The X-Files - Season 3

The X-Files - Season 3 Country United States Channel FOX Genre Science-Fiction Investigative Thriller Broadcast September 22, 1995 - May 17, 1996 No. of Episodes 24 Main Cast Character Actor Fox Mulder David Duchovny Dana Scully Gillian Anderson

Season 3 of The X-Files premiered on September 22, 1995 with "The Blessing Way"; part one of the series' first two-part opener, and middle episode of a three-part story arc, continuing directly from the previous season's finale "Anasazi" and concluding with the following episode "Paper Clip". This arc, and others shown in Season 3, would feature new aspects to the show's background mythology - Most notable would be the reveal of the alien 'black oil' virus (which would play a central role for the background mythology in several additional episodes and the 1998 feature film) as well as additional revelations about the consortium of powerful figures behind the 'government' side of the combined government/alien conspiracy (among others), what would eventually come to be known simply as the 'Syndicate'. Several characters involved in the Syndicate were introduced, including 'The Well-Manicured Man' (John Neville) and 'The First Elder' (Don S. Williams) and several other characters were further explored, including Mulder's informant Mr. 'X' (Steven Williams). Also of note, the name of one of the mythology episodes, "Piper Maru", shared the first and middle name of Gillian Anderson's daughter, the child Anderson gave birth to during the previous season. "Piper Maru" would also be used as the name of an icebreaking ship in 2004's Alien vs. Predator, as a minor homage to the show.

In addition to expansion of the alien conspiracy mythology, Season 3 would feature numerous highly-regarded and critically acclaimed 'Monster-of-the-Week' stand-alone episodes - Several of which widely considered some of the best in the series, such as "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose", "Pusher", and "Jose Chung's From Outer Space". Many of these episodes featured deeper and darker elements, while others added certain levels of humor (some of it partially self-deprecating) to the show. Some of these episodes would be penned by new writers in S3, who, despite the success, would depart the series, never to return - Most notable being Glen Morgan's brother Darin Morgan, who had issues with the production but also felt unable to keep up with the pace of a scripted weekly television program. The third season of The X-Files, like the previous two seasons, was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia and would conclude in May 1996 with 24 episodes.

The following weapons were used in Season 3 of the television series The X-Files:

WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Pistols

Smith & Wesson 5906

Having changed sidearms in both Season 1 and Season 2, both FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) begin carrying yet a different sidearm, in this case the Smith & Wesson 5906 (marking the first and only time in the show both characters are issued the same weapon), which they use for almost all of Season 3. FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) also has a S&W 5906 as his carry weapon in Season 3. Other FBI agents and police officers are occasionally seen with S&W 5906s as well. An assassin also wields a 5906 in "Avatar" (S3E21). Part of Smith & Wesson's 'Third Generation' semiautos, the 5906 is chambered to fire 9x19mm Luger (Parabellum) ammunition, has fully ambidextrous safety levers, a one piece rear wraparound grip and construction is all stainless steel. The S&W 5906s used in the show by Mulder, Scully, and Skinner (and reused by other characters) are later models with the rounded trigger guards, and also feature adjustable rear sights and blue-steel (black) triggers and hammers. Given the considerable number of good showings of the pistols throughout the season, they were likely featured in the show as promotional 'hero guns'.

Skinner's 5906 is first (and most notably) seen at the conclusion of the first part of the two-part season opener "The Blessing Way" (S3E01), as well as the following second part episode "Paper Clip" (S3E02). Mulder and Scully carry their Smith & Wesson 5906s starting in "D.P.O." (S3E03) and continue to carry them for the rest of the season. In "Nisei" (S3E09), and most particularly "731" (S3E10), a continuity error is present as Mulder's 5906 changes back and forth several times from his regular version to a older model with squared trigger-guard, all stainless components and (interestingly) the sights removed - These older model S&W 5906s would also be seen used elsewhere in the season (see 'Special' section below). In "Syzygy" (S3E13), Scully and Mulder's 5906s had accidental discharges due to uncontrolled telekinetic powers (as did several other firearms).

NOTE: Several users have previously suggested that these pistols might be the Smith & Wesson 1076 in 10mm, which was briefly used by the FBI. This is incorrect; the 1076 has a single-stack frame, while the pistols in the show have double-stack frames, meaning that they can only be the model S&W 5906. The show's guns are not the .40-caliber Smith & Wesson 4006, because the 4006's frame features checkering on the grip, missing on the show's Smith & Wessons (the 5906 frame has vertical grooves on the grip). The S&W 1076 can be easily distinguished from the S&W 5906, as the 1076 is hammerless, has no manual safety and a frame mounted de-cocking lever. Both the 1000 and the 4000-series pistols also feature straight backstraps, not curved like the 5900s. This is a TV show, not real life, and movie/television armorers have always tended to use 9mm pistols rather than larger calibers, because 9mm blanks are more reliable to cycle in pistols than larger calibers.

Smith & Wesson 5906, late model with adjustable sights - 9x19mm

Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) brandishes his Smith & Wesson 5906 near the beginning of the second part of the two-part season opener "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

Good shot of Skinner's 5906 as Scully sets it down in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). The details of the gun are all clearly visible in this image - Rounded trigger guard, and blued (black) trigger and hammer as well as the large curved-backstrap grip and frame bulge. Also visible (just barely) behind the safety is the left protective 'ear' for the adjustable rear sight.

