Movies Are Fantasy

One of the recurring problems I encounter is how many of my students insist on purchasing the same firearms they see their fictional heroes use in the movies.

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tom cruise in one of the mission impossible movies

So why is this a problem?  The guns glowing in enhanced size on the silver screen are usually reliable, well made firearms.  They are widely available, with most gunsmiths having experience in repair if so needed.  The only problem would be if my star-struck students wanted to buy a fantasy gun put together by the film studio prop department.

harrison ford in blade runner with his fictional gun

So, again, why is this a problem?

The trouble comes on two fronts.  One is that the student might want a gun that is unsuitable for their needs, and the other is that this guns featured in movies are usually more expensive than perfectly adequate alternatives.

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