Safety and the use of theatrical firearms

            Firearms employed for theatrical uses, whether non-functional replicas or blank-firing adaptations of real guns, must be treated as though there were actual live-firing weapons, and the rules for safe firearm handling, as well as plain common sense, should always be observed.  The gravest errors that can occur in the handling of stage weaponry originate from an inappropriate sense of complacency where firearms or look-alike weapons are relegated to the status of harmless hand-props in a fantasy setting, devoid of the inherent dangers that attend guns, blanks, reproduction weaponry, and any type of ammunition.

            One person – a qualified Weapons Coordinator of Armorer – should be in charge of all weapons.  It should be his or her responsibility to secure them between scenes, to maintain and control all blank and dummy ammunition, to instruct and assist the actors who will handle the weapons, to supervise loading, firing, and unloading, and, above all, to oversee the staging and choreography of the scene and the safety of all who will be involved, from the actual players to technicians, production personnel, and audience.

            Whenever filming outdoors, notify the relevant local authorities of your intentions and activities.  Consult the appropriate law enforcement or governing bodies to insure the legality of your activities and compliance with permit requirements.

            Blanks intended for theatrical use are manufactured of violently burning powders formulated and loaded to produce a loud report and brilliant muzzle flash in firearms employed for film and stage use.  Flame, hot gases, high pressure, unconsumed powder particles, and, in some types of blank, fragmented wad material accompany the muzzle blast which frequently extends as much as 3 feet from the front of the barrel (although, against a background of bright light, this flash may not appear as large as it actually is.)  The gas column that accompanies the visible flash extends beyond the range of this flame by many feet so that an appropriate open area (we recommend a minimum of 20 feet) should be maintained.  (For special cases of close-quarter discharge, see our patented “SafeShot” line of blank-fire weapons.)

            Do not be lulled into the misconception that blanks are a harmless adjunct to the make-believe world of stage weaponry, or that they are little more than “caps." While safe when intelligently used under qualified supervision and proper staging, they are potentially dangerous commodities when treated in cavalier fashion.  Always treat blanks with the same caution and respect as you would live ammunition.

            The use of firearms in theatrical settings is a complex endeavor, and no one solution can answer all staging situations.  The following guidelines represent our recommendations for the safe use of theatrical firearms.  Common sense, caution, and respect must always prevail.

1. DO NOT INTERCHANGE BLANKS.  Use only the appropriate blanks and loadings for the particular firearm you are handling.  Although many blank cartridges of similar caliber may appear identical, the powder types and loadings employed vary with individual blank manufacturers, and certain blanks or loadings may be necessitated or recommended in accordance with the nature of the modifications to the gun or with the particular use.  Use of an improper or substitute blank can be disastrous.  Always use Centre Firearms blanks in Centre Firearms guns as recommended, and check with us if you are in doubt of the particular blank you intend to fire.

2. ALWAYS MAINTAIN A MINIMUM DISTANCE OF TWENTY (20) FEET BETWEEN THE MUZZLE OF THE FIREARM AND ANY ANIMATE OBJECT OR PERSON BEING FIRED UPON.  “CHEAT’ THE ACTION BY AIMING OFF TO THE SIDE TOWARDS A SAFE POINT SO THAT NO PERSON OR ANIMAL IS IN THE DIRECT LINE OF FIRE.  An appropriate Lexan shield should be used to protect the camera and crew whenever fire is directed in that vicinity.  Remember, hearing can be damaged at close range.

3. USE EQUAL CARE IN MAINTAINING A CLEAR AREA TO THE SIDES OF THE FIREARM.  Be aware that revolvers have a slight gap between the rear of the barrel and the front of the cylinder, and that high pressure gases, powder particles, and sound escape through this area to either side of the weapon.  A minimum distance of ten (10) feet should be maintained on each side of the gun to protect against particulate matter and potentially harmful noise.

Note that semiautomatic weapons and machine guns eject hot expended blank shell casings with substantial force – generally to the right side of the weapon – as much as 5 feet or more.  Place actors, audience, and personnel clear of this area.  Consult with us to determine the ejection pattern and areas of safety for the particular weapon in use.

