Commando is a 1985 action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix, a former Special Forces commander who is forced to work for a deposed South American dictator or his daughter (Alyssa Milano) will be killed. The film was directed by Mark L. Lester and the cast includes Rae Dawn Chong, Alyssa Milano, David Patrick Kelly, Bill Duke, and Vernon Wells.
The following weapons were used in the film Commando:
Pistols
Beretta 92SB
John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) takes a Beretta 92SB from the arsenal hidden in his tool shed and tucks it in his belt. He never gets to use it though and it disappears from his belt when he crashes his truck.
Matrix tucks his Beretta 92SB into his belt. Note the US Special Forces logo on his belt buckle and also that the Beretta logo is missing from the pistol grip.
"Wrong!" As Matrix holds the HK91, the Beretta 92SB is seen in Matrix's belt. Note that the pistol is now tucked outside his pants.
Desert Eagle Mark I
A matte stainless Desert Eagle Mark I is the sidearm carried by Matrix during the final assault on Arius' mansion.
Matte stainless Desert Eagle MK I - .357 Magnum
Matrix grabs the Desert Eagle while in the armory.
Matrix loads a magazine into his Desert Eagle. Note how the magazine floor plate is falling off.
Matrix chambers his Desert Eagle.
Matrix fires his Desert Eagle during the assault on Arius' mansion.
Colt Combat Commander Series 70
General Kirby (James Olson) keeps a Colt Combat Commander Series 70 carried in his holster when Matrix surprises him and pulls the gun out and points it at him.
Colt Combat Commander with Satin Nickel Finish and wood grips - 9x19mm
Kirby's Colt Commander moments before being grabbed by Matrix.
Matrix getting the drop on his friend General Kirby (
James Olson) with a satin nickel Commander, the "little brother" of the classic 1911/Series 70 pistols.
ASP
Sully (David Patrick Kelly) wields an ASP as his sidearm in the film.
ASP - 9x19mm. This is the firearm used in the production of the film
Cobra.
Sully fires his ASP 9mm at Matrix through the phone booth.
Sully fires his ASP 9mm at Matrix during the car chase. Note the very distinctive "Guttersnipe" sight.
M1911A1
Some of Arius' men use M1911A1s as their sidearms.
Arius' soldier on the right (
Thomas Rosales Jr.) has an M1911A1. Note how the slide is not locked back and the hammer is uncocked even though he emptied the magazine moments before.
Matrix prepares to use a machete on the arm of the M1911A1-wielding soldier.
Detonics ScoreMaster
A Detonics ScoreMaster is the sidearm carried by Bennett (Vernon Wells). During the final showdown with Matrix, Bennett shoots him in the arm with the pistol.
Detonics ScoreMaster - .45 ACP
Bennett keeps his Detonics ScoreMaster in a black leather US Issue M1911 pistol holster with the bottom cut out to accommodate the extended barrel.
Bennett (
Vernon Wells) shoots Matrix with his Detonics ScoreMaster.
"John, stick your head out. One shot, right between the eyes!" Bennett with his ScoreMaster.
"..I don't need the gun, John!" Bennett holds the ScoreMaster.
Detonics CombatMaster
In Matrix's own weapons shed, a Detonics CombatMaster can be seen on a wall rack.
Detonics CombatMaster - .45 ACP
The Detonics CombatMaster mounted in the upper left.
Revolvers
Smith & Wesson Model 15
Police officers at the mall use Smith & Wesson Model 15 revolvers while trying to apprehend Matrix.
Smith & Wesson Model 15 - .38 Special
Cindy knocks down an officer armed with a Smith & Wesson Model 15 before he can shoot Matrix.
Revolver in the hidden armory.
Smith & Wesson Model 60
Sully's contact in the mall fires at the police with a Smith & Wesson Model 60.
Classic Smith & Wesson Model 60 - .38 Special
Sully's contact in the mall tries to fire his Smith & Wesson Model 60 at the police.
Smith & Wesson Model 67
Cooke (Bill Duke) tries to shoot Matrix with a Smith & Wesson Model 67, the stainless version of the Model 15, while fighting with him in Sully's hotel room.
Smith & Wesson Model 67 - .38 Special
Cooke and Matrix fight as Cooke tries to shoot Matrix with his Smith & Wesson Model 67.