Special Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) with her Smith & Wesson 5906 in "D.P.O." (S3E03), the first episode in which both she and Mulder carry the weapon.

Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) pulls out his 5906 as he gives chase to a suspect in "2Shy" (S3E06).

Ellen Kaminsky (Catherine Paolone), an attempted murder victim, fires Scully's S&W 5906 in "2Shy" (S3E06).

Scully and another agent (center) with S&W 5906s in "Oubliette" (S3E08). The agent on the right has a long-barrel blue-steel S&W automatic.

Mulder fires his 5906 in "Oubliette" (S3E08).

Mr. 'X' (Steven Williams) holds Scully's S&W 5906 in "731" (S3E10).

In "Syzygy" (S3E13), after it accidentally discharges while holstered, Mulder removes his 5906 as it unexpectedly and inexplicably discharges again right in his hand (note however that the HD image clearly shows him simply pulling the trigger normally).

Special Agent Mulder (David Duchovny) enters a room with his S&W 5906 in "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (S3E20).

Special Agent Scully (Gillian Anderson) fires her Smith & Wesson 5906 in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

Scully with her S&W 5906 in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

Special

Early Model Smith & Wesson 5906 - 9x19mm. The early model 5906 pistols had the finger step trigger guard, but they changed it to the rounded trigger guard for 'ease of production'.

A Cleveland police detective with a Smith & Wesson 5906 in "2Shy" (S3E06). This is an older-model 5906, with the squared-off trigger guard.

Mulder wields a Smith & Wesson 5906 in "Nisei" (S3E09). Note this is a different version of the 5906 he normally carries, with squared-off trigger guard and the sights (front and rear) apparently removed. This is the first time Mulder is seen with this particular S&W 5906. It subsequently changes to the version he regularly carries when it is kicked out of his hand.

Agent Mulder (David Duchovny) holds the non-regular S&W 5906 on Malcolm Gerlach AKA the 'Red-Haired Man' (Stephen McHattie) in "731" (S3E10).

The gun then switches back to his regularly-used 5906 with rounded trigger guard and sights during the same sequence.

And then changes back again to the non-regular version.

Agent Scully's S&W 5906 also changes briefly to the non-standard older model in "Avatar" (S3E21).

SIG-Sauer P228

FBI Special Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) carries the SIG-Sauer P228 that she carries in Season 2 as her sidearm in the first part of the two-part season opener "The Blessing Way" (S3E01). It is briefly seen when she is disarmed of it by a black ops soldier near the beginning of the episode. The P228 is seen again later in the episode when she surrenders it to the FBI when she is suspended. Afterward Scully carries a different weapon as her sidearm and she is not seen with it for the remainder of the season. Mr. 'X' (Steven Williams) is also seen with a SIG P228 in "Wetwired" (S3E23), where he uses it to assassinate other Syndicate operatives and plants it at the scene, as well as very briefly in the next episode "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24) in a continuity error.

SIG-Sauer P228 - 9x19mm

Scully's SIG-Sauer P228 seen here in it's holster just before being removed by a black ops solider in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Scully's surrendered SIG in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01) - This is the last time in Season 3 Scully is seen with the weapon. Note 'P228' on the grips.

'X' (Steven Williams) plants a SIG-Sauer P228 he used on a body in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

Closeup of X's planted P228 in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

A SIG P228 is seen in X's hand as he struggles with Mulder in the season finale "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24). It subsequently changes to a SIG P226 when it is seen again. As this gun is not fired and is used during a struggle and dropped, it is likely the rubber stunt version.

SIG-Sauer P226

Although Mulder and Scully trade their SIG-Sauer pistols for Smith & Wesson 5906s in Season 3, there are still some appearances of the SIG-Sauer P226 throughout the season. Alex Krycek (Nicholas Lea) uses a SIG P226 in "Piper Maru" (S3E15) (which Mulder briefly wields as well), while Mr. 'X' (Steven Williams) carries one in "731" (S3E10) and "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24). Black-ops soldiers are seen with SIGs holstered in "Nisei" (S3E09), and a SWAT team leader is seen wielding one briefly in "Pusher" (S3E17).

SIG-Sauer P226 - 9x19mm

X holds a SIG-Sauer P226 in "731" (S3E10).

Alex Krycek (Nicholas Lea) wields a SIG-Sauer P226 in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Mulder disarms Krycek of his SIG P226 in "Piper Maru" (S3E15). Although this scene is set in Hong Kong, the payphones are clearly North American models dressed up to look Chinese.

Mulder holds the SIG on Krycek.

Mulder covertly wields the P226 in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

The SWAT team leader draws a SIG-Sauer P226 in "Pusher" (S3E17).

'X' (Steven Williams) draws his SIG-Sauer P226 in the season finale "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

Good side shot of the P226 wielded by X in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24). To the left is the S&W 5906 being brandished by Mulder.

