The Return of the Living Dead

The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

The following weapons were used in the film The Return of the Living Dead:

Walther P38

Ernie Kaltenbrünner (Don Calfa) carries a pearl-handled Walther P38. Initially, Don Calfa was suppose to carry a "Broomhandle Mauser" as he explains in the special features section on the blu-ray disc, but it was not ideal to draw quickly from a holster. Don Calfa and Dan O'Bannon then decided on the more ergonomically shaped Walther P38. In the film's novelization, he carries a Luger P08.

Walther P38 with pearl grips- 9x19mm.

A startled Ernie reflexively draws his Walther P38 on Burt Wilson (Clu Gulager), who startled him.

Ernie holding the Walther P38.

Ernie reaches for his P38.

Smith & Wesson Model 19

A Smith & Wesson Model 19 is carried by one of the police officers investigating the ambulances that haven't reported in. Later several officers at the roadblock are seen with revolvers that are also probably Model 19's.

Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum - .357 magnum

The cop (played by a real-life officer) searches the area where the ambulances are.

Finding a killed paramedic, the cop stoops down to investigate, giving a better if somewhat blurred view of his gun.

The zombies attack the cop, who fires at them with his S&W. Much is made in the DVD audio commentary of the firing stance the actor assumes; both hands on the weapon, knees bent.

Smith & Wesson Model 60

The Tac Squad captain (Bob Libman) in charge of the roadblock carries a Smith & Wesson Model 60 stainless revolver.

Early version of the Smith & Wesson Model 60 - .38 Special Only

The captain watches helplessly as his men are eaten by the zombies, not noticing more undead beginning to seize him.

The captain is taken down by the zombies without ever getting to fire his gun.

Various Guns

Most of the police Tac Squad members carry revolvers but at least two are shown with pump-action shotguns.