| The X-Files - Season 5
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| Country
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 United States
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| Channel
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FOX
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| Genre
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Science-Fiction
Investigative Thriller
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| Broadcast
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November 2, 1997 -
May 17, 1998
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| No. of Episodes
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20
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| Main Cast
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| Character
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Actor
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Season 5 of The X-Files premiered on November 2, 1997 - rather late compared to prior seasons - and would conclude the following May with 20 episodes; the second-shortest season in the series. Season 5 would be notable for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest would be that this would be the last season of the show to be filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia - Following S5, the series would move filming and main production to Los Angeles, California. The move was precipitated primarily by lead actor Duchovny, who grew weary of being away from his then-wife Téa Leoni. Co-star Gillian Anderson and others in the X-Files crew supported the move (though not as strongly and for other reasons), while others, notably showrunner Chris Carter, not so much. In any event FOX moved the series to LA for its' sixth season, and the show would film in LA for the remainder of its' run.
Of additional note is that this would be the first season in which, story-wise, the overarching background mythology would be mostly preplanned, as a result of the upcoming feature film, which had actually been mostly filmed and produced prior to the start of the fifth season. Among the new elements revealed in the background mythology would include the addition of the 'Alien Rebels' as well as the near-collapse of Mulder's belief in the extraterrestrial conspiracy. Other, more tangential episodes, such as "Travelers" and "Unusual Suspects", would expound on several background elements (the origin of the X-Files unit and the 'The Lone Gunmen', respectively).
The stand-alone 'Monster of the Week' episodes continued in earnest, with several highly acclaimed and regarded episodes in Season 5, many considered the best in the show, such as "The Post-Modern Prometheus" and "Bad Blood", the former filmed entirely in black-and-white, as a stylistic nod to the classic 1931 film Frankenstein. Other episodes were notable for the writers behind them, such as "Chinga", co-penned (with Chris Carter) by noted horror writer Stephen King and "Kill Switch", penned by 'Cyberpunk'-pioneering authors William Gibson and Tom Maddox.
Season 5 of The X-Files (which, in Chris Carter's original plan, was to be the last season of the show, where it would then segue into a film franchise) would be both the highest rated of the series as well as the highest-rated show for FOX for the 1997-1998 season. As such, FOX found the show too popular and lucrative to nix, and would instead order two additional seasons. Carter and crew subsequently had the challenge of ensuring Season 5 could effectively transition into both the upcoming feature film and Season 6 of the show (as well as ensuring the film could both stand on its own and also be a bridge between the series' fifth and sixth seasons). Season 5 concluded with its' finale "The End" being the last X-Files production to be shot in Vancouver until the second feature film I Want To Believe, roughly a decade later.
The following weapons were used in Season 5 of the television series The X-Files:
WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Pistols
SIG-Sauer P226
FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) carries a SIG-Sauer P226 as his sidearm. Other FBI agents and government personnel are seen with P226s.
Special Agent Fox Mulder loads his
SIG-Sauer P226 near the beginning of part one of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
A SIG P226 is planted on the body of FBI Section Chief Scott Blevins (
Charles Cioffi) in part two of the two-part opener "Redux II" (S5E02).
Mulder fires his SIG P226 in "Detour" (S5E04).
Mulder aims his P226 in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Closeup of Mulder's SIG P226 wielded by Alex Krycek (
Nicholas Lea) in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Krycek holds out Mulder's P226 in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Mulder holds his P226 in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
SIG-Sauer P228
FBI Special Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) carries a SIG-Sauer P228 as her sidearm. However, for the vast majority of episodes in Season 5, she used a SIG-Sauer P225 instead (see below). FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) also carries a P228. A SIG P228 is also used by one of the New Spartans militia members involved in the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). Other FBI and government agents on the show are also seen using P228s.
Note that almost all appearances of the SIG-Sauer P228 in Season 5 show the weapon being handled roughly or during stunts, indicating those P228s are likely the rubber stunt version. It is possible that during Seasons 4 and 5 (the latter especially) the P228 was used more for stunt work while the P225 (mentioned below) was used more for firing sequences.
Scully's SIG-Sauer P228 prop gun and several props. This is a rubber stunt version of the P228 that was carried by
Gillian Anderson in her holster when armorer Tom Felcan was not present on set, or for when the gun needed to be dropped/kicked away.
On the right, Special Agent Dana Scully (
Gillian Anderson) draws a SIG P228 in "Detour" (S5E04) as Officer Michele Fazekas (Colleen Flynn) looks on. She is later seen with a
SIG-Sauer P225.
Mulder drops his weapon, which is normally a P226 but here a
SIG-Sauer P228, down a hole to Scully in "Detour" (S5E04).
Agent Mulder (
David Duchovny) holds a P228 on a dazed, wondering shopkeeper (initially believing him to be 'Pusher' Robert Modell) in "Kistunegari" (S5E08). He is later seen with a P226.