X with his SIG P226 in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

Manurhin PPK

At the conclusion of the season's opening episode "The Blessing Way" (S3E01), as well as near the beginning of the continuing episode "Paper Clip" (S3E02), Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is seen reusing the Manurhin PPK she used during most of the first season - She uses it when the FBI suspends her and confiscates her (then) issued SIG-Sauer P228 service pistol.

Manurhin PPK, licensed French-made clone of the German Walther PPK - .32 ACP

Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) aims her Manurhin PPK at Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) near the conclusion of "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Opposite angle of Scully with her PPK on Skinner in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Scully aims her PPK at Skinner when Skinner draws his weapon at the conclusion of "The Blessing Way" (S3E01), which is also repeated near the beginning of the following episode, "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

Mulder, Scully and Skinner in a standoff in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). At the center, Skinner wields his Smith & Wesson 5906, while Mulder (at the right) wields a Ruger Speed Six snub and Scully wields her Manurhin PPK.

Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) wields her Manurhin PPK in "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

Walther PPK

In Season 3, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) can be seen carrying a Walther PPK as a back-up pistol to his main sidearm, kept in an ankle holster. The weapon is notably seen in the episodes "Nisei" (S3E09) and "731" (S3E10).

Walther PPK - 7.65x17mm (.32 ACP)

The Walther PPK first seen in the show here in Mulder's ankle holster as he draws it in "Nisei" (S3E09).

"I get tired of losing my gun."
Special Agent Mulder gets to his feet wielding his backup Walther PPK in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Mulder cocks the hammer on his PPK.

Mulder with his weapon trained on the suspect in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Agent Mulder shows his Walther PPK to the train conductor (Michael Puttonen) in "731" (S3E10).

Mulder racks back the slide on his PPK.

Closeup of the PPK being aimed by the conductor in "731" (S3E10).

Beretta 92FS

Beretta 92FS pistols are seen numerous times throughout the series, carried and used by police officers and government agents, as well as soldiers and military personnel as a Beretta M9 substitute.

Beretta 92FS - 9x19mm

Sheriff Teller (Ernie Lively) with a Beretta drawn in "D.P.O." (S3E03).

On the left, a police officer draws his Beretta as Mulder draws his 5906 just before entering a house in "The List" (S3E05).

An officer's Beretta 92FS inexplicably discharges while holstered "Syzygy" (S3E13).

A police detective attempts to unload his Beretta as it continues to discharge inexplicably in "Syzygy" (S3E13). Note that his fingers and hand are totally clear of the trigger.

DC Metro officers with Berettas drawn in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Suspect POV of a police officer with his Beretta 92FS drawn in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

Second image of the above officer with his Beretta in "Wetwired" (S3E23). Note the glitches present in the image - This is an intentional plot point for this particular episode; The suspect is suffering hallucinations and psychosis stemming from viewing a particular television signal.

The officer as he actually looks in "Wetwired" (S3E23).

Glock 17

Glock 17 pistols are seen used by police and government officers throughout the series. In Season 3, a Glock 17 is seen pulled on Asst. Director Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) by a Syndicate operative in "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

Glock 17 2nd Generation - 9x19mm

A Glock 17 is pulled in "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

The Glock is held on Skinner in "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

M1911A1

Standard M1911A1 pistols are seen occasionally throughout the series. A blued variant is notably brandished by a distraught US Navy submarine crewman during a flashback sequence in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Colt Government Model (Pre-Series 70 Commercial M1911A1) blued with stainless hammer - .45 ACP

A distraught crew member brandishes a M1911A1 during a flashback sequence in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

The crew member aims the M1911A1 at the sub's Captain in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

The M1911A1 is discharged during a struggle in "Piper Maru" (S3E15). Despite the black-and-white tone of the flashback sequence, this M1911A1 appears to have a commercial blued finish.

Jericho 941 R

Syndicate operative/assassin Luis Cardinal AKA 'The Hispanic Man' (Lenno Britos) often uses Jericho 941 R pistols as his preferred weapon. He uses an all blue-steel model to (inadvertently) kill Agent Scully's (Gillian Anderson) sister Melissa (Melinda McGraw) near the conclusion of the season opener "The Blessing Way" (S3E01). He later uses another Jericho 941 (this one nickel-plated with black controls) in "Piper Maru" (S3E15) and "Apocrypha" (S3E16), in the former case using it in an attempt to kill Assistant Director Skinner (Mitch Pileggi).

Early-model IMI Jericho 941 R ('R' indicates slide-mounted safety) - 9x19mm

A Jericho 941 is left planted next to the body of Melissa Scully (Melinda McGraw) in the season opener "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

IMI Jericho 941 R, Nickel Finish - 9x19mm. The gun pictured here is the screen used pistol from the movie Live Free or Die Hard

The 'Hispanic Man' / Luis Cardinal (Lenno Britos) uses a Jericho pistol to gun down Skinner in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Luis Cardinal holds a nickel Jericho 941 R pistol on Krycek (Nicholas Lea) in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Cardinal fires his Jericho in "Apocrypha" (S3E16). Note the spitted spark muzzle flash, a likely indicator of blank fire.

Taurus PT92AFS (Nickel)

In "The Walk" (S3E07), US Army Major General Thomas Callahan (Thomas Kopache) uses a nickel-plated Taurus PT92AFS in the climax of the episode.

