Iconic Movie Guns: Handguns that Defined Legends

Guns and movies have always shared a dramatic connection, turning ordinary props into symbols of power, style, and unforgettable moments. Some movies don’t just make us remember the characters, but also the iconic weapons they wield. That’s exactly what this list is about—the most iconic movie guns that have captured the imaginations of audiences everywhere. Whether you’re a movie buff or a newcomer exploring the world of firearms, this is your perfect gateway to learning the backstories of these firearms.

Thomas Magnum holding his Colt 1911 series 70 Government — A scene from Magnum P.I. series

Magnum PI: Thomas Magnum gun – Colt 1911 Series 70 Government

When Magnum PI hit TV screens in the early 1980s, few shows could compete with its mix of action, style, and character depth. Thomas Magnum, a Vietnam veteran turned private investigator, is fun-loving and quick-witted, and its Hawaiian shirts and cheeky grin give him an air of ease, but his skill, professionalism, and trusty sidearm, the Colt 1911 Series 70 Government Model—show a deeper story.

What gun did Magnum PI use?

So, the gun Thomas Magnum (played by Tom Selleck) used in the Magnum PI was a variant of the Colt M1911. For those who don’t know, this isn’t just any gun. It’s a true icon in the world of American weaponry. We mean it!

Designed by none other than the legendary gunsmith John Browning, the Colt M1911 got its name when it was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1911. This pistol served as the standard U.S. sidearm for an incredible 74 years, only being replaced by the Beretta M9 in 1985, another iconic gun on our list, by the way.

Now, think about this for a second. The pistol was trusted by generations of military personnel. For countless service members, this pistol was a lifeline during World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. And when those veterans left the battlefield to return to civilian life, many sought out the same weapon they knew inside and out, the one they trusted during their years of service.

O1911SE colt 1911 government in 45acp — Colt 1911 Government pistol in .45 ACP

The popularity of the 1911 wasn’t just about nostalgia or familiarity, either. The Colt 1911 is a true work of art. Its design stands out for so many reasons. First, the trigger action is unbelievably smooth, which is why you’ll still find these pistols dominating shooting competitions today. Second, its ergonomics are top-notch, feeling downright perfect in your hand. It’s no wonder that when Colt’s original patent expired, countless manufacturers rushed to create their own 1911 variants. This opened up the platform to everyday civilians.

So, choosing a 1911 variant for Magnum added a layer of credibility to the character’s Vietnam veteran backstory. The weapon spoke of military practicality but also hinted at something more personal—it was a sidearm not just functional but sentimental, reflecting the character’s deeper connection to his past.

COLT 1911 70 Series Pistol

$938.99

Price accurate at time of writing

More about the Colt 1911 Series 70

The Colt 1911 Series 70 Government Model was a commercially available upgrade of the classic M1911A1, itself an evolution of the original M1911. Introduced in the 1970s, the Series 70 brought some welcome refinements to an already legendary platform. Among these was an improved barrel bushing, which significantly enhanced accuracy by reducing barrel movement during firing. It also featured a beautiful blued finish, a hallmark that made it a collector’s dream. However, the core DNA of the 1911 remained intact. The sleek, ergonomic design and its legendary chambering for the .45 ACP round made it a timeless classic.

Interestingly, the Colt 1911 used in Magnum PI didn’t follow that traditional .45 ACP chambering. Due to the limited availability of blank rounds in Hawaii during production, armorers switched to a 9mm version.

A standard mag for the Colt 1911 in .45 caliber held 7-8 rounds. Magnum’s on-screen gunfights rarely exceeded this capacity, keeping the action realistic in terms of ammo use.

Just like Magnum’s red Ferrari, the Colt Series 70 was a perfect match for his character. It became a reflection of Magnum’s identity and the duality of his life, and showed how he could be both professional and prepared, while still keeping his laid-back, Hawaiian-shirt vibe.

For those who love a good walk through history, here’s a cheat sheet of the 1911’s evolution:

1911 A1 (1924) introduced practical modifications like a shorter trigger and improved safety features.
Commander Model (1949) featured a lighter aluminum frame for easier everyday carry.
70 Series (1970) boasted accuracy-focused upgrades like a collet barrel bushing and exceptional bluing finishes.
80 Series (1983-present) incorporated a firing pin safety for enhanced durability, and later models shifted to solid barrel bushings to address concerns about wear.

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Martin Riggs holding his Beretta 92F — A scene from Lethal Weapon movie

Lethal Weapon: Martin Riggs gun – Beretta 92F

The next iconic movie gun on our list takes us to the gritty streets of Los Angeles, where a conflicted yet brilliant detective named Martin Riggs, portrayed by Mel Gibson, wielded the Beretta 92F in the 1987 blockbuster Lethal Weapon. Like Colt 1911, this pistol has quite a story to tell. However, the success of the movie series helped solidified the Beretta 92F as one of the most recognizable guns in Hollywood history.