Hacker Esther Nairn AKA 'Invisigoth' (Kristin Lehman) hands over Scully's SIG P228 in "Kill Switch" (S5E11). The weapon was previously a P225. Given the rather smooth, rubbery texture (and the fact it is previously tossed on a car dashboard), this is likely the rubber stunt version of the gun.
Scully wields a P228 in "Kill Switch" (S5E11). This is also likely the rubber stunt gun given that the trigger appears to be molded to the trigger guard and the fact that it's kicked away in the next shot.
Agent Scully (
Gillian Anderson) fires her P228 near the conclusion of "Kill Switch". This appears to be the only time a live-firing P228 is used in Season 5.
One of the New Spartans militia members involved in the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) wields a SIG P228.
Mulder drops his weapon, here again a
SIG-Sauer P228, during a struggle with Skinner in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
SIG-Sauer P225
In the vast majority of episodes in Season 5, Dana Scully used a SIG-Sauer P225 rather than the P228. This might have occurred because the show's armorer was unable to bring a live P228 on-set for those particular episodes/sequences (At times the weapons interchange during the same episode). This was also an occurrence during the fourth season as well. Assistant Director Walter Skinner is also seen (albeit rarely) with a SIG P225.
Scully with a P225 in "The Post-Modern Prometheus" (S5E05). Note the black-and-white tone of this episode is intentional, as a stylistic nod to the 1931 film
Frankenstein.
Scully aims her SIG P225 at Mulder during a stand-off in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Mulder picks up the P225 in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08). This is probably the best close-up of a SIG-Sauer P225 in the entire show.
Special Agent Mulder (
David Duchovny) aims Scully's SIG P225 at Linda Bowman in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Linda Bowman (Diana Scarwid) aims a
SIG-Sauer P225 at Mulder in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
'Invisigoth' / Esther Nairn (Kristin Lehman) wields Scully's P225 in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
A USAF Security Police officer aims a
SIG-Sauer P225 at a facially-deformed Alien Rebel in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
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. A Beretta 92FS is notably carried by Alex Krycek (Nicholas Lea) in "Patient X" (S5E13) and "The End" (S5E20).
San Francisco Police Detective Kresge holds his
Beretta 92FS on Mulder in "Emily" (S5E07).
Kresge fires his Beretta in "Emily" (S5E07).
Two Virginian police officers wield
Beretta 92FS pistols in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
A Virginian police officer with his Beretta in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
'Pusher' Robert Patrick Modell (
Robert Wisden) surrenders with a Beretta 92FS in-hand in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Wilmington, DE police officers wield Berettas in "Mind's Eye" (S5E16).
One of the militia members brandishes Beretta 92FS pistols taken from the bank guards during the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
A masked Alex Krycek wields a Beretta in the season finale "The End" (S5E20).
Smith & Wesson 5906
Newer-model Smith & Wesson 5906 pistols are seen several times in Season 5. The first appearance of this weapon is near the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11), where one of the assembled drug dealers draws one. They appear most prominently in the hands of a sheriff conducting an eviction at the beginning of "Travelers" (S5E15) and in the hands of Marty Glenn (Lili Taylor), a blind murder suspect in the next episode "Mind's Eye" (S5E16). These appearances are notable in that the weapons appear to be the same S&W 5906 handguns wielded by the main characters in Season 3 - In the latter aforementioned episodes, the pistols are seen closely, and feature the same rounded trigger guards and adjustable sights, as well as - most particularly - the blued-steel triggers and hammers (Or, at least, the S&W in "Travelers" features blued trigger and hammer; the 5906 in "Mind's Eye" appears to feature a blued hammer but a stainless trigger).
Smith & Wesson 5906, late model with adjustable sights - 9x19mm
The drug dealer aims his 5906 in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
The sheriff draws his
Smith & Wesson 5906 at the beginning of "Travelers" (S5E15). Note the adjustable sights and blued hammer - These are particular features (the latter especially) of the 5906 pistols wielded by the main characters of the series throughout
Season 3.
Closeup of the 5906 being fired by the sheriff after he is knocked down in "Travelers" (S5E15). Note the rounded trigger guard.
The sheriff stumbles down the stairs wielding his S&W 5906 in "Travelers" (S5E15). Note the blued trigger just visible in this shot.
Marty Glenn (
Lili Taylor) retrieves Detective Pennock's (
Blu Mankuma) 5906 after incapacitating him in "Mind's Eye" (S5E16). Note that this pistol features a stainless trigger, rather than a blued trigger like the Season 3 weapons.
Marty walks down the hallway, S&W 5906 in-hand in "Mind's Eye" (S5E16). Note the blued hammer just visible in this shot.