Taurus PT92AFS, Stainless with wood grips - 9x19mm

In "The Walk" (S3E07), Major General Callahan (Thomas Kopache) retrieves his nickel Taurus PT92AFS from his desk drawer.

Major General Callahan draws his Taurus PT92.

"He won't let you die..."
A close-up of the Taurus as MG Callahan dry-fires the pistol at his own head.

After confronting Sergeant "Rappo" Tremble in his hospital room, Callahan takes out the Taurus and chambers it.

"Come on, Killer Callahan, get some, get some!"
SGT Rappo (Ian Tracey) taunts MG Callahan as he points the Taurus at him. (Note that while Rappo and Callahan are soldiers, he incorrectly uses a Marine Corps battle cry.)

Callahan fires the Taurus PT92AFS at Rappo near the conclusion of "The Walk" (S3E07).

Jennings Model 38 (High Polish Nickel / Stainless)

A Jennings Model 38 pocket pistol with high-polish nickel (or stainless) finish is taken up by Jose Chung (Charles Nelson Reilly) near the conclusion of "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (S3E20).

Jennings Model 38 - .380 ACP (9x17mm)

A Jennings Model 38 is retrieved by Jose Chung near the conclusion of "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (S3E20).

Unknown Smith & Wesson Automatic

An unknown large blue-steel Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol is seen wielded by an FBI agent in "Oubliette" (S3E08).

A full-size long barreled blue-steel S&W auto, possibly a 445/545 (blued variant of the Smith & Wesson 645) is seen wielded here in the foreground in "Oubliette" (S3E08).

Revolvers

Taurus Model 66

Various Taurus Model 66 revolvers appear occasionally throughout the earlier seasons of the series. A 4" barreled stainless steel variant is notably used near the conclsuion of the episode "Pusher" (S3E17) by both mind-controlling killer Robert Patrick Modell (Robert Wisden) and Fox Mulder to play a game of Russian Roulette. Another blue-steel variant is used by a hostage-taker at the beginning of the season finale "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

Early model Taurus Model 66 with 6 round cylinder, blued finish and wood grips - .357 Magnum

The Taurus Model 66 first seen brandished by 'Pusher' Robert Patrick Modell (Robert Wisden) through Mulder's remote camera feed in "Pusher" (S3E17).

The Taurus Model 66 by Modell's hands on a table in "Pusher" (S3E17).

Modell picks up the Taurus and begins spinning the cylinder. This is notable as the scene goes against the common flub of having the ejected cylinder making a 'ratcheting' sound and instead is a rare instance of accurately showing the spinning cylinder making no sound when disengaged from the frame.

The Taurus revolver lying next to Mulder's hands.

Mulder pulls the revolver's trigger (on an empty chamber) in "Pusher" (S3E17).

The hostage-taker brandishes a Taurus Model 66 revolver in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

The hostage-taker wields his Taurus revolver in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

The hostage-taker brandishes his Taurus at Jeremiah Smith (Roy Thinnes).

The Taurus Model 66 in the hostage-taker's hands as Jeremiah Smith attempts to talk him down in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24).

Ruger Speed Six Snub

Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) arms himself with a snubnose Ruger Speed Six in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01), taking the revolver out from a box of some of his father's items (however in a flashback sequence in Season 2, the gun in his father's box was a Smith & Wesson revolver). He wields the Ruger during a brief standoff between himself, Scully, and Asst. Director Skinner near the beginning of "Paper Clip" (S3E02). What also appear to be Speed Six snub revolvers are used by a woman to kill her lover in "The List" (S3E05) and by a scientist near the conclusion of "War of the Coprophages" (S3E12).

Ruger Speed Six with blued finish and 2.75-inch barrel - .357 Magnum

Mulder retrieves the Ruger Speed Six snub in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) bursts into the apartment with the snubnose Speed Six revolver in "Paper Clip" (S3E02).

Mulder wields the Speed Six snub.

Mulder, Scully and Skinner in a standoff in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). At the center, Skinner wields his Smith & Wesson 5906, while Mulder (at the right) wields a Ruger Speed Six snub and Scully wields her Manurhin PPK.

Closeup of the Speed Six snubnose being fired in "The List" (S3E05).

The snubnose Ruger Speed Six in the woman's hand in "The List" (S3E05).

A scientist wields what appears to be a Speed Six snub in "War of the Coprophages" (S3E12).

The scientist fires his revolver in "War of the Coprophages" (S3E12).

Rossi Model 971 Snub

What appears to be a snubnose Rossi Model 971 revolver is used by San Francisco police detective Glen Chao (B.D. Wong) near the conclusion of "Hell Money" (S3E19).

Rossi Model 971 with 2.5" Barrel - .357 Magnum

Closeup of Det. Chao's snubnose Rossi Model 971 in "Hell Money" (S3E19).

Det. Glen Chao (B.D. Wong) with his Rossi Model 971 snub.

Submachine Guns

Heckler & Koch MP5A3

Numerous Heckler & Koch MP5A3s are seen throughout the series. These are wielded by police tactical officers and government agents, as well as military and black-ops personnel. Almost all MP5A3s seen in Season 3 are fitted with the H&K proprietary flash-hider. Starting in "Nisei" (S3E09), the MP5A3s are fitted with Surefire 628 tactical forearms, and some are also fitted with laser sights, notably the MP5s wielded by FBI tactical agents in "Pusher" (S3E17).

