Airsoft vs Blank firing replicas

Brian_Rice

Brian_Rice

Carbonite Member
Just curious what people here like to use for their action shorts/features.

The blank firing guns, IMO, are so much more awesome because they're giving you that nice authentic sound in-camera, you get the ejecting shells (and so don't have to put them in using blender/maya w/ AE in post), and typically they're full metal.

It's weird that so many people seem to use the arisoft guns instead of the replicas that fire blanks, especially considering how much additional work they have to do putting in those shell casings and sometimes even simulating blowback.

Any thoughts?
 
If I might chime in, blanks are good for the sound. But involve many more legal aspects since they are pyrotechnics. Many jurisdictions require PD and FD on set, as well as a licensed pyro tech on set. Insurance is much higher, permits are nastier to get. And the flash is wrong for the one's people get on the internet cheaply. Get caught using blank firing weapons anywhere near the public without the proper permits, and I can almost guarantee you or someone on set some jail time.

On the other hand, using Gas Blow Back airsoft pistols give you a more realistic, yet safer alternative. And yes, they also make rifles and carbines as blow backs. But you have to add flash and brass in post. Most of the time, just flash. For example, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCPCCxxcdqg at 1:23, that is a gas SCAR I have. Looks pretty realistic to me. The camera angle helped, but it also took some of the difficulty out in post.


I always suggest airsoft to productions with a low up front budget. It will be cheaper, less hassle, and less messy in the long run.

Unless you have a real budget, then I can talk to you about "converted" pistols and Class III's.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, I like the blow-back airsofts. The main issue, I think, is the shell casings. Regardless you have to add front flash in post. But those pesky shell casings can add countless hours (or $$$) in post.

I have some cop buddies where I usually shoot. I'll check with them about local (well, outside the city local) regz.

But primarily for legal reasons you prefer the airsoft.
 
Yes, and the flash issue. Blank guns, that you can readily/cheaply get, are ported on the top of the weapon near the breech (we call them block fires as opposed to restricted fires, which are SOOO much more expensive and hard to get). Not the end of the muzzle. So, you still have to go into post to correct that.
 
Here's another example: http://www.vimeo.com/13843480 That took a combo of actor's training and post effects for those pistols. They were blank firing guns, but we didn't use any blanks in them.

LOL, this is a DVX WestFest entry I worked/acted (blew my lines bad) in. But you get the point.
 
It's funny because we were talking about the legalities of blank-fire guns vs airsoft, but most filmmakers nix the orange nib on the tip of their gun, which is often illegal too. So it's kind of like a half dozen of one as it regards the legal issue.

And yeah, the flash over the barrel is there, but honestly I don't think most people even know that there isn't supposed to be a flash there on a real gun.
 
I cannot speak to any other state, but I am allowed to get rid of the orange tip, as long as I own it in CA. If I should ever sell it, I have to repaint the orange tip.
 
Whenever I went shooting with a friend, I noticed one thing. There's not much of a flash on a gun with real bullets, if at all. At least that was for the pistols we were firing.

I think it's just one of the 'Hollywood reality' expectations from audience members. Kind of how every car brake squeaks, or how every sword seems to hum.

So how do they get the flash? Do some blanks have something added to them for the flash?
 
Jon, sometimes it's done in post just like smaller budget projects do it, and sometimes, they are delving into "restricted fires". These are usually guns that have been modified to no longer be able to fire real ammo, just blanks (but it is still considered a real gun by Law Enforcement). And then there are the PFC guns.

Both of those options are pricey. The first requires an EFP (Entertainment and Film Permit) from BATF. The second is lots of money.
 
Yeah, that's one of those odd movie "shorthands" where every muzzel blazes a big orange flash, even in broad daylight. If you watch footage of real guns, most of the time it looks more like it's shooting air than fire.
 
can someone recommend the top brands of airsoft guns? who does the best work? which of these guns will stand up to a close-up?
 
Zak Forsman said:
can someone recommend the top brands of airsoft guns? who does the best work? which of these guns will stand up to a close-up?
Click to expand...

Zak, I find these names make the best "Hero shot" weapons. But you will still have some work to do on them to really put them looking authentic. I usually will spend 1-4 hours on an airsoft to get that air of authenticism. I am going to be working on a bunch of AK's today, I will post up some pics later.

Pistols: KWA, KWC, Toyko Marui
Long weapons: G&G, Tokyo Marui, Echo 1

Always go for the full metal ones (more expensive, yes). But the plastic ones cannot take that close-up attention and pull it off. Those, use them for BG work.

But hey, now, LOL, you're in LA. :crybaby: Might I suggest a call to me? I could very well assist you. (I am just east on the 60)
 
Last edited:
I think metal + blow-back is necessary for a "hero" shot, yeah?

Did the brands you list have gas powered blow-back, Doc?
 
The gbb rifles can get expensive and do break down easy, so be warned.

But yes, those are the ones I (gbb/FM) use for heros. You will have to rig them, so the bolt/slide does not lock back on the empty mag after a single firing.






<<<<<<<<<< Yeah, Post #1911 :
DesertSOG45.jpg
DesertSOG45.jpg
 
Last edited:
Since we're talking about weapons, I have been all over the net looking for sci-fi style guns. The only things I'm seeing are model kits that have no working parts or painted Nerf guns. The Nerf guns look okay, but I'm wondering if anyone has any other suggestions
 
It depends on what the time setting is. If it is "near future" then this is something I did:
5208_628918405374_6317455_35746220_546839_n.jpg

Take a close look, if you can, at the weapons. I used weapons that are considered "Modern", and added LED strips to them for a "futuristic" look. But if you are wanting ray guns, and such, well, you have no constraints, because there is nothing to compare to. If you wanted to use a cell phone and say it's a phaser, with a little work on it to make it not look exactly like a cell, who is going to argue with you and say it's not a phaser? Take Stargate SG1, for example (which they ruined my using FN P90's for a while) and the "zat" and "staff weapon". That was pure imagination. There was nothing to say it was a weapon, until you saw it held in an offensive posture and fired.
 
Last edited:
I'm thinking "foosh gun" -- which puts me in Nerf territory. The characters are going to be using modern firearms as well, but I need a couple of blaster cannon-style energy weapons.

I've seen some good stuff done with the Nerf guns. That's probably where I'll end up.

Once I decide and have the thing painted, I'll post a couple pics.

Also, I didn't understand your comment about rigging the pistols so that their blow back doesn't lock. From all the videos I've seen of the KSC and KWA metal gas blow back pistols, the slide retreats and returns without issue.

Are you talking about the hammer?

Is there a way to rig it so that it comes back each time? (Otherwise it's all about some creative camera angles, I guess. lol)
 
No, when you have an empty (of BB's) mag for a GBB, the slide will lock back, just like a real one does. You rig the mag so the follower stays down and allows the pistol to continue to fire until empty of gas. The vids you saw were of them firing with bb's in them.

LOL, I want a film credit on your next film. Armory/Weapons Advisor. I am giving you my secrets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top