The Silent Characters: Hidden Stories of Guns in Iconic Crime TV Shows

From the dimly lit streets of New Jersey in “The Sopranos” to the arid landscapes of New Mexico in “Breaking Bad”, contemporary television series have not only captured audiences with intricate plots and deep character developments but have also showcased a myriad of firearms that hold significant historical and cultural value. These weapons, often more than mere props, serve to accentuate a character’s personality, symbolize power dynamics, or emphasize pivotal plot twists.

Series like “The Americans” and “Better Call Saul” dive deep into the world of espionage and law, respectively, highlighting the importance of firearms in determining a character’s professional and moral stance. Similarly, “True Detective” weaves a tale of mystery and suspense, with firearms punctuating key moments of tension and revelation.

Whether it’s the classic Colt 1911, embodying old-world charm and reliability, or the compact but powerful Walther PPK, often associated with covert operations and espionage, each gun has a story to tell. Models like the Beretta 92FS and Desert Eagle speak of modernity and raw power, while the rapid-fire Uzi or the formidable AK-47 hint at larger, more dangerous confrontations.

In this article, we will embark on a journey through these popular series, exploring the legendary and renowned firearm models they feature and deciphering the underlying narrative behind their selection and use.

IMDb RATING: 9.2/10
Creator: David Chase
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
Guns: Colt 1911, Beretta 92FS, Desert Eagle, Walther PPK, Uzi, AK-47

“The Sopranos” is an American crime drama television series that aired from 1999 to 2007, created by David Chase. The series focuses on mob boss Tony Soprano, who juggles the demands of his crime family with those of his personal life, including sessions with a therapist.
Tony Soprano is a modern-day mob boss in New Jersey. Despite his powerful position in the criminal underworld, he faces many personal and professional challenges. These challenges include conflicts with rival gangsters, federal investigations, and personal problems stemming from his family and his own psychological issues. Throughout the series, viewers gain an inside look at the complexities and paradoxes of the mafia lifestyle, presented against the backdrop of suburban American life.

Tony Soprano: The central character, Tony is a deeply complex individual. While he’s capable of extreme violence and cruelty as a mob boss, he also showcases vulnerability, especially in his therapy sessions. His internal conflict is palpable, torn between his duty to his crime family and his love for his nuclear family.
Role of Firearms in the Series:

Firearms, as symbols of power and danger, are frequently used throughout the series. Here’s a breakdown of the mentioned guns:

Colt 1911: This is a classic firearm and has been favored by many throughout history, including gangsters. In “The Sopranos,” the Colt 1911 is often associated with tradition, authority, and reliability. It is occasionally seen in the hands of various characters, symbolizing their connection to the old ways of the mafia.

We also couldn’t pass up this classic and refined model and made our Colt 1911 variants in several scales from 1:6 to 1:3. Now I will show you what the largest of these pistols looks like.

Colt 1911 Scale 1:3 works with 2mm cartridges. It has movable shutter, removable magazine and trigger mechanism. And also beautiful detailing: stallion engraving on the barrel, beautifully made wooden grips, all this adds to the realism of this miniature.

Beretta 92FS: This pistol is often seen as a standard sidearm for many characters throughout the series. Its presence is a nod to its popularity among law enforcement and criminals alike. The Beretta, in the context of the show, represents the common tools of the trade in the organized crime world.

Desert Eagle: Recognizable for its large size and power, the Desert Eagle is a statement gun. When it appears in the series, it often serves as a symbol of excessive force or overcompensation, highlighting a character’s desire to appear fearsome.

Walther PPK: Best known as James Bond’s gun, the Walther PPK in “The Sopranos” represents subtlety and sophistication. It’s a compact weapon, easier to conceal, and its appearance often indicates a character’s need for discretion.

Throughout “The Sopranos,” firearms are not just tools of violence; they are symbolic extensions of the characters who wield them. They offer insight into the personalities, motivations, and fears of these characters, grounding the series in a gritty reality while also providing layers of nuanced storytelling.

Nothing’s more useless than an unloaded gun

IMDb RATING: 9.5/10
Creator: Vince Gilligan
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Guns: Glock 17, AK-47, Taurus Revolver, Beretta 92FS, Browning Hi-Power

“Breaking Bad” is an American neo-Western crime drama television series created by Vince Gilligan. The show aired from 2008 to 2013. It’s centered around Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his former student and business partner, Jesse Pinkman.

Walter White is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In a bid to secure his family’s financial future, he partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to produce and sell high-quality methamphetamine. As they delve deeper into the drug trade, the duo faces numerous challenges from law enforcement and rival drug dealers. The series delves into the moral decay and transformation of Walter from a meek teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin known as “Heisenberg.”

Walter White (Heisenberg): The central character undergoes a profound transformation, from a struggling teacher to a drug lord. His descent into the criminal world is punctuated by moments of extreme violence and moral ambiguity.

Jesse Pinkman: Initially a small-time meth manufacturer, Jesse becomes Walter’s partner. He struggles with the moral implications of their actions and seeks redemption throughout the series.

Role of Firearms in the Series:

Firearms play a pivotal role in “Breaking Bad”, symbolizing the increasing danger and stakes as Walter and Jesse navigate the perilous drug world.

Glock 17: Commonly seen throughout the series, the Glock 17 represents the standard tool of the trade in the drug business. Its ubiquitous presence in the hands of various characters, from law enforcement to criminals, underscores the ever-present threat of violence in this world.