Glock 17
Glock 17 pistols are seen used by police and government officers throughout the series. A Glock 17 is also seen in the hands of a Syndicate operative accompanying Krycek in the season finale "The End" (S5E20).
Glock 17 2nd Generation - 9x19mm
On the right is a uniformed Baltimore police officer with his Glock 17 in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). To the left is a SWAT officer with an H&K MP5A3.
In "Kitsunegari" (S5E08), what appears to be a Glock 17 is seen wielded by the US Marshal behind the lead Marshal wielding a Remington 870.
A USAF Security Police gate guard draws a Glock 17 in "The Red and the Black. (S5E14).
The USAF SP guard wields a Glock 17 in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
A Syndicate operative wields a
Glock 17 in "The End" (S5E20).
M1911A1
Standard M1911A1 pistols are seen occasionally throughout the series. August Bremer (Michael MacRae), the leader of the New Spartans militia group in which Mulder infiltrates in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18), notably wields a blued M1911A1.
Colt Government Model (Pre-Series 70 Commercial M1911A1) blued with stainless hammer - .45 ACP
A masked August Bremer holds his
M1911A1 on a bank employee, initiating the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
Bremer keeps the M1911A1 on the bank employee as he opens the safe.
August Bremer (Michael MacRae) draws his M1911A1 as he argues with his second-in-command Jacob Haley (
Daniel von Bargen).
Beretta 92FS (Mocked up as Beretta 93R)
Syndicate operatives are seen firing what first appear to be Beretta 93R machine pistols in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). Upon closer inspection, the pistols have slide-mounted safeties, indicating they are actually Beretta 92FS pistols modified to pass for 93Rs; loaded with extended magazines, fitted with extended barrels with flash-hiders and faux folding foregrips and converted to full-automatic. These weapons have also been seen in the series Dark Angel, Harsh Realm, and other productions filmed in British Columbia.
Beretta 92FS rendered with extended barrel and magazine to resemble the
Beretta 93R - 9x19mm
Actual Beretta 93R (for comparison) - 9x19mm
Syndicate operatives fire
Beretta 93Rs (actually converted and modified
Beretta 92FSs) at Mulder in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
Closeup of the muzzle of one of the Berettas being fired in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
One of the Syndicate operatives reloads his Beretta in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
A Syndicate operative aims his modded/converted
Beretta 92FS at Mulder in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). The slide-mounted safety is visible in this image.
Ruger KP89
One of the drug dealers being assembled at a diner near the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11) is seen arming himself with what appears to be a Ruger KP89. Another KP89 is wielded by Syndicate operative/assassin 'Quiet Willy' (Willy Ross) during a flashback sequence shown in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Ruger KP89, Stainless version of P89 with stainless steel slide and alloy frame - 9x19mm
An associate holds out a Ruger KP89 for the dealer in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
The dug dealer pulls his Ruger in "Kill Switch" (S5E11). His associate behind him pulls what might be a
Jericho 941.
A
Ruger KP89 is seen laying next to the departed 'Quiet Willy' (Willy Ross) near the beginning of "The Red and the Black"
Just visible to the left is the barrel of the Ruger KP89 being drawn by 'Quiet Willy' in a flashback sequence shown in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Quiet Willy (Willy Ross) runs past Scully with the Ruger drawn in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Taurus PT92AFS (Nickel)
A nickel-plated Taurus PT92AFS is seen wielded by New Spartans militia member 'Skin-Head Man' (Douglas Arthurs) in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
Taurus PT92 (stainless) - 9x19mm
In the hands of militia member Skin-Head Man is a nickel Taurus PT92 pistol.
Smith & Wesson 5946 (Suppressed)
Syndicate operative 'The Black-Haired Man' (Michael Shamus Wiles) uses what appears to be a Smith & Wesson 5946 with suppressor mounted in the series finale "The End" (S5E20).
Smith & Wesson 5946 - 9x19mm
'The Black-Haired Man' (
Michael Shamus Wiles) wields what appears best to be a a suppressed
Smith & Wesson 5946 (note lack of decocker/safety on the left side) in the season finale "The End" (S5E20).
Unknown Pistol
One of the militia robbers in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) has an unknown stainless pistol holstered.
One of the New Spartans militia members involved in the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) has an unknown stainless automatic holstered. The style and shape of the butt appears to match that of a
Desert Eagle.
Revolvers
Taurus Model 66
Various Taurus Model 66 revolvers appear occasionally throughout the earlier seasons of the series. What appears to be a blued 4" barreled Taurus Model 66 is carried and wielded by Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03), however it is not seen clearly. Though he normally carries a SIG-Sauer P226 pistol in Season 5, this episode is a flashback story that takes place in 1989, prior to the events of the series.