Cooke fires his Model 67 at Matrix.
Cooke attempts to fire his Model 67 at Matrix...
...but gets an unfortunate surprise.
Submachine Guns
Uzi
One of the weapons used by Matrix that appears in the the final assault is the full size IMI Uzi. He uses the Uzi when stealing the seaplane to reach Arius' compound and during the final battle.
Matrix picks up an Uzi submachine gun in the sporting goods store armory and hands it to Cindy.
"Hurry up!" Matrix fires the Uzi while waiting for Cindy to start the plane.
Matrix uses the Uzi during the raid on Arius' base.
Micro Uzi
A Micro Uzi is also carried by Bennett (Vernon Wells) during a last ditch effort against Matrix.
Micro Uzi with 15 round magazine - 9x19mm
Bennett loads the Micro Uzi.
Bennett's Micro Uzi is slung on his right side.
Bennett chambers a round in his Micro Uzi. (Note how he works the cocking handle while his finger is on the trigger - now we know why he got kicked out of the Special Forces!)
Ingram MAC-10
The MAC-10 submachine gun can be seen being used by Cooke (Bill Duke) and Diaz (Gary Cervantes) in the beginning of the movie, killing members of Matrix's old special forces unit.
Cooke fires (no blinking, no squinting, eyes open) his MAC-10.
Cooke finishes off their first target with a burst from his MAC-10
His MAC-10 changes to a rubber prop after the shot above so he can toss it in the garbage truck without damaging the gun. Diaz (
Gary Cervantes) also holds a MAC-10.
Heckler & Koch HK94A3
An unmodified Heckler & Koch HK94A3 is seen in the hands of Arius's men.
Heckler & Koch HK94A3 - 9x19mm
On the left, one of Arius's troops with HK94s.
The soldier falls after being hit, HK94A3 in-hand.
Heckler & Koch HK94 (chopped & converted)
One of Arius' men is seen firing a Heckler & Koch HK94A3 with the 16" barrel chopped down and converted to full auto to resemble an MP5A3. The only feature seen to note this is the lack of the three barrel lugs on the barrel.
The "Fake MP5", the Heckler & Koch HK94A3 Converted to full auto fire, shortened barrel and added third firing position on trigger pack - 9x19mm. This version was used in many films during the 1980s and 1990s. This weapon features the "tropical" (wide) forearm.
Arius' man fires his chopped and converted HK94 with a slimline forend.
Rifles
Heckler & Koch HK91A2
During the attack on his home that results in the kidnapping of his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano), John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) retrieves a Heckler & Koch HK91 from the armory in his tool shed to fend off the attackers. Since the receiver has only two fire positions (Safe and Fire) it is the semiautomatic HK91 rather than the select fire G3.
Heckler & Koch HK91A2 - 7.62x51mm NATO
Matrix prepares to chamber his HK91 after retrieving it from the tool shed.
Matrix with his HK91 in his daughter's room.
Matrix holds the HK91, the Beretta 92SB is seen in Matrix's belt. The HK91 has two magazines attached together with a clip and the blank firing adapter is visible.
Matrix outside with his HK91.
M16A1
There are numerous appearances of M16A1 rifles in the film; used by U.S. military personnel as well as some of Arius' (Dan Hedaya) men, one of which Matrix commandeers and uses as well. Most of the M16 rifles seen have 20 round magazines, but some have 30 round magazines. Throughout the final battle, the rifles in the hands of actors and stuntmen change from original M16 (SP1) rifles to M16A1 rifles and back again.
Diaz (
Gary Cervantes) fires his M16A1 fitted with a scope at Matrix and Kirby's men.
A sniper fires his M16A1 fitted with a scope at Matrix and Kirby's men. This guy is actually aiming! Note the blank adapter protruding from the barrel into the flash hider.
Aruis' men hold M16s on Matrix.
Matrix fires an M16A1 at Arius one handed.
Matrix fires an
M16A1 rifle in one shot - Note the forward assist.
And then the gun changes to an
M16 (SP1) rifle in the next shot! No forward assist on this rifle.
M16/SP1
The original M16 Rifle (also known as the Colt SP1 rifle) is used, as denoted by the 'slab side' upper receiver (minus the forward assist). The three-pronged flash hider, however, is replaced with an A1 birdcage flash hider in many of the rifles.
