In this blog, we explain the difference between blank guns and real firearms.
A blank gun resembles a real firearm but is designed only for self-defense and produces noise, muzzle flash, and gas pressure, but does not propel a standard metal bullet downrange. Because blank guns only fire blank cartridges that make a loud bang sound, they are also known as non-lethal weapons. Protecting oneself and one’s loved ones is the only reason to own this firearm. This gun’s barrel is blocked at the front, indicating it is designed to fire only blanks, not live ammunition. The purpose of these 9mm blank guns is to simulate a shot being fired without actually firing anything. They make use of blank rounds loaded with gunpowder, which ignite to produce a spark or flash. Front-firing and top-firing models are mentioned by novices because, depending on the type, gases are released upwards in top-firing models and through the barrel in front-firing models. They are designed to simulate the sound and action of a live gun without firing a projectile.
Internal Working of Blank Guns
When you pull the trigger, the primer ignites the propellant in the blank cartridge. This creates hot gas, a loud report, and often a visible muzzle flash. Some blanks also include a paper or plastic wad that briefly exits the barrel but falls away quickly. Blank guns operate like regular guns mechanically, but they have no conventional bullet in the cartridge.
How many bullets were fired at one time?
A blank pistol fires one blank cartridge per trigger pull—just like a real gun fires one round per trigger pull (unless it’s a fully automatic model). You do not get multiple projectiles from a single trigger pull.
Materials blank guns are made from:
Common materials include zinc or zinc-alloy die-cast, steel for internal parts, and sometimes polymer for grips or frames. Lower-cost models often utilize zinc alloys, while higher-end blank-firing weapons may incorporate more steel and polymer parts.
Blank cartridges (ammo)—what they’re made of:
Blank cartridges usually have a brass or steel casing, a primer, and a reduced/no projectile. The propellant is real gunpowder or a similar charge sized to produce sound and gas but not to propel a bullet. Some blank rounds use paper or plastic wads to seal the gas briefly.
Blank gun uses:
- Film, theater, and TV as realistic prop weapons.
- Starter pistols for races or events.
- Training and simulation for drills where real bullets are unsafe.
- Dog training, signalling, or crowd-control simulations.
- Some people buy them for collection or theatrical reenactments.
(Important note: using or carrying blank guns and real firearms for self-defense is not reliable and can be dangerous; check local laws and safety guidance.)
Holsters for blank guns:
Blank guns use the same kinds of holsters as real pistols because their shapes are similar. Common holster types:
- Holster silver knight: belt-mounted, quick access.
- JD 16 GUN HOLSTER: hidden carry inside the pants.
- Thigh/Drop holster: strapped to the thigh, used in tactical looks.
- Shoulder holster: under the arm attached to a harness.
Materials and construction: leather, heavy-duty nylon (such as Cordura), or rigid plastics like Kydex. Holsters attach with belt loops, clips, or straps and are chosen for retention, comfort, and concealment. For blank guns used in film, coaches often choose secure holsters that prevent accidental exposure on set.
Blank guns and real firearms are different because a blank is for self-defense, and a real gun is for shooting and killing things, like animals, birds, etc.
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What Is a Real Gun?
A real gun (also called a firearm) is a weapon designed to fire live bullets at high speed and power. It uses gunpowder to propel a solid projectile (bullet) toward a target. Real guns are powerful, dangerous, and strictly controlled by law in most countries.
Real firearm uses:
Real guns are used by:
- Military and police for security and protection
- Civilians for self-defense (where legal)
- Hunters for wildlife hunting
- Sport shooters for target practice and competitions
To use a real gun, the shooter:
- Loads the magazine with live bullets
- Inserts the magazine into the gun
- Pulls the slide or hammer to chamber a round
- Pulls the trigger → bullet is fired through the barrel
How a real firearm is made
Real guns are made from strong and durable materials because they must handle high pressure from live ammunition:
- Steel—used for the barrel, slide, and firing components
- Aluminum alloy – lightweight parts of the frame
- Polymer (high-strength plastic)—used in modern pistol frames and grips
- These materials are heat-treated for strength, durability, and safety.
A real gun fires one bullet per trigger pull in semi-automatic models.
Only fully automatic firearms can fire multiple bullets continuously while holding the trigger, but those are usually restricted to military use.
How Real Guns Fire Bullets
When the trigger is pulled:
- The firing pin strikes the primer
- The primer ignites the gunpowder
- The explosion pushes the bullet (projectile) through the barrel at high speed
- The bullet travels toward the target and can cause serious injury or death
Important: Real guns fire live projectiles, not blanks.
Real Gun Magazine (Capacity & Material)
Magazine Purpose:
A magazine stores and feeds live bullets into the gun during shooting.
Capacity (Number of Bullets):
- Small pistols: 6–10 rounds
- Standard pistols: 12–17 rounds
- Extended magazines: 20+ rounds
- Revolvers: 5–8 bullets in the cylinder
Note: Carrying blank guns and real firearms in South Africa is dangerous, so before practice, don’t use these guns outside the home.
Blank Guns vs Real Firearms (Quick Analysis)
| Feature/Aspect | Blank Guns | Real Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Uses blank cartridges (no projectile) | Uses live bullets with a projectile (bullet) |
| Firing Mechanism | Produces sound, muzzle flash, and recoil, but no projectile | Fires a bullet capable of causing damage or injury |
| Purpose | Hunting, self-defense, law enforcement, and combat | Hunting, self-defense, law enforcement, combat |
| Legal Restrictions | Less strict in many countries; often easier to own | Highly regulated; strict licensing required |
| Lethality | Not designed to kill; can still cause injury at close range | Designed to lethal |
| Range | Zero projectile range; only noise and flash | Can shoot bullets over long distances accurately |
| Internal Mechanism | Similar appearance but simplified; may not withstand high pressure | Fully engineered to handle high-pressure live rounds |
| Cost | Generally cheaper than real guns | Usually more expensive due to complexity and materials |
| Maintenance | Training, theatrical use, signaling, and self-defense simulation | Requires regular maintenance due to higher pressure and moving parts |
| Weight & Build | Often lighter; can be made of plastic or metal | Easier, fewer parts and less wear |