Early model Taurus Model 66 with 6 round cylinder, blued finish and wood grips - .357 Magnum
Mulder takes cover with his revolver in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). Note the full barrel underlug with slightly-curved slanted nose to the muzzle, a good indicator this is a Taurus Model 66.
Smith & Wesson Military & Police
Early-version Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers (Then known as 'Military & Police' models) are seen throughout the flashback story in "Travelers" (S5E15), carried and wielded by FBI Agents Arthur Dale (Fredric Lane), his partner Agent Hayes Michel (Brian Leckner), as well as several other agents and police officers.
Smith & Wesson 'Military & Police' (Pre-Model 10) Revolver - .38 Special
Two police officers wield M&P revolvers in "Travelers" (S5E15).
Rossi Model 68
What appears to be a stainless snub-nosed Rossi Model 68 is carried and used by Susanne Modeski (Signy Coleman) in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). The revolver is also wielded by Mr. 'X' (Steven Williams).
Rossi Model 68 - .38 Special
The
Rossi Model 68 lays on the floor in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). Note the Interarms and Rossi markings.
Susanne Modeski (Signy Coleman) with the just-fired Rossi in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
'X' (
Steven Williams) checks the cylinder of the Model 68 in "Unusual Suspects". Note that the revolver appears to have only one round in the cylinder. Note also this particular sequence makes the common flub of having the cylinder making a 'ratcheting' sound despite the fact that when disengaged from the frame, the cylinder has nothing to actually ratchet against.
Closeup of the Rossi as X cocks it while Langly (Dean Haglund) and Frohike (Tom Braidwood) look on.
X with the
Rossi Model 68 on Byers (Bruce Harwood) in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
Smith & Wesson Model 66
A Smith & Wesson Model 66 is drawn by 'Pusher' Robert Patrick Modell (Robert Wisden) in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Smith & Wesson Model 66 'Combat Magnum' with 4" barrel - .357 Magnum
'Pusher' Robert Patrick Modell (
Robert Wisden) draws a Smith & Wesson Model 66 in "Kitsunegari" (S5E08).
Smith & Wesson Model 586
Sheriff Hartwell (Luke Wilson) carries what appears to be a Smith & Wesson Model 586 as his sidearm in "Bad Blood" (S5E12).
Smith & Wesson Model 586 'Distinguished Combat Magnum' with 4" barrel - .357 Magnum
Sheriff Hartwell fires his Smith & Wesson Model 586 alongside Mulder firing his SIG-Sauer P226 in "Bad Blood" (S5E12).
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. The Baltimore PD SWAT team in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03) notably uses H&K MP5A3s fitted with Surefire 628 forearms (Notable because the episode takes place in 1989, and neither MP5s nor Surefire forearms were widely used by SWAT teams at the time). Unlike in the previous season, the MP5A3s now also have optical sights on claw mounts in addition to dual-magazine clamps; this configuration is identical to the MP5A3s in first season of Stargate SG-1, which is not a coincidence because they are the same weapons used on both shows. (Both Season 5 of The X-Files and the first season of Stargate SG-1 were filmed concurrently in Vancouver and the MP5s were supplied by Tom Felcan.) More MP5A3s appear - without the aforementioned accessories - in the hands of U.N. peacekeeping troops in "Patient X" (S5E13).
Heckler & Koch MP5A3 with Surefire 628 dedicated forend weaponlight and safe-semi-two round burst trigger group - 9x19mm
A SWAT officer deploys with a modified
Heckler & Koch MP5A3 at the beginning of "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). This shot gives a good view of the receiver and claw-mounted optical sight.
On the left, a Baltimore SWAT officer with a MP5A3 with Surefire forend, optical sight and dual magazines at the beginning of "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03). On the right is a regular uniformed officer with a Glock 17.
A SWAT officer with his H&K MP5A3 in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
Baltimore SWAT officers search a building in "Unusual Suspects". The one in the foreground has an
MP5A3 while the one in the background wields an XM177-type carbine.
SWAT officers aim their MP5A3s at the men who would become 'The Lone Gunmen' - (Left to right) Melvin Frohike (Tom Braidwood, who was also an assistant director on
The X-Files and 2nd unit director on
Millennium), Richard "Ringo" Langly (Dean Haglund) and John Fitzgerald Byers (Bruce Harwood) - in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
Heckler & Koch MP5A3 with original "slimline" forearm - 9x19mm
The UN soldier in the center left is armed with a standard, non-modified MP5A3 in "Patient X" (S5E13). The soldier next to him on the right has a Daewoo K3 Para LMG.
To the left is a UN peacekeeper with a standard MP5A3 in "Patient X" (S5E13).
