Why Prop Guns Can Be Lethal: The Real Danger On Film Sets

Screen Rant says although incidents on set are incredibly rare, prop guns still carry a substantial risk. Here’s how dangerous they can be if used improperly.

After the tragic accident on the set of Rust this week, questions are being asked over why prop guns can be lethal. Given their intent to imitate rather than replicate real firearms, it seems as though it should be impossible for them to do serious damage. However, as several disastrous incidents in cinematic history prove, they aren’t always as safe as they should be.

Prop guns are once again at the center of attention after Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was sadly killed after an accident on set. According to witnesses, the incident occurred as Baldwin was filming a shootout scene for the new movie – a western which ironically chronicles the accidental death of a rancher. Both Hutchins and the film’s director, Joel Souza, were hurt in the incident, with the 42-year-old director of photography ultimately passing away. Baldwin himself was confirmed to have been in control of the prop gun at the time and has since released a statement on Twitter, in which he expressed his “shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins”. Production of the film itself has now been halted.

https://screenrant.com/prop-gun-shooting-danger-alec-baldwin-brandon-lee/