What gun did Mel Gibson use in Lethal Weapon?

So, Beretta 92F. This sleek, Italian-made handgun was Riggs’ gun, he used to tackle the chaos of Los Angeles’ streets alongside his partner, Roger Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover).

At the time Lethal Weapon debuted in 1987, this pistol was still relatively new to the U.S. market, having emerged in 1984 as an updated version of the earlier 92SB. It gained attention not just because of its innovative design but also due to its adoption by the U.S. military as the M9 service pistol.

The adoption of the Beretta 92F/M9 the military replaced the Colt M1911 after decades of service. The decision came down to addressing a few limitations of the M1911. For starters, the M1911’s 7-round magazine capacity, while sufficient in its heyday, was becoming a drawback in an era where higher-capacity firearms were becoming the norm. Pistols like the Beretta 92F, with its 15-round magazine, nearly doubled the rounds a soldier could immediately access.

The Beretta underscores Riggs’ modernity and his connection to the fast-paced, high-stakes demand of the L.A. streets. This sharply contrasts with the gun Murtaugh relies on – the S&W Model 19 revolver. This weapon choice speaks to Murtaugh’s conservatism and his role as a family man nearing the end of his career.

Riggs’ Beretta is almost a challenge to Murtaugh’s revolver, representing the clashing cultures of new and old, chaos and order, youth and seniority.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their differences make them a stronger team. Riggs’ Beretta provides the speed and adaptability needed for high-octane confrontations, while Murtaugh’s revolver grounds their partnership with steady precision. Their firearms become representations of their evolving trust in one another.

Now, back to the story of how the 92F replaced the 1911. Another key factor was maintenance. The sophisticated M1911 required frequent upkeep to remain reliable in the field, while the Beretta’s open-slide design helped minimize jams and made it easier to clean and maintain under tough conditions. Plus, with its 9mm chambering, the Beretta had lighter recoil compared to the heavier .45 ACP round, allowing for faster follow-ups and more manageable handling.

So, the Beretta 92F not only added an air of authenticity to Riggs’ role as a sharp-shooting cop but also positioned him as a gritty yet forward-thinking character.

One of the most memorable moments involving the Beretta 92F was the intense scene where Riggs, consumed by grief, contemplates suicide. Clutching the gun, he loads a single round into the chamber. The Beretta’s cold, metallic sheen and smooth slide action emphasize the gravity of the moment.

Later in the film, Riggs systematically shows off his marksmanship with the gun, like when he draws a smiley face into a paper target, astounding Murtaugh with his skill.

BERETTA M9 9mm Pistol

$629.99

Price accurate at time of writing

More about the Beretta 92F

The Beretta 92F had a cool, modern silhouette and the beautiful black finish, referred to as Bruniton, which was both corrosion-resistant and sleekly cinematic.

Like we already mentioned, the Beretta 92F featured a 15-round magazine capacity, which at the time was impressive compared to many other handguns. This allowed Riggs to endure extended gunfights onscreen without constantly reloading.

The gun’s signature open-top slide was another notable feature. Beyond being aesthetically unique, this design significantly reduced the likelihood of stovepiping, a type of jamming caused the round’s case failing to eject properly and getting caught between the slide and the ejection port. Combined with a smooth double/single-action trigger and a safety mechanism that doubled as a decocker, the Beretta 92F was as practical as it was stylish.

If you’d like to buy this iconic pistol, you might want to consider its successor, the Beretta 92FS. The Beretta 92F and 92FS are identical in core design, except that the 92FS has a slightly redesigned slide, in particular, it has a channel milled along the slide. This channel interacts with a small metal piece on the rear of the frame, acting as a safety measure to prevent slide separation in case of a failure.

Yes, the military uncovered that some 92F slides cracked during fire, sometimes injuring shooters. However, investigations revealed these failures were exacerbated by over-pressurized ammunition outside NATO specs rather than the design flaws. Nevertheless, Beretta revised the design, adding a strengthened slide and an oversized hammer pin that engaged a groove to ensure the slide couldn’t fly backward during failure. This model, debuting as the 92FS, prioritized safety while preserving the 92F’s core performance.

After Lethal Weapon, the Beretta 92F and 92FS became so widely used in Hollywood films that it practically became synonymous with the archetypal police or military sidearm. Its influence spread far and wide, appearing in action hits like Die Hard, The Matrix, and Terminator 2.