Heckler & Koch MP5SD3
In "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18), an undercover Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and the New Spartans militia group he infiltrates, wield Heckler & Koch MP5SD3s during a robbery. These weapons also appear again (fitted with laser sights) in the hands of FBI HRT operators in the next episode, "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Heckler & Koch MP5SD3 with S-E-F trigger group and stock extended - 9x19mm
In the background, a New Spartans militia member is seen with a
Heckler & Koch MP5SD3 in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). Additional MP5SDs, a Spectre M4, and an MP5A2 are seen on the table.
A masked Jacob Haley (
Daniel von Bargen) wields an H&K MP5SD3 during the bank robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
Another masked militia member wields an MP5SD3 in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18)
A masked militia member (Actually an undercover Fox Mulder) with a
Heckler & Koch MP5SD3 in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
A SWAT officer talks with Agent Scully (
Gillian Anderson) with an MP5SD3 in-hand in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
An FBI HRT agent with an H&K MP5SD3 in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Heckler & Koch MP5SD2
Some fixed-stock Heckler & Koch MP5SD2s are seen wielded along with the collapsible-stock SD3s in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) and "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Heckler & Koch MP5SD2 - 9x19mm
Just seen for an instant to the left is a SWAT officer with an MP5SD2 in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Heckler & Koch MP5A2
Two members of New Spartans militia group use fixed-stock Heckler & Koch MP5A2 submachine guns during the bank robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). Strangely, when the group is earlier seen unpacking and preparing weapons for the heist, they appear to be in possession of a large quantity of MP5A2s (at least 6-8 are visible during the sequence), but only two of the gunmen carry MP5A2s during the actual robbery (the rest, including Mulder, use MP5SD3s and Spectre M4s).
Heckler & Koch MP5A2 - 9x19mm with "tropical" wide handguard
A militia member checks an H&K MP5A2.
A masked militia member wields an MP5A2 during the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18)
Spectre M4
Two members of the New Spartans militia group in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) use Spectre M4 SMGs. These weapons also previously appeared in Season 4.
Masked militia members wield Spectre M4s during the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
To the left, a militia member wields a
Spectre M4 in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). Next to him, a masked August Bremer (Michael MacRae) wields a blued Colt Gov't Model (commerical
M1911A1).
Militia members wield Spectres during the robbery in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
Micro Uzi
The first drug dealer seen being sent to the diner at the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11) is seen arming himself with a Micro Uzi.
IMI Micro Uzi with 15 round magazine - 9x19mm
The drug dealer loads a magazine into his
Micro Uzi in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
The drug dealer draws his Micro Uzi in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
Uzi
Full-size Uzi SMGs are seen wielded by several UN soldiers in "Patient X" (S5E13).
IMI Uzi with buttstock collapsed - 9x19mm
An Uzi is wielded by a UN soldier in "Patient X" (S5E13).
An Uzi is wielded by the UN soldier in the center right in "Patient X" (S5E13).
MAC-10
A MAC-10 is seen among the weapons seen being checked by the New Spartans militia group in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18).
A militia member takes out a H&K MP5A2 from the crate in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18) - Inside the crate, to the right, is a MAC-10.
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.
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.
A US Air Force soldier moves up with a
Colt Model 715/Olympic Arms K4B at the ready in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14). Note this particular rifle appears to have the triangular
M16A1 handguards.
A solider wielding a Colt 715/OA K4B in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
To the right, a USAF Security Police officer wields a Colt 715/K4B rifle as Mulder is detained near the conclusion of "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Another USAF Security Police officer with either a Colt Model 715 or Olympic Arms K4B in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
XM177 (Mock-ups)
XM177-style carbines are seen used by military personnel and SWAT officers, including Baltimore SWAT officers in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03) and Air Force soldiers in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14). These appear to be the same weapons from previous seasons of the show - 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
Baltimore SWAT officers search a building in "Unusual Suspects". The one in the foreground has an MP5A3 while the one in the background wields an
XM177-style carbine.
A SWAT officer with an XM177 in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
A SWAT officer opens a warehouse door wielding an XM177 mockup in "Unusual Suspects" (S5E03).
Just to the left of Mulder, one of the soldiers wields an
XM177-style carbine in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14). To the right, in the foreground, another soldier wields a full-size M16 variant (either a Colt Model 715 or Olympic Arms K4B - see above). This particular XM mockup appears to be built off of an SP1 given the 'slickside' upper receiver (no shell deflector or forward assist) and 'slab-side' lower receiver (no magazine fencing).
To the left, a SWAT officer with an
XM177-style carbine in "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). This carbine features an A1E1 upper with brass deflector, indicating it is likely mocked up from an
Olympic Arms K3B.