Heckler & Koch MP5A3 with original "slimline" forearm - 9x19mm

A Heckler & Koch MP5A3 is just barely seen here in the hands of a black ops soldier who searches through some files in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01). This MP5 appears to have the standard lugged barrel rather than the H&K flash-hider and has a standard "slimline" foregrip. The gun is seen briefly and is not fired, so it's possible it could be another use of the Tokyo Marui airsoft gun seen earlier throughout the series.

The desert-camo dressed black ops solider with his MP5A3 in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Black-ops mercenaries fire their weapons at Mulder (David Duchovny) in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). The furthermost one in the background has an MP5A3.

Black-ops soldiers fire their weapons near the beginning of "Nisei" (S3E09). The two standing soldiers have MP5A3s with the proprietary H&K flash-hiders.

A soldier with a standard H&K MP5A3 in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Heckler & Koch MP5A3 with Surefire 628 dedicated forend weaponlight and flash hider - 9x19mm

Black ops soldiers conduct a search for Mulder in "Nisei" (S3E09). The one on the right has a MP5A3 with flash-hider and Surefire forearm.

A Heckler & Koch MP5A3 with Surefire light in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Military personnel forming a firing squad fire their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - Seen are MP5A3s, MP5K Mockups and C7/K4B rifles.

Military personnel with their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - On the left is a soldier with an MP5A3.

In "Pusher" (S3E17), FBI Agent Collins (Steve Bacic) advances on a building where Robert Modell (Robert Wisden) is holed up. He is armed with a Heckler & Koch MP5A3 fitted with Surefire forearm, flash hider, and a laser sight mounted beneath the flashlight.

Agent Collins breaches the room and points his MP5A3 at Modell.

Heckler & Koch MP5K (Mocked up Kimel AP-9)

What appear to be Heckler & Koch MP5Ks are seen used by government agents and military/black-ops personnel. In reality, these are not real MP5Ks; but rather mock-ups built on the bolt carrier and magazine well of a Kimel AP-9, because the armorers in British Columbia did not have genuine MP5Ks during the 1990s. The same guns have also appeared in the film Crying Freeman and the series M.A.N.T.I.S. and The Outer Limits. These weapons were used in several episodes, notably by black-ops soldiers in "Nisei" (S3E09).

AA Arms/Kimel Industries AP-9 Pistol - 9x19mm

Heckler & Koch MP5KN for comparison - 9x19mm

A black ops soldier holds his MP5K mockup on Scully in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Black ops soldiers fire their weapons near the beginning of "Nisei" (S3E09). The two kneeling soldiers have mockup MP5Ks. The Kimel bolt carriers are visible in this image.

A clear shot of an MP5K mockup in the hands of a black ops soldier in "Nisei" (S3E09). The pistol in his thigh holster appears to be a SIG-Sauer P226. The solider to the right has an H&K MP5A3 with Surefire weaponlight forearm.

Military personnel forming a firing squad fire their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - Seen are MP5A3s, MP5K Mockups and C7/K4B rifles.

Military personnel with their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - The two soldiers in center have MP5K mockups.

Ruger MP9

The Ruger MP9 appears frequently in the hands of black ops soldiers and operatives in Season 3.

Ruger MP9 - 9x19mm

Black-ops mercenaries fire their weapons at Mulder (David Duchovny) in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). The nearest one has a Ruger MP9.

Another shot of the operative with his MP9.

A Black ops soldier with a Ruger MP9 near the beginning of "Nisei" (S3E09).

A Black ops soldier conducting a search for Mulder in "Nisei" (S3E09) armed with an MP9.

Clear shot of a Ruger MP9 in the hands of a black ops soldier escorting Scully away at gunpoint in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Micro Uzi

Some syndicate/black ops mercenaries are seen with Micro Uzis in Season 3. Micro Uzis are also carried by the French secret service agents in "Piper Maru" (S3E15). These weapons all appear to have side-folding stocks and the 'bent' trigger guards.

IMI Micro Uzi with bent trigger guard - 9x19mm

To the left, an operative wields a Micro Uzi in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). Note the stock.

French secret service agents wielding Micro Uzis in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

A French agent brandishes a Micro Uzi in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Micro Uzis in the hands of French secret service agents as they are irradiated by a woman possessed by the 'black oil' alien virus/entity in "Piper Maru" (S3E15). Note the recurved 'bent' trigger guard.

Calico M955A

Calico M955As are seen throughout the show in the hands of military personnel and covert/black ops agents. It is seen wielded by black ops units in "Paper Clip" (S3E02) and "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Calico M955A Intermediate length Select fire carbine - 9x19mm

Black ops mercenaries fire their weapons at Mulder (David Duchovny) in "Paper Clip" (S3E02). The middle one has a Calico M955A.

