When previously writing about science fiction movies that used futuristic firearms, I found far fewer than I originally expected. Science fiction can be subdivided into many genres. However, for purposes of looking at modern-day firearms substituting for futuristic weapons, I found two broad groups: “true” and “near future” science fiction.
“True” science fiction is set far into the future or in a completely different setting from Earth. Star Trek and Star Wars exemplify this kind of science-fiction cinema. These movies utilize few modern firearms, preferring to use prop ray guns with laser blasts added in post-production. From Star Trek’s phasers to Star Wars’ blasters and bow casters, there is little room for traditional firearms (unless heavily modified) in such media.
The other group of science fiction is near-future versions of Earth. The Hunger Games, Robocop, and countless others are among the “near” future genre of science fiction. These movies are more likely to feature modern firearms. Since these shows focus on future versions of our world, are these guns stand-ins for new futuristic guns? Or, are they just guns we have today, but older? After all, many of today’s guns are much older but still used. The 1911 remains in active use over 100 years later, while the M16 and AK-47 have been in production for over 50 years. Thus, maybe the FN P90s in Star Gate and Hunger Games are not futuristic guns, but instead older guns still in use in the future.
Those thoughts brought me to consider what “true” science fiction shows utilized the most modern firearms as stand-ins for sci-fi weapons. The clear winner of this thought exercise was the re-imagining of Battlestar Galactic, which ran four seasons from 2004-2009.
Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica has all the marks of “true” science fiction with large multi-solar system governments, truly advanced spacefaring technology, and no direct connection to Earth. The Colonial forces fighting the Cylons shouldn’t reasonably have any access to Earth weapons. Thus, any clearly modern weapons in Battlestar Galactica must be stand-ins for higher-tech sci-fi weapons. As we will see, Battlestar Galactica drew very heavily from our modern firearms to arm its science fiction forces. While the updated Battlestar Galactica was “true” science fiction, they made use of what was available when it came to firearms. This resulted in a lot of identifiable guns appearing during its run.
Season 1
Season one made a concerted effort to present non-standard weapons to further the extraterrestrial setting. The primary Colonial sidearm was a heavily modified Smith & Wesson Model 686 revolver made to look bulkier with an underslung grenade launcher. However, the 686 was the only real heavily modified prop gun. The remaining firearms depicted in season one were an indication of future season’s firearms. Battlestar Galactica used rarer guns at first. However, by the last season, Battlestar Galactica featured many easily identifiable weapons. The handgun with the second most screen time was an unmodified Vektor CP1. This South African handgun is very rare in the US, with less than 13,000 CP1s worldwide. This rarity and somewhat non-standard design made it a natural for a science fiction firearm.
The FN P90 shows up as a primary submachine gun along with the Royal Ordinance (British) L85A1 as the Colonial force’s rifle. Both weapons have a long production history and were more recognizable, but retained a futuristic appearance. The final firearm shown on screen in season one was the Mossberg 500 bullpup shotgun. This selection returned to using rarer guns with shorter and smaller production runs (in this case, the 1980s or as an aftermarket conversion). As the seasons progressed, more and more modern firearms appeared in this science fiction series.
Season 2
Season two of Battlestar Galactica saw the disappearance of the heavily modified Smith & Wesson revolvers (though they turn up on occasion). A slightly modified FN FiveseveN (with added under barrel explosive launcher attached to the rail) became the primary Colonial sidearm. From this point, Battlestar Galactica became a who’s who of modern firearms.
The COP .357 derringer made its first appearance this season and would return in season four. Another long-defunct firearm, this four-shot derringer was not overtly familiar to most viewers. The Vektor CP1 remained and was joined by many obscure (and some not so obscure) handguns in season two. Handguns seen in this season included the Heckler & Koch Mark 23, Intratec CAT 9, Makarov PM, CZ 52, Hammerli 280 target pistol, and Magnum Research Desert Eagle.
Many submachine guns were also given screen time including the Heckler & Koch UMP, Beretta M12, Sa. Vz61 Scorpion, Ruger MP9, and Cobray M11/9. Rifles included the Heckler & Koch G36K, Beretta CX4 Storm, Remington 700, and the return of the L85A1. For shotguns, the Armsel Striker from South Africa saw some screen time. While not actively carried this season, numerous weapons were displayed in Battlestar Commander Cain’s office. Her on-screen collection included flintlocks, German Luger P08, Webley-Scott Model 1906, Colt Single Action Army, Smith & Wesson Schofield, 1911A1, and M1928 Tommy gun.
Season 3
Season three had significantly less firearm variety than season two. This season mainly featured previously seen weapons, including the Vektor CP1 and FN FiveseveN. For submachineguns, the Heckler & Koch MP7A1 joined the previously seen Beretta M12 in this season. Likewise, the Norinco Type 84S-1 joined the continued use of the Beretta CX4 Storm and Armsel Striker. The Korean Daewoo K3 marked the first machine gun appearance. This overall reduction in firearm variety continued into the last season.
Season 4
Season four of Battlestar Galactica had no new handguns, shotguns, or rifles added to the mix from previous seasons. The FN FiveseveN, Vector CP1, COP 357 Derringer, Heckler & Koch MP7A1, Heckler & Koch UMP, Beretta CX4 Storm, and Heckler & Koch G36K all made reappearances in the final season. However, two new machine guns, the M60E3 and M249 Paratrooper, were added.
Final Thoughts on Guns of Battlestar Galactica
Though set in another part of the universe with a more technologically advanced culture, the firearms of Battlestar Galactica were almost exclusively born of Earth. Post-production special effects require animating every laser blast, and this is partly why science fiction programming is more expensive. The inclusion of modern firearms may have been a cost measure as much as a style choice in Battlestar Galactica.
I remember watching Battlestar Galactica when it came out and playing “Spot the New Gun”. At least for me, the modern firearms didn’t detract from the story and overall feel of being in a different part of the galaxy. However, I often wondered how all these parallel-developed guns occurred when everything else was so different. What other science fiction series comes to your mind when thinking about “true” science fiction using real-world guns?
