My friend and I are going to be filming a World War II movie and we need some weapons, however our budget is somewhat tight and I was wondering where I could possibly find full auto Thompson blank firing guns. The problem I am also hitting is that I need other weapons as well and I cannot find a site that is a general supplier of World War II weapons. Dummy guns would also work as I could add in sound effects and muzzle flashes in post production but I am at my wit's end looking for these supplies. Also I am looking for weapons for a western as well, preferably blank firing.
As far as I can tell blank firing guns are real guns using blanks as ammunition. For a full auto Thompson there has to be some customization done to keep the weapon from jamming (the blanks don't provide enough pop to fully cycle the weapon) but its still a real Thompson and it will cost like a real Thompson plus extra for the modification and hassles because of issues regarding full-auto weapons. You might try a gunstore, expect to pay through the nose.
Your best bet, with a tight budget, is to contact some WW2 reenactors in your area. It's unlikely they'll have Tommy guns because of the hassle with jams and blanks, but they'll have the other weapons (M-1 carbine, M-1 Garand). Nearly all of them have authentic equipment including weapons and might be willing to help out.
Either that or buy the <a href="http://www.replicaweaponry.com/airithmim1bb.html">airsoft</a> version for $130 bucks and deal with the orange tip on the weapon.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
Hey Gunslinger - how about a location? I know several places but it would help both of us if you would take a second to mention where you are, or where you'll be shooting.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
http://www.replicaweaponry.com/
Go here to get the weapons. You don't need a license for the guns and they look and sound real. Just put in the muzzel flashes during post production, and make sure you buy the correct blanks.
Matthew Sconce
Matthew Sconce
well, we are filming at a local ranch in Missouri about an hour from St. Louis and all of us live in Missouri around the St. Louis area. We are all from 17-19 in terms of age.
I just outfitted a 6 man squad for around $250-300 on ebay. This included pants, shirts, jackets, hemlets, an m16, grenades, ammo pouvhes, canteens, and boots. My time period is modern though.
But still, I would say check out ebay.
You should contact Mark Hale at H&H Outfitters in Warrinton and Tom Knox at Alamo Military Collectibles. Gun rentals are expensive and weapons that actually fire (even blanks) fall under BTAF rules. You're going to need a licensed person on set at all times.
These guys should be able to point you in the right direction.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Nah, I'm using mock-guns and I'm adding in the sound effects and muzzle flashes in post. Why spend money when you don't have to, ya know?