A Calico M955A is just seen in-frame wielded by a black ops soldier in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Heckler & Koch MP5A2

A fixed-stock Heckler & Koch MP5A2 is briefly seen used by a black ops soldier in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01) and another is seen in the hands of a Syndicate operative in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Heckler & Koch MP5A2 with early "slimline" handguard - 9x19mm

A black ops soldier assaults Albert Hosteen (Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman) with the butt of an H&K MP5A2 in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

An MP5A2 is wielded by the operative in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

The operative with his Heckler & Koch MP5A2 in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

MAC-10

MAC-10s are seen wielded by black ops soldiers in "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Ingram MAC-10 open bolt submachine gun - 9x19mm

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To the left, a MAC-10 is seen wielded by a black ops soldier as 'The Cigarette Smoking Man' arrives in "Apocrypha" (S3E16). This MAC appears to have the Jersey Arms Works collapsible stock.

Another MAC-10 is seen in the hands of a black ops soldier who restrains Mulder as he talks with the 'Cigarette Smoking Man' / 'Cancerman' (William B. Davis) near the end of "Apocrypha" (S3E16).

Rifles / Carbines

Colt Model 715 / Olympic Arms K4B

Due to the series' filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for the first five seasons, most of the M16-type rifles seen throughout this period were Colt Model 715s, or, more likely, the Olympic Arms K4B equivalent, which seems to be favored by the Canadian armorers. These weapons generally appeared in the hands of U.S. military personnel as an M16A2 stand-in, notably soldiers guarding what appears to be a salvaged spacecraft in "Nisei" (S3E09) and soldiers forming a death squad in "731" (S3E10). In "Pusher" (S3E17), several FBI tactical agents also wield these rifles.

Olympic Arms K4B (Note however, that Olympic Arms did not name their rifles with the 'K' designation until after the 1990s) with A2 handguards, heavy barrel and "Stowaway" pistol grip - 5.56x45mm. This rifle is very similar to the Colt Model 715, but is distinguished by the "Stowaway" pistol grip, a feature often found on Olympic Arms AR-15 rifles made in the 1990s. Rifles similar to this one are frequently seen in productions filmed in British Columbia.

Soldiers dismount from a M35A2 'Deuce and a Half' truck armed with Olympic Arms K4B rifles in "731" (S3E10). Though blurry, the rifle shown in the center of the frame appears to have the tell-tale "Stowaway" pistol grip of the Olympic Arms ARs, as well as an A1E1 upper reciever.

Military personnel forming a firing squad fire their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - Seen are MP5A3s, MP5K Mockups and Colt 715/K4B rifles.

An FBI SWAT agent gets into position in "Pusher" (S3E17), armed with a Colt Model 715 or Olympic Arms K4B.

Closer shot of the rifle wielded by the SWAT agent in "Pusher" (S3E17)

Colt AR-15 SP1 (Mocked Up as M16A2)

Throughout the show, especially in earlier seasons, U.S. military personnel are armed with Colt AR-15 SP1 rifles fitted with M16A1-style flash hiders as well as M16A2-style hand guards, standing in for the M16A2 service rifles that the soldiers should be using in real life. You can tell because the receivers of the guns don't have the "fencing" around the magazine release, plus they lack the A2-style rear sights, shell deflectors, and forward assists. These are not seen fired, but they can be full auto conversions since armorers in both Canada and the U.S. picked up many SP1 conversions during the 1970s and 1980s.

M16 aka SP1 (flat "slab side receiver") with A2 style handguards used to impersonate the M16A2 - 5.56x45mm

A soldier assists in carrying a body with an SP1 mockup rifle slung in "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (S3E20). The rifle has M16A2-style handguards but clearly has the thinner barrel denoting it as an AR-15 SP1 rather than the aforementioned heavy-barreled Colt 715/Olympic Arms K4B rifles.

Additional shot of the SP1 in "Jose Chung's From Outer Space" (S3E20), better showing the barrel and forend.

XM177 (Mock-ups)

XM177-style carbines are introduced in Season 3, first seen briefly used by some of the black ops soldiers in "731" (S3E10), but most notably used by many of the FBI SWAT agents throughout "Pusher" (S3E17). All of them seem to be mocked up from other various AR-15 carbines (some have SP1 upper receivers, others have A1-style, and still others have the A1E1 style), as per the norm with XM177s in the vast majority of films and television.

XM177E1 Carbine (AKA Colt Model 609) - 5.56x45mm

An XM177 mockup seen just briefly in the hands of one of the black ops soldiers in "731" (S3E10).

An FBI SWAT agent with his XM177-style carbine in "Pusher" (S3E17) stands in Modell's apartment. This one seems to have been mocked up from an Olympic Arms K3B carbine, as evident by the A1E1 upper receiver unit.

An FBI SWAT agent with an XM177 mockup in "Pusher" (S3E17). Note the Olympic Arms markings on the receiver of this particular carbine.

An FBI SWAT Agent advances on a hospital in "Pusher" (S3E17) with his XM177 mockup, which seems to be a Colt Model 653 (or commercial equivalent) with the barrel cut down to 10" and a fake XM177-style flash hider welded on.

Another FBI SWAT agent with an XM177 mockup in "Pusher" (S3E17).

The same agent as above in "Pusher" (S3E17) gets into position while holding his XM177-style carbine.

