The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - Season 1

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The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - Season 1 (1964-1965)

The following weapons were used in Season 1 of the television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E.:

UNCLE Gun

The most famous weapon to come out of the series, or possibly any series, is the "UNCLE gun" issued to agents Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum). With an attachable stock, scope, and barrel extension, the pistol quickly turns into a carbine. The producers were looking for a versatile and distinctive weapon to have on their show, one that could be adapted as the plot required.

1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol

The first attempt at the UNCLE gun was based on a 1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol. It was introduced in the second episode, as the pilot had Solo carrying a Luger P08. The Mauser variant only lasted one episode however, as the pistol was too small for all of the attachment, it did not photograph well, and even worse, didn't handle blanks well. There were continuity errors throughout the second episode, as Solo switched to a Walther P38 whenever he had to fire his weapon.

1934 Mauser Pocket Pistol - 7.65x17mmSR

Napoleon Solo with his unmodified Mauser Pocket Pistol in "The Iowa-Scuba Affair" (S01E02).

A closeup of Solo's UNCLE gun in "The Iowa-Scuba Affair" (S01E02).

Solo's Mauser-based UNCLE gun begins its transformation in "The Iowa-Scuba Affair" (S01E02). First a barrel extension is fitted.

Here the scope is fitted.

And finally, the shoulder stock is seen.

Walther P38

As the Mauser had been unable to cycle blanks, the armorers had to borrow Walther P38s from the nearby Combat! set. A bigger pistol firing reliable 9mm blanks, the P38 was a logical replacement for the smaller, .32 caliber Mauser. Eventually, six UNCLE guns were produced at the cost of $1500 apiece, although only two of them were full upgraded, with should stock, scope, barrel extension, and even full auto. While the modifications rendered the guns incapable of firing real rounds, the full auto modification caught the attention of the Treasury department, which fined the studio $2000.

Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm

Illya Kuryakin with his UNCLE gun in "The Iowa-Scuba Affair" (S01E02). Although the second episode featured the Mauser-based UNCLE gun, and didn't otherwise include Illya, a short intro, which was filmed later in the season, was added to the top of each episode, which meant that Illya is the first man the audience sees wielding the Walther-based UNCLE gun.

Solo with his custom P38 in "The Quadripartite Affair" (S01E03). Note the barrel extension. Here, Solo has opened the breach to insert a tranquilizer round. In a goof, he takes out two guards, even though he only loaded once.

Solo with his custom P38 in "The Quadripartite Affair" (S01E03). Note the muzzle brake and custom grips.