Colt Model 933 / Olympic Arms K3B-FT 'Commando'
Several episodes in Season 5 feature appearances of newer-type Colt "Commando"-type carbines, usually in the hands of military personnel and SWAT officers. Though not seen closely, the Commando carbines seen in Season 5 appear to have 10" barrels, similar to the weapons from earlier seasons of the show, but upon closer inspection feature newer 'flat-top' railed upper receivers with detachable carry-handles, unlike the previously-seen fixed carry handle A1E1 upper-receiver carbines. This indicates that these weapons are more similar to the Colt Model 933 / MK 18 Mod 0 weapons. Most likely these are still short-barreled Olympic Arms K3B equivalents, but simply newer K3B-FT ('flat-top') variants of that series.
Colt Model 933 with 4-position stock - 5.56x45mm NATO. This is a 'shorty' version of the
M4 / M4A1 Carbine, with 11.5" barrel instead of the M4's 14.5" barrel. As such, it is sometimes referred to as 'M4 Commando', however that is not an official designation.
MK 18 Mod 0 10.5" barrel M4-type carbine with standard handguard installed - 5.56x45mm (This image is used solely for visual reference - In terms of overall appearance, this is one of the closest-looking examples matching the weapon seen in the show)
A soldier wields a shorty Colt Commando-type carbine in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14). Note the slightly different-shaped (removable) carry-handle on this weapon, indicating it is a newer carbine with railed flat-top upper receiver, akin to a
Colt Model 933.
Another soldier in the background dismounts with a shortened Commando variant in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14). Note again the post-A2 flattop receiver with removable carry-handle.
The USAF soldier with his Colt Commando variant in "The Red and the Black" (S5E14).
Norinco Type 84S
The Norinco Type 84S was briefly used on the show by Russian soldiers (as an AK-74 stand-in). Several of these weapons are notably seen in the hands of several soldiers in a group of Russian troops led by Alex Krycek (Nicholas Lea) as they encounter a UN military force at a UFO abduction site in Kazakhstan near the beginning of "Patient X" (S5E13). Most of these rifles appear to be 'Target' variants (see below). Only a few of these weapons are seen (not all the troops are armed with them) - There is a possibility that there were not many AK rifles available in Vancouver during the mid-1990s, which could explain why not all of the soldiers were armed with these rifles.
Norinco Type 84S - 5.56x45mm
Norinco Type 84S-1 Underfolder Model - 5.56x45mm
Several troops led by Alex Krycek (
Nicholas Lea) are armed with Type 84S rifles in "Patient X" (S5E13).
Norinco Type 84S Target
Most of the relatively few Type 84S rifles seen on the show were 'Target' variants with long barrels - Some with full stocks and some with an underfolder stock (Norinco Type 84S-1). A Type 84S-1 'Target' variant appeared most prominently in the episode "Folie à Deux" (S5E19) where it was used by call-center worker Gary Lambert (Brian Markinson) to hold Mulder and several employees in his office hostage.
Norinco Type 84S "Target" Rifle with fixed stock - 5.56x45mm. Basically a standard Norinco Type 84S with a slightly longer barrel. The variant that appears in
The X-Files has an underfolder stock (Type 84S-1).
Alex Krycek (
Nicholas Lea) marches up and begins interrogating Marita Covarrubias in "Patient X" (S5E13) - One of the Russian troops under his command to the right is armed with a folding-stock Norinco Type 84S-1 Target. Krycek himself appears to be armed with a
Beretta 92FS.
Lambert loads the magazine (clearly with 5.56x45mm cartridges) for his Type 84S in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Lambert loads the magazine into the rifle.
Lambert with the Type 84S-1 Target in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
The Type 84S-1 Target seen cycling as Lambert fires it at the ceiling in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Lambert fires the Type 84.
Good sideview of the
Type 84S-1 Target as Lambert holds it in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Lambert aims the Type 84S just before being taken down by FBI HRT operators (note the red laser dots) in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19). Clearly visible in this shot is the distinctive hooded front sight, a feature unique to Chinese AKs.
L1A1 SLR
Standard L1A1 SLRs are seen wielded by several UN soldiers near the beginning of "Patient X" (S5E13).
L1A1 SLR - 7.62x51mm NATO. This is the later, typical version of the L1A1 which used black fiberglass furniture.
To the right, an
L1A1 SLR is seen in "Patient X" (S5E13). Note the sights, handguard style, furniture, and receiver lacking the open top cover, all indicating these are British L1A1 variants, and not the Canadian-made version.
A UN soldier with a L1A1 in "Patient X" (S5E13).
Krycek turns to speak to Marita Covarrubias in "Patient X". To the left, in the background, is a UN soldier with an L1A1 SLR with scope mounted.
M16A2
What appear to be actual M16A2 rifles are seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in the first part of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
M16A2 - Select Fire rifle (Safe/Semi/3 round Burst Only) - 5.56x45mm
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage of Operation Desert Storm is shown with U.S. soldiers seen wielding several weapons. The nearer prone soldier has an
M16A2 with bayonet mounted.
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived news media footage shows what appears to be a training exercise with U.S. soldiers armed with M16A2s.