Colt AR-15A2 Custom

In "Pusher" (S3E17), an FBI SWAT sniper carries a 24" barrel Colt AR-15A2 rifle fitted with a free-floating hand guard, bipod, and scope. This rifle has also appeared in other movies and TV shows filmed in British Columbia, including Dreamcatcher (where it was carried by Morgan Freeman) and several episodes of The Outer Limits.

Standard Colt Government Model HBAR, the A2 version of the AR-15 Civilian Rifle - 5.56x45mm (note the lack of a third position for burst mode for the selector switch)

An FBI sniper watches Robert Modell (Robert Wisden) from the opposite end of a driving range in "Pusher" (S3E17). Note the long 24" barrel of his rifle, which identifies this as the same sniper AR-15A2 variant that appears later in the episode.

The same sniper, now wearing black fatigues, gets into his position with his 24" AR-15A2 in "Pusher" (S3E17).

Another view of the sniper with his AR-15A2 from "Pusher" (S3E17), showing the profile of the rifle more clearly.

Remington 700PSS

A police sharpshooter is seen with a Remington 700PSS in the season finale "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24). This rifle is also briefly seen in the hands of an FBI sniper in "Pusher" (S3E17).

Remington 700PSS with Leupold Mark 4 scope and Harris bipod - .300 Winchester Magnum

An FBI sniper sets up with his Remington 700PSS in "Pusher" (S3E17)

Two FBI snipers take up position in "Pusher" (S3E17). The one on the right has a Remington 700PSS. The one on the left has a custom long-barrel AR-15A2.

The sharpshooter sets up with his Remington 700PSS in "Talitha Cumi" (S3E24). He might find it difficult to make a good shot with the front lens cap for the scope still on.

M14

An M14 Rifle is seen amongst the weapons wielded by the black ops soldiers in "731" (S3E10).

M14 Rifle - 7.62x51mm

Military personnel form a firing squad in "731" (S3E10). The M14 Rifle is clearly seen in the center of the shot.

Military personnel forming a firing squad fire their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - Seen are MP5A3s, MP5K Mockups and C7/K4B rifles. An M14 is also seen in the center.

Military personnel with their weapons in "731" (S3E10) - On the far left, just in-frame, is an M14.

The black ops soldier at the near left with his M14 Rifle in "731" (S3E10).

Shotguns

Remington 870

Remington 870s are wielded by police officers and and government agents throughout the series. 870s are also seen rarely in the hands of black ops soldiers. Both standard variants and variants with mounted forend weaponlights are seen.

Remington 870 Police Magnum Riot Shotgun - 12 Gauge

An FBI agent with a Remington 870 in "Oubliette" (S3E08).

Remington 870 with early style black synthetic riot foregrips and buttstock - 12 Gauge

A Cleveland police officer with a Remington 870 in "2Shy" (S3E06).

An FBI agent with an 870 with synthetic furniture in "Oubliette" (S3E08). Note 'REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS MAGNUM' on receiver - The 'Express Magnum' is the lower-priced 'economy' variant of the higher-grade 'Police Magnum', the latter of which would be more likely for an FBI agent to wield in real life.

Remington 870 with standard stock and Surefire dedicated forend weaponlight - 12 Gauge

Black ops troops begin their assault near the beginning of "Nisei" (S3E09). The one on the left has a Remington 870 with Surefire forend. The one on the right is firing a Mossberg 500 Bullpup.

A black ops soldier with a Remington 870 with weaponlight forend in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Remington 870 Shorty Custom

Customized Remington 870s are seen wielded by several FBI agents conducting an entry and arrest near the beginning of "Grotesque" (S3E14). The shotguns feature short barrels and forends with Butler Creek tactical synthetic loop pump-grips, forend mounted weaponslights, pistol grips with full buttstocks, as well as heatshields over the barrels and door-breaching muzzle brakes. Though some of these features are not clearly seen, they match those of custom Remington 870s that have appeared in the films Timecop, Crying Freeman, and several other movies and TV shows filmed in British Columbia. One of these shotguns also previously appeared in the first season, lacking the weaponlight and full stock.

Remington 870 fitted with Butler Creek Tactical foregrip - 12 Gauge

FBI agents conduct a breach near the beginning of "Grotesque" (S3E14). The lead agent has a modified Remington 870 with a weaponlight mounted on the forend.

Additional shot of the above agent and his 870, better showing the receiver of the gun.

Another agent with a custom Remington 870 in "Grotesque" (S3E14). Note the top rail, weaponlight, and heatshield visible in this image.

Additional shot of the above, better showing the glint of light below the pump grip indicating the loop of the Butler Creek foregrip.

Mossberg 500 Bullpup

Black ops units and other government agents are seen with Mossberg 500 Bullpup shotguns throughout the series.

Mossberg 500 Bullpup - 12 Gauge

The black ops soldier on the right in the foreground boards the ship to search for Mulder in "Nisei" (S3E09), armed with a Mossberg 500 Bullpup.

A black ops soldier with a Mossberg 500 Bullpup in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Over/Under Double Barreled Shotgun

An Over & Under 12-Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun with dual triggers is used by a housewife to kill what she perceives to be her cheating husband in "Wetwired" (S3E23). The weapon appears to be similar to (if not the same as) an O/U shotgun used in Season 1. Another O/U shotgun is seen wielded in "Revelations" (S3E11).

