Top 10 Most Iconic Guns in Cinema

I've handled a few C96s over the years, and they're honestly kind of awkward to shoot. But on screen? Pure magic. The gun's weird proportions somehow worked perfectly for a space cowboy, and you can still see its influence in sci-fi movies today. London’s Bapty & Co. firearms prop house really knew what they were doing.

2. Walther PPK - James Bond Series

Sean Connery's introduction of the Walther PPK in Dr. No established the template for the sophisticated spy's sidearm, with the gun's sleek European styling perfectly complementing Bond's refined aesthetic. The PPK has appeared in virtually every Bond film since 1962, surviving multiple actor changes and remaining the franchise's most consistent element besides Bond’s iconic Aston Martin.

Ian Fleming originally chose the gun for the novels after firearms expert Geoffrey Boothroyd suggested it, but cinema cemented its status as the ultimate secret agent weapon. The weapon's compact size and elegant lines made it the perfect choice for a character who needed to remain deadly while maintaining his cover as a gentleman.

3. Franchi SPAS-12 - Jurassic Park

Robert Muldoon's pump-action shotgun became an instant icon when he used it to hunt velociraptors in Spielberg's 1993 masterpiece, with the weapon's distinctive angular design and folding stock creating a perfect futuristic aesthetic.

4. M60 Machine Gun - Rambo Series

Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo transformed this Vietnam-era machine gun into the ultimate symbol of one-man army firepower, with the weapon appearing prominently throughout the original trilogy starting with First Blood.

The M60's distinctive profile and devastating firepower made it perfect for Rambo's transition from haunted veteran to unstoppable warrior in the sequels. Stallone hip-firing an M60 shouldn't work, but somehow it became the template for every action hero that followed. That gun weighs 23lbs empty, but Rambo made it look like a toy while mowing down half of Southeast Asia.

5. Colt Python - The Walking Dead

Rick Grimes' stainless steel revolver became the symbol of leadership and survival in the zombie apocalypse, with Andrew Lincoln's character using it to make the hardest decisions throughout the series' early seasons. The Python's distinctive barrel and elegant lines made it instantly recognizable, while its .357 Magnum power provided the stopping power necessary for both walkers and human threats.

 The weapon's prominence in the show helped revive interest in revolvers among modern audiences, with Colt even bringing the Python back into production after years of discontinuation.

6. Red Ryder BB Gun - A Christmas Story

Ralphie Parker's obsession with "an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle" turned this simple BB gun into one of cinema's most beloved weapons. The 1983 film's portrayal of childhood desire and parental concern created a perfect capsule of American youth culture, with the rifle representing every kid's first step into the world of firearms.

7. Sharps Rifle - Quigley Down Under

Tom Selleck's custom Sharps rifle wasn't just a prop in this 1990 western - it was essentially a co-star, with the weapon's incredible long-range accuracy driving the entire plot. The rifle's distinctive octagonal barrel and primitive but effective sight created a perfect visual representation of frontier marksmanship and American ingenuity.

Quigley's ability to make impossible shots with his "Sharps .45-110" became the film's central spectacle, with each demonstration of the weapon's capability building to the climactic showdown. The movie's focus on precision shooting and the rifle's historical authenticity helped educate audiences about the reality of frontier firearms and the skill required to use them effectively.

8. Winchester Model 1887 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Arnold's one-handed flip-cocking of that lever-action shotgun spawned a thousand imitators and probably broke a few thumbs. The 1887 was somewhat of a commercial failure when Winchester made it, but T2 turned it into a legend.

9. Beretta 92FS - Multiple Action Films

The Beretta 92FS dominated action cinema throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in modified form as RoboCop's Auto 9, serving as Martin Riggs' sidearm throughout the Lethal Weapon series, and arming John McClane in Die Hard.

The weapon's adoption by the U.S. military as the M9 and its subsequent use by law enforcement agencies gave it an authenticity that filmmakers couldn't ignore. Its sleek lines, large capacity, and reliable operation made it the perfect choice for heroes who needed to look professional while delivering maximum firepower. The gun's ubiquity in action films helped establish it as the definitive "good guy" pistol of its era.

10. Smith & Wesson Model 29 - Dirty Harry and Beyond

Clint Eastwood's .44 Magnum revolver became cinema's most quotable gun through the famous "Do you feel lucky?" scene, creating demand that overwhelmed Smith & Wesson's production capacity and established the template for intimidating movie handguns.

What's your favorite movie gun moment from this list? Are there any iconic weapons we missed that deserve recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!