M16/SP1 Rifle with A1 flash hider - 5.56x45mm
Arius' men patrol the barracks with original M16/SP1 rifles (Note how the actor is properly holding the weapon in a safe direction with his finger off the trigger.)
Most of the M16 rifles that are fired are the M16/SP1 rifles.
One of Arius' men is sent flying while holding an M16/SP1 rifle.
M16 with A2 handguards
South American police are seen with M16 (Colt SP1) rifles outfitted with A2 handguards to look like the M16A2 Rifle. Kirby's men at the end of the film are also seen with these rifles.
M16/SP1 with A2 style handguards - 5.56x45mm
A South American police officer armed with an M16 fitted with A2 handguards.
A South American police officer armed with an M16 fitted with A2 handguards.
An officer with his SP1 with A2 handguards slung over his back
The soldiers accompanying Major General Franklin Kirby (
James Olson) are also seen with these rifles at the end of the film.
MGC M16
MGC M16 metal M16 replicas are used by every soldier/combatant carrying an M16 when they are doing stunts or pointing the muzzle directing at someone without firing. The MGC replicas can be differentiated from the actual M16s as the replicas have three pronged flash hiders (however they are mounted upside down) and their 20 round magazines are blued, not Colt anodized gray. The replicas were probably used so extensively for safety purposes.
Note the fake forward assist and blued magazine on this MGC M16 replica.
When Arius' men stick their M16 rifles into Matrix's stomach, they are obvious replica guns.
When they are not touching the actor, they switch to real M16 rifles.
CAR-15
General Kirby's men, who are assigned to protect Matrix and his daughter are armed with CAR-15 carbines. Not XM177s/Colt Commandos, they look to be commercial CAR-15 clones due to the length and shape of their 'fake' XM177 suppressor/flash hider.
CAR-15 Rifle with a fake XM177 flash hider welded on to make the barrel a legal 16" for commercial sale - 5.56x45mm
Kirby's men carry commercial CAR-15 rifles.
One of Kirby's men (
Bob Minor) carries the CAR-15 when guarding Matrix's house.
Ruger Mini-14 GB
Arius' men use Ruger Mini-14 GBs with factory folding stocks. Several of them are seen firing at Matrix and a few are seen dying with their Ruger Rifles. Some are stainless steel models, others are blued models.
Stainless Steel Ruger Mini-14 GB-F ("Government Barrel, Folding Stock") - 5.56x45mm
Matrix takes a Ruger Mini-14 GB from the armory in the sporting goods store.
Arius' man firing a Ruger Mini-14 GB with folding stock.
Some people think when this guy is firing that the gun is full auto. In reality, the actor is just pulling the trigger fast and a full auto sound is dubbed in.
One of Arius' men dies holding a Ruger Mini-14 GB.
One of Arius' men fires his Mini-14 at Matrix in the tool shed.
One of Arius' men waits to ambush Matrix.
Steyr AUG
A Steyr AUG is first seen on the wall of the hidden arms room in the 'surplus store' and is among the weapons carted out by Cindy, but never used by Matrix. During the final raid on the compound, Arius (Dan Hedaya) attempts to take out Matrix using a Steyr AUG bullpup rifle. Both are likely the same prop rifle.
A Steyr AUG is seen in the armory.
AKM
Throughout the film, some of Arius' men are seen using AKMs.
A soldier holds the AKM when Matrix is cornered in the tool shed.
AKMs held by other soldiers, who die
acrobatic ballet-style deaths at the hands of Matrix.
Shotguns
Remington 870 (Customized with LPC sight)
A Remington 870 shotgun is used by Matrix during the final raid on Arius' compound. The gun has a long barrel with a specialized under-barrel laser sight that is often confused with an extended magazine tube. However, in the film, the shotgun actually changes (continuity error) several times in the sequence, sometimes the foregrip looks different and the sling changes from being slung over the barrel to over the magazine tube. Since the movie had many continuity errors with the other guns, it makes being 100% sure of the shotgun type difficult.
The laser sight is specifically made for the Remington 870 shotgun by the Laser Products Corporation (later Surefire) laser sight. This is the same type of laser sight used in The Terminator and Wanted: Dead Or Alive. The laser sight is easily distinguished by the proprietary LPC "clamp" as well as the actual sight's "bell-shaped" end.