M16 / XM16E1
An original M16 Rifle or XM16E1 Rifle is seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in "Redux" (S5E01). The rifle has the tapered '3 Prong' flash-hider which was used on both the USAF-issued M16 (Colt Model 604) and the XM16E1, however the receiver of the rifle is not shown so a more definitive ID can't be made.
The original M16, the first version, with 20-round magazine, adopted in large numbers by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. This has the original
3-Prong flash hider. It would later be replaced by the upgraded
M16A1 - 5.56x45mm
XM16E1 rifle with 20 round magazine (Note partial magazine fencing, forward assist and 3-Prong flash-hider) - 5.56x45mm
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage shows a clip of President Lyndon B. Johnson and General William Westmoreland - In the foreground is a soldier armed with either an original M16 or XM16E1 (note the flash-hider).
Ruger Super Redhawk (Mocked up to resemble the KAC Revolver Rifle)
The weapon used by Syndicate operative/assassin 'Quiet Willy' (Willy Ross) in the second part of the two-part season opener "Redux II" (S5E02) is what appears to be a Knight's Armament Revolver Rifle. This rifle is actually a mock-up built on a Ruger Super Redhawk revolver that was fitted with a carbine length bull barrel, scope, bipod, and a black synthetic buttstock. The weapon was originally built by Felcan Enterprises for the film Another Stakeout, but would subsequently be re-used on numerous productions filmed in Vancouver, including The Sentinel, Supernatural and Psych, in addition to The X-Files. Since the real Knight's Revolver Rifle also used a Ruger Super Redhawk as a base gun, this method for creating the mockup approximated the production method for the original weapon.
Ruger Super Redhawk - .44 Magnum
Knight's Armament Revolver Rifle - .30 Caliber
'Quiet Willy', opens the case containing the
Ruger Super Redhawk revolver (as part of a mockup of the KAC revolver rifle) in "Redux II" (S5E02).
'Quiet Willy' (Willy Ross) handles the revolver as he assembles the rifle mockup in "Redux II" (S5E02).
Quiet Willy mounts the scope on the KAC mockup.
Closeup of the cylinder as Quiet Willy cocks the Ruger/KAC mockup.
Quiet Willy aims the rifle in "Redux II" (S5E02).
Remington 700 (Choate Ultimate Sniper Stock)
A syndicate assassin known only as 'The Shooter' (Martin Ferrero) uses what appears to be a Remington 700 modified/fitted in a Choate Ultimate Sniper Stock in an attempt to assassinate Gibson Praise (Jeff Gulka) at the beginning of the season finale "The End" (S5E20).
Remington 700 fitted with Choate Ultimate Sniper Stock - 7.62x51mm NATO
The Shooter opens the case containing the broken-down
Remington 700 at the beginning of the season finale "The End" (S5E20).
A shot of the hollow Choate buttstock.
The Shooter loads a single round (appears to be a 7.62x51mm cartridge) into the magazine.
The Shooter (
Martin Ferrero) loads the magazine into the Choate-stocked Remington 700 in "The End" (S5E20).
The bipod is seen as The Shooter sets up the Remington 700.
The Shooter with the rifle in "The End" (S5E20).
Shotguns
Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" (Custom)
A custom Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" with a chrome finish on the barrel and magazine tube and an MP5K style pump is used by Scott Ostelhoff (Steve Makaj) in part one of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01). This weapon had appeared in the preceding episode, Season 4's finale "Gethsemane" (S4E24). 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.
Ithaca 37 "Stakeout" parkerized finish with Synthetic forearm - 12 Gauge
Ostelhoff grabs the custom Ithaca "Stakeout" in "Redux" (S5E01).
Ostelhoff brings the Ithaca to bear in "Redux" (S5E01).
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
Remington 870 with standard stock and Surefire dedicated forend weaponlight - 12 Gauge
In "Kitsunegari" (S5E08), the lead US Marshal wields a Remington 870.
In "Kitsuengari" (S5E08), two Deputy US Marshals behind Scully (
Gillian Anderson) wield
Remington 870 shotguns. One has a standard variant while the other has one with a Surefire weaponlight forend/pump-grip.
A Deputy US Marshal checks an approaching vehicle with a Surefire-equipped Remington 870 in-hand in "Kitsuengari" (S5E08).
A Deputy US Marshal enters a diner (inside which several drug dealers have been assembled) with a standard 870, precipitating a major shootout near the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
Remington 870 Shorty Custom
One particular customized Remington 870 is briefly seen wielded by a SWAT officer near the conclusion of "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). The shotgun features a short barrel and forend with Butler Creek tactical synthetic loop pump-grip, pistol grip, and and top-mount accessory rail as well as a heatshield over the barrel. Though some of these features are not clearly seen, they match those of custom Remington 870s that have appeared previously in the first and third seasons of the series, as well as in the films Timecop, Crying Freeman, and several other movies and TV shows filmed in British Columbia.