BERETTA M9A4 9mm Pistol

$1,119.00

Price accurate at time of writing

Han Solo holding his DL-44 blaster — A scene from Star Wars series

Star Wars: Han Solo Gun – Mauser C96

When it comes to iconic movie firearms, Han Solo’s blaster, the DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol, is in a league of its own. The blaster was directly inspired by a historical firearm, the Mauser C96, which fits seamlessly with Han’s rough-and-tumble, cowboy-like personality in a futuristic setting.

What gun did Han Solo use?

The DL-44 blaster might only exist in the Star Wars galaxy, but its origins are deeply tied to Earth’s history. George Lucas and his prop team needed a pistol that felt futuristic yet practical enough to complement Han Solo’s rugged, smuggler vibe. So they turned to the Mauser C96.

The Mauser C96, designed in 1896 by the Feederle brothers for Mauser, was one of the first semi-automatic pistols in production. Its design was as unique as it was ahead of its time. With a unique silhouette featuring a long barrel, boxy receiver, and the signature rounded “broomhandle” grip that gave the pistol its nickname, the gun was unlike anything else at the time.

The Mauser C96 was available in several calibers over its lifespan, the most common being 7.63×25mm Mauser, known for its high velocity, and the 9mm Luger. It utilized an internal box magazine that could be loaded using stripper clips, with early models holding 10 rounds. A fascinating feature of the C96 was its wooden holster, which also doubled as a shoulder stock. This added versatility, allowing it to function as a compact carbine when needed.

The C96 had a long run and found itself involved in plenty of global conflicts, including the Boer War and both World Wars. The gun found its way into the hands of soldiers, adventurers, and revolutionaries across the world. Its advanced and slightly weird aesthetic undoubtedly played a part in its popularity. It had the kind of rugged appeal that catches eyes even decades later.

When Lucas’s team picked up the C96 for Han Solo’s blaster, it wasn’t just about cost (though using a real-world weapon as a base was cheaper than designing a blaster from scratch). The chunky, old-school design had that tough, frontier quality perfectly suited to Han’s gunslinger aesthetic. The Mauser looked like the kind of weapon someone like Solo would carry on the edge of space, battling stormtroopers one moment and running spice the next.

To transform the Mauser into the DL-44 blaster we know today, the team added several modifications that brought it into the sci-fi world. A conical flash suppressor gave the barrel its distinctive space-age look, while a side-mounted scope replaced iron sights, emphasizing Han’s sharpshooting prowess. A variety of knobs, dials, and vents gave the weapon a functional, industrial vibe.

Ultimately, the DL-44 became as much a part of Han Solo’s character as his roguish charm. Much like a cowboy’s Colt Peacemaker, the blaster immediately positioned Han as the outlaw of the Star Wars saga. The parallels were intentional. Lucas’s vision for Han borrowed heavily from Old West antiheroes like those in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Han Solo wasn’t your average futuristic hero. He was a smuggler, someone who relied on instinct, luck, and charm over formal training or high-tech gear. The DL-44, built upon the Mauser C96, perfectly encapsulated that old-school grit. It wasn’t just a weapon; it was a statement, a reflection of Han’s unpolished yet magnetic personality. No wonder it has become one of the most iconic weapons in sci-fi history.

CMMG DL-44 Blaster MK4 .22LR Pistol

$949.99

Price accurate at time of writing

The Real-Life DL-44 Blaster

Have you ever thought how cool it would be to own the Han Solo blaster? Well, fast forward to today, and you can own a piece of Star Wars magic thanks to CMMG.

CMMG has done a good job replicating the essence of Han Solo’s futuristic Mauser design while delivering a functional firearm you can actually shoot. The chunky “broomhandle” grip, the long barrel with a conical flash hider, and the boxy receiver (that houses a detachable mag like later Mauser models and, well, modern pistols) all echo the personality of the original Mauser while also stirring up imagery of the DL-44.

Internally, the CMMG DL-44 is built around their AR platform and uses a CMMG .22 conversion. The gun is chambered in .22 LR, the lightest-recoiling, cheapest round used in modern handguns.

The platform is designed to accommodate optics, offering a Picatinny rail on the rear end of the system. While some might consider iron sights or a red dot be a more practical fit for such a handgun, die-hard fans might want to attach a scope, which is indeed possible. In case you want to do so, pick a long eye relief LPVO or a dedicated handgun scope.

