The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is the 1991 thriller that marked the first appearance of Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In the film, FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) enlists Lecter's help in order to track down a notorious serial killer who has kidnapped a US Senator's daughter. Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the film would win the Academy Award for Best Picture as well as acting wins for both Hopkins and Foster. Hopkins would reprise his role as Lecter in two more films: Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).

The following weapons can be seen in the film The Silence of the Lambs:

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!

Handguns

Smith and Wesson Model 13

FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is shown training with and then carrying the Smith & Wesson Model 13. This .357 magnum, 3" barrel revolver was the last issue revolver of the FBI (usually loaded with .38 spl +P .158 gr LHP ammo). When Starling fires her weapon at Buffalo Bill, there is noticeable recoil and she flinches. However, when she fires it on the range in the deleted scenes, there is absolutely no recoil, and she keeps her eyes open. This could indicate multiple weapons were used on set.

Smith & Wesson Model 13 - .357 Magnum

Clarice checks in her S&W Model 13 and her speedloader when visiting Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Memphis. The revolver used by Jodie Foster in the movie has a Pachmayr Grip adaptor, true to the actual FBI-issued firearm at the time. Also note that the rounds in the speedloader are SJHP, and not the .38 spl LSWCHP +P, used by the FBI in that era.

"FBI, You're safe!" Clarice shouts to Gumb's hostage, Catherine Martin, as she leans against the well that Martin is in, searching out Buffalo Bill's lair armed with her S&W Model 13.

Clarice blind-fires her S&W Model 13 at the sound of a hammer cocking, which turns out to be Buffalo Bill's Colt Python.

FBI recruits including Clarice (Jodie Foster) training in a deleted scene. The range director in the scene tells the recruits that they are to prepare for "double-action" training, and the actors correctly refrain from cocking the hammers.

Later in the same deleted scene, Clarice draws her S&W Model 13. Her holster seems to be the one that the FBI used with the S&W at the time (note the speedloader pouch).

Yet another deleted scene shows Clarice being issued her field weapon. (Due to the fact that she holsters it without looking, she appears to put it in backwards.)

Browning Hi-Power

As they close in on Lecter, one of the SWAT officers is seen with a Browning Hi-Power with Target sights before he opens the elevator access panel.

Browning Hi-Power "Type 73" w/ Target sights - 9x19mm. These Hi-Powers feature elongated bushings different from Hi-Powers Made before 1973 and after the MK II Series.

A SWAT officer with his Browning HP prepares to open the access panel.

Colt Government

One of the FBI instructors uses a deactivated Colt Government to demonstrate to Clarice and the recruits what went wrong during an exercise.

Colt Government Model M1911A1 - .45 ACP

"...You're dead, Starling" A Colt is pointed at the head of Clarice during an FBI training exercise. Close inspection of the pistol's ejection port indicates that the gun is deactivated.

Colt Python

The revolver used by Jame Gumb a.k.a "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine) near the climax of the film is a 6" barreled, stainless steel Colt Python with Pachmyer Presentation grips. In the book, it is said that Gumb loads the gun with .38 Special lead wadcutters.

Colt Python Stainless Steel variant with 6" Barrel - .357 Magnum

Buffalo Bill leaves his Colt Python on the stove as he answers Clarice at the door.

With his night vision goggles on as Clarice stumbles in the dark, Buffalo Bill raises his revolver, ready to kill and skin her, but makes the fatal mistake of cocking it first, which Clarice hears and fires at.

Smith & Wesson Model 10HB

The police officers that guard Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) are armed with Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers with heavy barrels.

Smith & Wesson Model 10 HB (heavy barrel) revolver (Post 1950s Model) - .38 Special. Later incarnations of the Model 10 had a non-tapered heavy barrel, which leads it to be commonly mistaken for a .357 revolver.

Sgt. Tate (Danny Darst) holds a S&W as he and his fellow officers investigate Lecter's prison cage.

Heckler & Koch P7M13

A Heckler & Koch P7M13 is briefly seen in the hands of an FBI HRT agent as Crawford and his men breach the suspected house of Buffalo Bill.

Heckler & Koch P7M13 9x19mm

"...Clarice!" The FBI HRT agent behind Crawford holds an H&K P7M13.

Shotguns

Remington 870

FBI Special Agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) prepares to assault the possible home of Buffalo Bill armed with the Remington 870 shotgun. According to Scott Glenn's commentary on the Blu-Ray edition, the shotgun originally had an 18 inch barrel, but Glenn insisted upon having a shorter one. The armorer explained that making it shorter would not be legal, but finally relented and cut down the barrel down to 14 inches shortly before the scene was shot.

Remington 870 - 12 Gauge

Crawford and the FBI HRT prepare to enter the home.

Crawford with the Remington 870. Notice the lack of a front sight.

Ithaca 37

Several variants of the Ithaca 37 shotguns are carried by the Memphis P.D. SWAT officers that respond to Hannibal's prison break.

Ithaca Model 37 riot version - 12 Gauge

SWAT officers are armed with the Ithaca 37 shotguns. The SWAT Team leader (Chris Isaak) in the middle and the SWAT team negotiator (Daniel von Bargen) on the right.

The SWAT Commander (Chris Isaak) gives orders while carrying the Ithaca.

The agent on the left guarding Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) is armed with the Ithaca.

Submachine Guns

Fake Heckler & Koch MP5K

SWAT officers are shown holding what appears to be an Airsoft version of the Heckler & Koch MP5K as they prepare to take down Lecter in the elevator.

Daisy Airsoft Model 15 MP-5K. One of the first ASG.

One of the SWAT officers providing cover is seen with what appears to be replica MP5K.

The SWAT officers provide cover with their MP5K's.

Note: This appears to be a FalconToy SoftAir MP5K, based on the "SD"-looking foregrip.

Assault Rifles

M16A1

Soldiers of the Tennessee National Guard were seen armed with M16A1 rifles at Memphis Airport when Dr. Hannibal Lecter arrived in Memphis to assist federal agents. National Guardsmen tasked with guarding Dr. Lecter at the makeshift prison he was incarcerated in were also seen armed with M16A1 rifles.

M16A1 with 30 Round magazine - 5.56x45mm

The National Guardsman behind the Senator stands guard armed with an M16A1.

Rifles

Remington 700PSS

FBI HRT agents close in on the suspected house of Buffalo Bill carrying their Remington 700PSS sniper rifles.

Remington 700PSS with Harris bipod

FBI HRT outside the house with their Remington 700PSS rifles.

The Silence of the Lambs

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