Handling Guns on Set

All too often we hear of tragic accidents on set where someone is killed or injured by a gun on set. 

Mishandling a gun on set – even a prop gun – can have serious consequences so this is a short guide for actors with a few simple rules on handling guns which could literally save a life.

Here are 6 very simple rules – always follow them!

1. Assume every gun on set is loaded, live, and dangerous. This means you never play with it or point it at someone in fun.
2. Listen to the prop-master or armourer. On every decent sized set there’s someone in charge of the guns. Make sure you listen to them and follow their advice. They know much more about this than you do and what they say can save your life.
3. Always check the gun is empty when you pick it up or hand it over. This is what they teach in the army. Whenever you pick up a gun always open it and check it’s empty; if your’re handing it over to someone else, show them that it’s empty. If you don’t know how to open the gun, ask the prop-master or armourer to tell you.
4. Keep your finger off the trigger. Never touch the trigger, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until the director says, Action and you need to fire the weapon.
5. Never point or shoot the gun at anyone. If you need to shoot the gun, make sure there’s no one in the way; and if the scene requires you to actually shoot at someone then always point the gun slightly to one side of them (the camera won’t notice this).
6. Always hand the gun back. After a scene, or during a break, never leave the gun lying around or take it with you. Always hand it back to the prop-master or armourer for safe keeping.