Remington 870 with Black Synthetic foregrips, high-capacity magazine tube, and buttstock - 12 Gauge
LPC laser sight (stainless) mounted on a Ruger Mini-14.
Matrix chambers his Remington 870.
Note how the Remington 870 slung on his back is a rubber prop that bends around his back!
Note the filled-in barrel, indicative of the prop shotgun.
Matrix fires his Remington 870.
Another view of the shotgun with the laser sight.
Matrix fires his Remington 870 at Arius.
Closeup of the shotgun barrel.
Remington 870 (Police Magnum)
When Matrix is apprehended, a police officer is briefly seen armed with what appears to be a Remington 870 fitted with an extended magazine tube.
Remington 870 Police Magnum customized with extended magazine tube - 12 Gauge (credit to
Predator 20)
On the right, a police officer is briefly seen armed with what appears to be a
Remington 870 fitted with an extended magazine tube.
Mossberg 500AT
Mossberg 500AT shotguns are carried by LA police officers who confront Matrix at the surplus store.
Mossberg 500 AT with wood furniture - 12 Gauge
"Don't even think about it!" Mossberg 500AT shotguns are carried by LA police officers who confront Matrix at the surplus store.
On the left, a police officer is seen armed with the Mossberg shotgun.
Franchi SPAS-12
Another weapon seen being carried by Arius' men, but not used in combat is the Franchi SPAS-12.
Franchi SPAS-12 - 12 Gauge
A Franchi SPAS-12 is seen in Matrix's tool shed when he retrieves his weaponry. Note the compact and full sized M1911 variants hanging on the wall.
A SPAS-12 is seen in the hands of a guard outside Arius' compound.
The guard to the left is armed with a SPAS-12.
Machine Guns
Valmet M78/83
One of the weapons used by Matrix during the assault on Arius' base, the Valmet M78 is a Finnish light machine gun similar in appearance to the RPK, the main difference being a different muzzle brake, front sight assembly, and many other structural differences. The Valmet M78 Light Machine Gun has a standard RPK 'style' buttstock. The later Valmet M78/83 has a synthetic thumbhole "Dragunov Style" stock. This is the version used in the film. The Valmet M78 series of Light Machine guns came in 7.62x51mm (.308) and 7.62x39mm calibers.
Valmet M78/83S with Mauser Mark X Electro-Point 4x40 scope (converted to full-auto) - 7.62x51mm NATO
Loading the Valmet when Matrix is preparing to attack.
Closeup details of the Valmet M78/83.
Matrix carries the Valmet M78/83 during the final raid on Arius' base.
Matrix fires the Valmet M78/83.
Matrix fires the Valmet M78/83 at Arius' men.
M60E3
The M60E3 Machine Gun first appears as one of the weapons in armory hidden in the surplus store. Matrix attempts to take one before he's apprehended by the police. The M60E3 later is used by one of Arius' men on a tool shed and then is commandeered and used by Matrix. The M60E3 used in the film had a shorter barrel, several inches shorter than the standard M60E3.
M60E3 machine gun - 7.62x51mm NATO
The M60E3 is seen in Matrix's left hand as he raids the armory in the sporting goods store.
The M60E3 seen on the left.
One of Arius' men (stuntman Tom Morga) fires the M60E3 at Matrix in the tool shed.
Matrix fires the M60E3. Note the blank rounds on the belt, and a blank adapter in the barrel. An obvious flipped shot as the ammo belt is on the wrong side and the expended shells are being ejected out the wrong side.
While Schwarzenegger is probably one of the only actors who can comfortably hold the M60E3 in one hand, the machine gun seen here is likely a lightweight prop with the faux ammo belt hooked on it.
The ammo belt on the M60E3 is a continuity nightmare, literally growing between shots.
M60
One of Arius' men is seen guarding his mansion armed with an M60 machine gun. One is also seen in the sporting goods armory.
M60 machine gun - 7.62x51mm NATO
One of Arius' men guard the entrance armed with an M60.
An M60 is seen in the sporting goods armory.
