alike of the real thing, except that it contains no powder or ignition compound in the primer, and is inert. It may either be identified by the indented (fired) primer at the base, or, if for realism the primer must look unfired in a close-up shot, by the sound of steel balls within the case when it is shaken. Use dummy ammunition obtained ONLY from a reliable source and never tinker with your own. Only one responsible person should handle all dummy ammunition on a set.
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Do blank-fire guns have recoil?
What imparts most of the recoil to an actual firearm is the rapid acceleration of a bullet from a state of rest to high velocity. The heavier the bullet, the more pronounced the recoil. The other part of the equation is the muzzle blast which produces a jet-like effect rearward. Since blank-fire guns have no projectile they do not possess the recoil of a live weapon, although the muzzle blast will give some push. Semiautomatic weapons do have a larger degree of “recoil” since the internal parts or slide on a pistol move when the weapon is fired, but again, this does not duplicate actual live-fire.
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Can I “cheat” recoil for appearance?
This can certainly be done with theatrical revolvers, but it is not recommended with semiautomatic pistols. The pistols will have good apparent recoil motion by nature of their moving slide, but over-doing things can and does frequently cause operator-induced jams, since this interferes with the feeding or ejection of the blank.
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What is the most frequent cause of jams in theatrical semiautomatic pistols?
This is a good question best answered by “operator error.” The pistol is a mechanical device which, when properly modified, works repetitively and consistently. The two most common causes are simulated recoil, described above, and improper chambering of the first blank. The first blank must be chamber under the full and unimpeded force of the spring-loaded slide. Pull it back fully and release it cleanly so that it chambers a blank under its own spring force. Do not close the slide slowly or try to assist it forward. Ammunition must be chambered quickly for the mechanism to work properly.
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Are theatrical silencers real?
No. Theatrical silencers are look-alike items, since actual silencers (also called suppressors) are highly regulated devices. Theatrical silencers do not diminish the report of blank-fire, so the precautions of using hearing protection apply.
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Can theatrical silencers be used on revolvers?
While we can certainly fit one on a revolver for a particular “look,” in actuality they are not designed for and cannot work on a revolver. Since revolvers have a slight gap (about 0.004”) between the front of the cylinder and the rear of the barrel, the sound generated by discharge, whether real or blank-fire, escapes through this opening. Also, silencers must be threaded around the muzzle of the weapon so as not to interfere with the bullet’s passage through the bore. In semiautomatic pistols this is accomplished by external threads machined on a special over-length barrel, while in revolvers not such provision exists.
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Why should I load only 5 shots into a western six-shooter?
While the “six-shooter” was made with a 6-shot cylinder, in its uncocked hammer-down state the firing pin protrudes through the frame as it would when the gun is fired. If a cartridge – blank or otherwise – were in the chamber underneath it, the slightest force to the hammer would fire the revolver. This is why the 6th chamber under the hammer is always left empty. Even though some modern versions of the old revolver incorporate a safety mechanism to prevent the likeliness of such an accidental discharge, it is still prudent to leave the chamber beneath the hammer empty. This is a mindset of never relying solely on a mechanical safety device, and guarding against possible accidents.
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Where is the safety on a revolver?
There is in fact no safety device per se in a modern revolver. The revolver does, however, incorporate several internal safety mechanisms that protect against accidental discharge. A double action revolver with a cocked hammer can easily be fired accidentally by jostling, dropping, or by a very light pull of the trigger, just as can the classic western-style single action version. However, the modern double-action revolver can, short of manifest abuse or defect, only be fired from the hammer down position by a deliberate and full pulling of the trigger – one reason why it is considered the “safest” of handguns.
One further note: regardless of any safety provisions a firearm may have – internal, or mechanical and manifest – never rely on these as absolute security against accidental discharge. Never trust the safety mechanism; always rely on safe handling.
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