Remington 870 fitted with Butler Creek Tactical foregrip - 12 Gauge
Just barely seen to the right is a SWAT officer with a modified
Remington 870 as Mulder hurries past near the conclusion of "The Pine Bluff Variant" (S5E18). The shotgun resembles those of customized 870s seen in numerous other productions in British Columbia (those shotguns generally feature pistol grips with full buttstocks, as opposed to this one which appears to have only a pistol grip stock, similar to the variant shown in the
first season of the show).
Side-by-Side Double Barreled Shotgun
Michael Asekoff (Alf Humphreys) is seen wielding a Side-by-Side Double Barreled Shotgun when he and his son Louis (Tyler Thompson) are out hunting in "Detour" (S5E04).
1960s Era Commercial Stevens hammerless side by side shotgun - 12 Gauge
Micheal Asekoff loads his Side-by-Side Shotgun in "Detour" (S5E04).
Micheal Asekoff wields his shotgun in "Detour" (S5E04).
Sawed-Off Side-by-Side Double Barreled Shotgun
A Sawed-off Side-by-Side Shotgun is seen being wielded by one of the drug dealers assembled in the diner near the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
Remington Spartan Sawed Off shotgun - 12 gauge
To the right, a drug dealer pulls his Sawed-off Side-by-Side shotgun near the beginning of "Kill Switch" (S5E11). The black shape to the upper left corner of the frame is the bag in which the shotgun was hidden.
Seen for just an instant are the barrels of the dealer's Sawed-off DBL shotgun being brought to bear in "Kill Switch" (S5E11).
Machine Guns
M249 SAW / FN Minimi
What appears to be either an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) or FN Minimi is seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in the first part of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
FN Minimi with 200-round ammo drum - 5.56x45mm (note 90-degree carry handle and flash hider design).
M249 (first pattern U.S. adopted variant of the original FN Minimi) - 5.56x45mm. The only noticeable change from the Belgian Minimi is the rear sight design and cut outs in the buttstock. Other minor changes would result in the M249-E1 and the M249-E2.
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage of Operation Desert Storm is shown with U.S. soldiers seen wielding several weapons. One of the soldiers farthest in the background appears to have an
M249 SAW (which could possibly instead be a standard
FN Minimi, as several thousand were purchased outright to supplement troops for ODS).
M60
An M60 machine gun is seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in "Redux" (S5E01).
M60 machine gun with bipod folded - 7.62x51mm NATO
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage shows a soldier firing an M60.
Daewoo K3
A Daewoo K3 Paratrooper is briefly seen wielded by one of the UN soldiers in "Patient X" (S5E13).
A Daewoo K3 "Paratrooper" model, with a chopped barrel buttstock removed to resemble an M249 Paratrooper, and with a 200 round "soft pack" magazine - 5.56x45mm
A UN soldier dismounts with a Daewoo K3 Para in "Patient X" (S5E13).
The UN soldier in the center right is armed with a Daewoo K3 Paratrooper LMG in "Patient X" (S5E13). The soldier next to him on the left is armed with a standard MP5A3.
Browning M37 (M1919 Coaxial / Vehicle-Mount)
What appear to be twin M37 Machine Guns are mounted in a turret on the SWAT vehicle used to smash into the building in which Gary Lambert (Brian Markinson) is holding Mulder and other individuals hostage in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19). This vehicle would later appear in an episode of Dark Angel, also filmed in British Columbia.
Browning M37 - .30-06 Springfield. This was a variant of the Browning M1919 machine gun, designed for fitting to armored vehicles and was capable of being fed from either side of the weapon (this example has the bolt retracting bar removed).
The armored SWAT vehicle with twin M37 machine guns mounted in "Folie à Deux" (S5E19).
Closeup of the barrels of the twin machine guns on the armored vehicle as a FBI HRT agent exits the hatch.
Other
M136 AT-4
An M136 AT4 launcher is seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in the first part of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
M136 AT4 Anti-Tank recoilless launcher - 84mm
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage of Operation Desert Storm is shown with U.S. soldiers seen wielding several weapons. The kneeling soldier most prominent in the image fires an M136 AT4 launcher.
M107 175mm Gun
What appear to be M107 175mm towed artillery guns are seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in the first part of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage shows an M107 175mm gun being fired.
Another M107 gun in "Redux" (S5E01).
105mm Howitzer
What appears to be a 105mm Howitzer is seen in archived media footage shown as extra exposition during Michael Kritschgau's (John Finn) conversation with Mulder in the first part of the two-part season opener "Redux" (S5E01).
Shown as a exposition clip in "Redux" (S5E01) during Kritschgau's conversation, archived media footage shows a 105mm howitzer.
See Also
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