An O/U Shotgun is wielded in "Revelations" (S3E11).

Mulder (David Duchovny) confiscates the O/U Shotgun in "Revelations" (S3E11).

The O/U Shotgun in "Wetwired" (S3E23). Note two triggers.

Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" (Custom)

A custom Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" with a chrome finish on the magazine tube and an MP5K-style pump-grip is briefly glimpsed in the hands of FBI agents in "Grotesque" (S3E14) and "Pusher" (S3E17). This gun can also be seen in several episodes of the television series Supernatural, Human Target, Painkiller Jane, and several other TV shows filmed in British Columbia. Here the gun only has the mag tube chromed, while in the other appearances both barrel and tube are chromed (the additional chroming of the weapon likely occurred later).

Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" parkerized finish with Synthetic forearm - 12 Gauge

Seen to the right is the custom Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" in "Grotesque" (S3E14), fitted with a weaponlight. Note the MP5K pump grip and the chromed magazine tube.

Circled in green is the forend of the custom Ithaca in "Pusher" (S3E17), as Scully and the SWAT team leader move up.

Franchi PA3/215

A Franchi PA3/215 is wielded by a black ops soldier in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

Franchi PA3/215 - 12 Gauge

A black ops soldier wields a Franchi PA3/215 in "The Blessing Way" (S3E01).

The black ops solider aims the Franchi.

Ithaca 37 'Featherlight'

What appears to be an Ithaca 37 "Featherlight", the field-variant of the shotgun, is seen wielded by a high-school principal heading a mob in "Syzygy" (S3E13).

Ithaca 37 Featherlight - 12 Gauge

What appears to be an Ithaca 37 "Featherlight" is seen wielded by the principal-turned-angry mob leader in "Syzygy" (S3E13).

USAS-12 CQ

What appear to be USAS-12 Shotguns are seen wielded by some of the black ops soldiers guarding what appears to be a recovered UFO in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Daewoo USAS-12 CQ with 20-round drum - 12 Gauge. Notice that unlike the original USAS-12, the CQ version lacks the front sight, and also has a re-designed carry handle. This version is typically seen in productions filmed in British Columbia, Canada (i.e. Stargate SG-1, Jumanji).

In the center is what appears to be a USAS-12 in the hands of a black ops soldier in "Nisei" (S3E09).

The soldier conducting a roving patrol in the background on the left has what appears to be a USAS-12 - a CQ variant given what appears to be the lack of a front sight. The soldier standing guard in front of him has a Ruger MP9.

Franchi SPAS-12

What appears to be a Franchi SPAS-12 is very briefly seen in the hands of one of the black ops soldiers searching for Mulder in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Franchi SPAS-12 with stock folded and butt-hook removed - 12 Gauge

Circled in blue is what appears to be a SPAS-12 seen in the hands of one of the arriving black ops troops in "Nisei" (S3E09).

Sawed-Off Side-by-Side Shotgun

A Sawed-Off Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with exposed hammers is seen wielded under a table by an illicit salvage dealer in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Sawed off side by side shotgun with exposed hammers - 12 gauge

The salvage dealer (posing as a secretary) cocks the hammer back on the shotgun in "Piper Maru" (S3E15).

Opposite view of the shotgun.

Police Station Shotguns

In "Syzygy" (S3E13), several various pump-action shotguns are seen on a rack in a police station. Near the conclusion of the episode, several of them unexpectedly and inexplicably discharge (this is due to uncontrolled telekinesis emanating from two teenagers detained at the station).

The shotguns on the rack at the police station in "Syzygy" (S3E13). Among them are several Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s, both of which seen with wood and synthetic furniture (The 870 third from left has synthetic furniture and Surefire weaponlight forend), as well as two Ithaca 37s and what appears to be a Winchester 1200/1300 with extended magazine tube.

The shotguns on the rack inexplicably discharge in "Syzygy" (S3E13). Note that a continuity error is present - Several of the shotguns have changed position in comparison to the previous screencap, despite taking place during the same sequence. Note also several have the actions locked back.

The shotguns continue to discharge in "Syzygy" (S3E13).

Machine Guns

Browning M2HB

A Browning M2HB heavy machine gun is seen mounted on an M35A2 truck at the beginning of "731" (S3E10).

Browning M2HB in vehicle mounting - .50 BMG (12.7x99mm)

An M2HB is seen mounted atop an M35A2 'Deuce and a Half' truck in "731" (S3E10).

Closer shot of the M2HB in "731" (S3E10).

Trivia

In "War of the Coprophages" (S3E12), Scully is seen clearing her S&W 5906. A rarity in most films and TV shows, this is the first time in the series such an action is performed on-screen by one of the main actors.

Scully (Gillian Anderson) is seen here in "War of the Coprophages" (S3E12) cleaning her Smith & Wesson 5906 while speaking to Mulder. This is the first time of of the main actors is seen doing this in the show. Note again the blued hammer and trigger of Scully's particular 5906.

Scully cleans the barrel of the 5906.

Scully chats with Mulder while cleaning her gun. Note the remaining components (slide and frame) on the table in front of her, along with the magazine, ammunition, and holster toward the left.