Launchers
M202 FLASH (prop)
Another weapon used by Matrix during the final assault, the M202 FLASH is the 4-barreled rocket launcher first seen being used by Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong) to flip the police van carrying Matrix after he's arrested raiding a sporting goods store for supplies - apparently she decided the best way to rescue him was to blow up the vehicle he was riding in. The weapon in the movie is a boxy prop replica rather than a real M202: due to the film being one of the most well-known depictions of an M202, a number of other non live-action works contain M202s based on this prop rather than the real weapon.
Matrix picks up and checks the M202 FLASH in the sporting goods store armory. Note how the side reads "M202A1".
Cindy aims the M202 FLASH at the police van, unaware it is backwards. She claims she read the instructions, but it's obvious she didn't.
Cindy turns the launcher around and shoots the police van. Note how there aren't any rockets in the launcher.
Matrix picks up the M202 on his way to Arius' base.
Matrix prepares to fire the M202.
Note how a pyrotechnic charge is seen instead of a rocket.
Same with his shot. Somehow, he fires a rocket out of the same tube as before.
'Fake' M203 grenade launcher
One of Arius's men on the rooftop uses what appears to be a Colt AR-15 with a Fake M203 grenade launcher attached. This appears to be the same configuration seen in Scarface and would later be used by Schwarzenegger in 1987's Predator.
World IMFDB Exclusive: Screen used Faux M203 Launcher with M16A1 with Quadrant and Front ladder sight - 5.56x45mm. This is verified screen used from the film
Scarface. Two 30 round magazines have been taped together with black gaffer's tape to emulate the way Tony Montana loaded his weapon in the film. This launcher is currently being sold by
The Golden Closet at
this link.
FIM-43 Redeye
What appears to be a FIM-43 Redeye is seen in the hidden surplus store armory.
When Matrix first enters the armory, the long tube seen in the corner appears to be the Redeye.
Redeye on the left. It appears to have fallen off its mounting.
Other
Palmer Cap-Chur Short Range Projector
Bennett is seen using a Palmer Cap-Chur Short Range Projector tranquilizer pistol after a chase.
Palmer Cap-Chur Short Range Projector
M67 Hand Grenade
During his final assault Matrix also carries several M67 hand grenades. He is seen tying these to his vest by the pin, presumably to be able to pull the pin and toss them with one hand. This is a very bad way to carry grenades and anyone with basic military training will agree, this is NOT how to carry them. When carried by the pin, several safety hazards are present. One of Arius' men tosses a grenade at Matrix during the final battle, sending Matrix flying through the air.
M69 training grenade - an inert version of the M67 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.
Matrix picks up M67 hand grenades in the armory.
Matrix ties the M67 grenades to his vest while preparing to assault Arius' base. This is a very bad way to carry grenades and anyone with basic military training will agree, this is NOT how to carry them. When carried by the pin, several safety hazards are present.
M18A1 Claymore
Just before starting the final battle, Matrix plants what appear to be several M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mines on the grounds of the complex, and triggers it remotely during the battle. Though the M18A1 Claymore is an antipersonnel mine, the ones in the film are strong enough to vaporize an entire building, indicative of the 'exaggeration' of Hollywood movies. The M18A1 Claymore mines depicted are not real (of course NONE are real in movies), however the ones in this film are even more 'customized' than usual. They are plastic casts of the M18A1 and fabricated to take an internal Radio receiver (and custom detonator). In reality, the M18A1 would be a self enclosed unit, two plastic halves enclosing the explosive and steel balls (shrapnel), and would not have room to add on an internal radio unit.
M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mine
Matrix picks up the mock M18A1 Claymores in the armory.
The Mines used by Matrix, note that the raised letters "M18 A1" are gone (ground off, possibly because they actually said M33, the inert training version of the M18A1) as are the painted lot numbers (a feature of real Claymores).
A faux radio controller and tiny light bulb is visible 'glued' into the side of the M18A1 which Matrix uses to radio detonate a series of these mines.
Closeup of the modified Claymore detonator.
The Claymores seen are strong enough to vaporize an entire building, indicative of the 'exaggeration' of Hollywood movies.
Hidden Armory
In search of weapons and supplies, Matrix goes to a sporting goods store and opens up a secret armory behind the wall, revealing hundreds of guns inside. The ones most obvious are:
On the blue section of the wall are two
Uzis and two
MAC-10s.
See Also
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