4. NEVER LOAD ANY FIREARM UNTIL YOU ARE ACTUALLY READY TO FIRE IT.  Once loaded, a firearm should never be cocked or readied for discharge until it is actually to be fired.  Any safety mechanism should be kept on until immediately before the weapon is to be discharged.  Actors should be thoroughly familiarized in the operation of the weapons.  After a gun has been fired it should be secured from the actor(s) and checked to ascertain that it is empty; if it is not, the safety should be engaged where applicable and the weapon unloaded in a safe area.  Only as many blanks as are actually to be fired at any one time should be loaded.  The trigger finger should always be kept outside the trigger guard of the gun until it is actually to be fired.  Given the exigencies of staging requirements and the operational differences in weapons, a qualified Weapons Coordinator or Armorer should instruct the actors in the use of the safety, as well as when and how to engage it.  Stage fighting or jostling should never be permitted with loaded firearms.

5. NEVER RELY SOLELY UPON ANY MECHANICAL SAFETY DEVICE.  The most reliable safety is always keeping the trigger finger outside the trigger guard of the gun until it is actually to be fired.

6. EXERCISE EXTRA CAUTION IN DEALING WITH AUTOMATIC OR SEMIAUTOMATIC (SELF-LOADING) FIREARMS.  Although the magazine may appear empty after firing, it is possible that an unfired blank may still be in the firing chamber of the gun with the mechanism cocked and ready for discharge.  It should always be verified that the weapon is completely unloaded.  This precaution applies especially to certain closed-bolt-design machine guns.

Remember that semiautomatic pistols have a reciprocating slide component that moves violently to the rear toward the shooter upon discharge of the weapon.  Keep the pistol away from you face or body when firing, and be sure your hands grasp the weapon properly below the level of the slide.

7. NEVER POINT A FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO SHOOT.  Furthermore, do not look down the muzzle of a firearm to determine whether or not it is loaded; check by opening the breech of the weapon while it is pointed down or in a safe direction.

8. DO NOT DRY-FIRE THE WEAPONS OR ENGAGE IN ANY PRACTICE OR REHEARSALS WITHOUT THE SUPERVISION OF A QUALIFIED WEAPONS COORDINATOR OR ARMORER.

9. EXERCISE PARTICULAR CARE WITH DUMMY AMMUNITION.  The Weapons Coordinator or Armorer should be the only individual to handle this commodity and supervise its use.  By its nature such ammunition is intended to be taken for the real thing, so absolute caution and strictest supervision must be maintained whenever this look-alike ammunition is on set or stage.

10. KEEP THE FIREARM CLEAN AND INSPECT FOR FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE BARREL.  Foreign objects, excessive oil, cleaning material, or debris lodged in the barrel, muzzle, or chamber of the gun can become hazardous projectiles or create dangerous pressures.  Be diligent when using dummy ammunition to ascertain that the bullet component has not become lodged in the barrel; this is a condition that can be disastrous.  Properly clean and inspect weapons daily and re-check immediately prior to loading and firing.

11. WAIT 15 SECONDS AFTER A MISFIRE BEFORE THE UNFIRED BLANK IS EJECTED OR CLEARED FROM THE FIREARM.  The gun should be pointed in a safe direction during this period, as well as when the unfired blank is cleared and a fresh one is loaded.  If an unusual report is heard on firing, STOP and consult the coordinator.

12. PROTECT EARS AND EYES.  Guns are noisy and hearing protection should be used whenever blanks are discharged, especially in a confined space.  When conventional hearing protection would be visible, actors can use wax or foam ear plugs cut to shape and touched up with a bit of makeup.  Use eye protection as well, particularly with weapons that eject shell casings.

13. NEVER HAVE ANY LIVE AMMUNITION ON SET.  Theatrically modified firearms can chamber live ammunition even though there are restrictions in the barrel, while other weapons may be unmodified and can chamber and discharge live rounds.

14. BE SURE THAT ALL FIREARMS, REAL, MODIFIED, AND REPLICA, ARE SECURED WHEN NOT IN USE.  Be careful about storing and transporting theatrical weaponry.  It should be under lock and key when not in use, and under the charge of one person.  Prop weapons of all types must be packaged and secured when transported.  Remember, what is to you a theatrical prop will be taken for the real thing if seen in public, and the consequences of that assumption will ensue.  Use common sense.

15. KNOW YOUR LIMITS.  We are specialists in theatrical firearms with the unique resources and expertise of over 60 years in the industry.  If you have any questions or doubts about weapons use, staging, permits, blanks, safety, or technical and historical correctness, do not hesitate to call.  We are able to answer most questions on the phone and are available for on-site weapons coordination and instruction.  We want your production to be a safe success.

Copyright © 1990, Centre Firearms Co., Inc.