All firearms are tested for safety and reliability!

I train all actors and actresses for safe firearm handling, and I am always looking out for the safety of the cast and crew.

All weapons are stored in safes when not in use for safety on the set.

2. Blanks can kill! Do not point at anyone directly within 15 feet. Putting a gun with blanks to your head will blow a piece of your skull into your brain if the trigger is pulled.

3. When the Director, Stunt Coordinator, Armorer, etc. yells “cut”: (1) take your finger out of the trigger guard, and (2) point gun at the ground.

4. Do not put your hands in front of the barrel. Do not put your hand on slides, charging handles, bolts, etc. as they move with great force on some models when fired. They can break your fingers, hands, etc.

5. If you are a felon or convicted of domestic violence, you cannot use a real gun in a movie, due to federal law. Unfortunately, all felonies apply even non-violent ones like tax evasion (state felonies can be expunged, federal felonies require a presidential pardon and there is no longer a program at ATF to get your gun rights back). If you are prohibited you don’t want to be on film violating this law and face up to 10 years in jail. If notified in advance, Exotic Arms for Motion Pictures can provide realistic fake guns that fire blanks or fire small explosive charges at the tip of the barrel for actors with felonies OR the production company may be able to add digital muzzle flash and other special effects in post production. Also, you must be at least 18 years old.

6. Hot shells eject from semi-auto and full auto firearms. Be careful and mindful of who is to the right of you.

7. If an actor crosses in front of you, within 10-15 feet, stop firing!

8. Never point a gun at an actor’s face.

9. Live weapons and ammo are not permitted on the set. If you own a gun or carry a gun, GET IT OFF THE SET NOW! This includes ammo. Empty your pockets and lock ammo and guns away, preferably in your car. Our guns are REAL and will fire live ammunition, which will exit the barrel passing through the blank plug.

Rule 9 INCLUDES real police officers that are being used as actors or extras – not security. You may use your firearm as a prop IF it is EMPTIED OFF SET and inspected by the Armorer, this INCLUDES ALL magazines in pouches. You are either an actor or a police officer, pick one.

10. Anyone that smells of liquor, beer, or marijuana WILL NOT receive a firearm, PERIOD! If you are under the influence of any narcotic pain medicine, tell the Armorer now.

11. Do not try to take guns apart, fold stocks, flip switches, push buttons, etc.! If you have a fake firearm, attempting this will break off parts.

12. You must have ear protection; usually a foam earplug cut in half with a razor and placed in your ear so as not to be seen by the camera. Shooting without earplugs WILL cause hearing damage. All crew must wear eye and hearing protection.

13. DO NOT DROP GUNS! The production is liable for any damage! If you cannot hold onto the gun, it will be taken from you.

14. Do not put objects in the barrels of guns as they can kill when blanks are fired.

15. Plastic prop guns are fragile – treat them as such. Do not attempt to cock handles, push buttons etc. Light pulling of the trigger is OK. Rubber guns may be dropped if needed.

16. The Armorer is the boss when it comes to all guns on set. If you don’t follow the rules, you will leave the set. If the producers let you stay on set, then the Armorer may leave the set with all the guns (in this case the production may be lucky enough to have a Toys-R-Us close by so you can get a shiny new cap gun).

17. Do not attempt to steal guns. Stealing guns from a licensed weapons importer/exporter that works in the defense industry will bring the wrath of the U.S. State Dept., ATF, FBI, and now Homeland Security, down on you. Also, don’t leave the set with real or fake guns. You may be permitted to take a fake gun home for rehearsing, be sure it’s logged out with the Armorer, or it’s stealing.

18. Have a question? Ask it now!