Now, the real question is, why would you want a CMMG DL-44 in the first place? For one, owning a firearm modeled after one of the most beloved pieces of movie history comes with undeniable appeal. It’s a conversation starter, a collector’s gem, and a way to bring a bit of that galactic charm into the real world. Secondly, it’s pure, unadulterated fun. So if you’re interested, go check the CMMG DL-44 at our store.

dirty harry holding his S&W Model 29 revolver — A scene from Dirty Harry movie

Dirty Harry: Harry Callahan gun – S&W Model 29

Another unforgettable pairing of an iconic character and an iconic firearm is Harry Callahan and his Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver. Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Dirty Harry didn’t just make the .44 Magnum revolver famous; it turned the Model 29 into a cultural phenomenon.

What gun did Dirty Harry use?

The S&W 29, much like the .44 Magnum cartridge it fires, was hailed as the “most powerful handgun in the world” at the time Dirty Harry hit theaters in 1971. And, of course, giving Harry Callahan this beast of a revolver wasn’t a random choice, much like it wan’t with other iconic movie guns on our list.

Smith & Wesson’s Model 29 was born out of a collaboration between the legendary Elmer Keith, Remington, and Smith & Wesson in the mid-1950s. With the goal of creating a handgun cartridge powerful enough for hunting big game and defending against large predators, Keith and his peers pushed the .44 Special to its limits. The result was the .44 Magnum and its companion, the Smith & Wesson Model 29, introduced in 1956.

S&W model 29 44 magnum revolver — Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver

The Model 29 was built on Smith & Wesson’s massive N-frame, giving it the toughness to handle the intense power of the .44 Magnum. It came in barrel lengths ranging from a compact 3 inches to an intimidating 10 5/8 inches, making it a favorite among hunters and outdoorsmen. For most people, though, its raw strength and intense recoil made it impractical for everyday use or law enforcement work.

That all changed when Harry Callahan pointed his Model 29 at a screen full of bad guys and delivered the unforgettable line, “Do you feel lucky, punk?” With that one scene, the revolver’s reputation was forever altered. Suddenly, everyone wanted the “Dirty Harry gun.” Demand exploded to the point where Smith & Wesson resumed production after it had previously been halted due to low demand.

Interestingly, gun stores reported that many Model 29 purchases soon returned with nearly full boxes of .44 Magnum ammo, with only a single chamber’s worth of rounds missing. The gun’s legendary recoil was more than many could handle.

So why the Model 29 for Harry? The choice spoke volumes about his character. At a time when most police officers carried modest, mid-caliber sidearms, Callahan’s “hand cannon” underscored his status as the ultimate anti-hero. It symbolized his tough-as-nails attitude, his penchant for bending the rules, and his ability to handle what others couldn’t. This 44 Magnum revolver became an extension of Harry’s personality, amplifying his machismo and setting him apart as a lawman who meant business.

The relationship between the Model 29 and Dirty Harry was symbiotic. Harry Callahan gave the revolver a new lease on life, transforming it from a niche hunting weapon into arguably one of the most iconic handguns of all time. Meanwhile, the Model 29 helped solidify Harry as a character for the ages, leaving a lasting impression both on audiences and the firearms community.

Over the years, the Model 29 continued to appear in subsequent films like Magnum Force, The Enforcer, and Sudden Impact, cementing its legendary status.

S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum Revolver

$1,299.00

Price accurate at time of writing

More about the S&W Model 29

Beyond its fame, this revolver represents exceptional design and engineering, standing out as one of the most iconic handguns of its time.

Built on S&W’s heavy-duty N-frame, the Model 29 is purpose-build to withstand the the power of magnum rounds. However, it can also fire .44 Special ammo, offering shooters a less punishing alternative for practice sessions. The revolver features a classic 6-shot cylinder, a wide, target-style hammer, and a smooth, responsive trigger, making it highly functional despite its formidable recoil. It also offered fully adjustable sights to enhance accuracy.

And it’s not just functional; it’s beautiful. With its deep blued steel finish and traditional wooden grips, the Model 29 is a true classic in every sense of the word.

Fast forward to the present, and while the Model 29 remains iconic for its looks, legacy, and the fact that it’s a great shooter, many modern enthusiasts gravitate toward its cousin, the stainless-steel Model 629. Designed with practicality in mind, the 629 swaps nostalgia for durability and ease of maintenance. Its corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame shrugs off wear and tear, while the rubber grip helps with recoil management and makes for a lower-maintenance alternative. For many shooters, the 629 is the more functional choice for everyday use.

Even 70 years later, the Model 29 holds its own against the competition. Compare it to the Ruger Redhawk, for example, and you’ll find the 29/629 boasts a smoother single-action trigger, making it more comfortable to shoot. Beyond performance, many still love the refinement of its fit, finish, and undeniable charm.

S&W Model 629 .44 Magnum Revolver

$1,057.99

Price accurate at time of writing

Iconic Movie Guns: Handguns that Defined Legends