AK-47: This iconic assault rifle is a symbol of serious firepower and is often associated with intense, escalated conflicts within the series. When the AK-47 appears, it signifies that a situation has reached a critical level of danger. Walter’s purchase of this weapon highlights his willingness to go to great lengths to protect his empire.

Another model that no true gun lover will miss. Just look at this mini AK-47 in ⅙ scale.

We added parts of expensive decorative wood to make the model look even more presentable. Because this is one of our bestsellers that is often bought as a gift. The model is also functional. It works with 2mm caliber cartridges.

You can get to know in detail here:

Go to mini AK-47

Taurus Revolver: The revolver, as opposed to the more modern firearms in the series, brings a sense of old-school, Western-style justice or vengeance. When it’s brandished, it often indicates a deeply personal confrontation, a moment of reckoning or decision.

Throughout “Breaking Bad,” guns are more than just instruments of violence. They mark significant turning points in the narrative, representing shifts in power, intent, and the increasing stakes as Walter’s journey into the criminal underworld progresses. The firearms, like the characters who wield them, evolve and serve as barometers for the rising tension and moral decay witnessed throughout the series.

If you’re gonna bring a gun, you gotta bring enough gun

IMDb RATING: 8.4/10
Creator: Joseph Weisberg
Stars: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati
Guns: Beretta 92FS, Browning Hi-Power, Colt M1911A1, Makarov PM, Tokarev TT

“The Americans” is an American period drama television series, which aired from 2013 to 2018, created by Joe Weisberg. Set during the Cold War, it revolves around the complex lives of two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple living in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

Elizabeth and Philip Jennings seem like an average American couple, with their two children, a house, and a travel agency. However, they are in fact deep-cover Soviet spies, involved in a myriad of espionage activities against the U.S. government. As the series progresses, the Jennings grapple with the increasing tension of their double lives, loyalty to their homeland, the moral complexities of their missions, and the safety of their family.

Elizabeth Jennings: A dedicated KGB officer, Elizabeth struggles to reconcile her loyalty to the Soviet Union with the life she’s built in America. She is often more ideologically rigid than her husband, Philip.
Philip Jennings: While also a committed spy, Philip grapples more deeply with the moral implications of their work. As the series progresses, his emotional conflict grows, particularly as he starts to appreciate certain aspects of American life.
Role of Firearms in the Series:

Given the espionage theme, firearms in “The Americans” often symbolize the concealed danger beneath the surface of ordinary life.

Makarov PM: This semi-automatic pistol is standard issue for Soviet military and police during the period. In the series, the Makarov PM signifies the hidden yet ever-present link to their Soviet roots. When it appears, it reminds viewers of the Jennings’ true allegiance and the ever-present danger of their occupation.

Tokarev TT: Another Soviet pistol, the Tokarev TT, is older than the Makarov but has a history tied to the Soviet military and police. When the Tokarev is used, it typically underscores the weight of history and tradition in the clandestine battles of the Cold War.

Throughout “The Americans,” firearms are symbols of the series’ central tension: the hidden world of espionage lurking beneath the veneer of suburban normality. These Soviet firearms, in particular, serve as a tangible connection to the Jennings’ true identities and their dangerous, double lives. The presence and usage of these guns amplify the stakes and reinforce the series’ themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice.

Elizabeth: I killed a KGB Officer, left her to die in the street.
Philip: What were you supposed to do?

You’ve Mistaken My Kindness For Weakness

IMDb RATING: 8.9/10
Creator: Nic Pizzolatto
Stars: Colin Farrell, Matthew McConaughey, Mahershala Ali, Woody Harrelson, Rachel McAdams
Guns: SIG-Sauer P220, Desert Eagle, Colt Python, M16, Glock 17

“True Detective” is an American anthology crime drama television series created by Nic Pizzolatto. Since its premiere in 2014, each season introduces new casts and new cases, but the show consistently delves deep into the psyches of its protagonists, blending detective investigation with complex characters and philosophical undertones.

Each season of “True Detective” is a stand-alone narrative featuring different detectives, settings, and mysteries:

Season 1: Set in Louisiana, it follows detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart as they revisit a haunting murder case they worked on in 1995.
Season 2: Set in California, this season delves into the investigation of a corrupt city manager’s murder amidst a backdrop of political and personal intrigue.
Season 3: Set in the Ozarks, it spans several decades, as detective Wayne Hays investigates the disappearance of two children and tries to piece together his fragmented memories.
(Additional seasons would follow their own narratives and characters.)

Rust Cohle (Season 1): A deeply philosophical detective, Rust’s views on life and his analytical mind both aid and hinder him as he delves into the dark heart of the Louisiana murder case.
Marty Hart (Season 1): More traditional than Rust, Marty’s personal life and choices play a significant role in the unfolding drama of the first season.
Role of Firearms in the Series:

Firearms in “True Detective” often symbolize the line between order and chaos, with characters wielding them as tools to exert control or defend against the encroaching darkness.

Desert Eagle: A powerful and large-caliber semi-automatic pistol, the Desert Eagle in the series is a symbol of raw power. Its occasional appearance usually signals a scene of intense confrontation or a turning point in an investigation.

Colt Python: Known for its accuracy and powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, the Colt Python is a symbol of old-school detective work. Its presence often serves to contrast the changing landscape of police work and the challenges faced by detectives in a changing world.

M16: A standard-issue military rifle, the M16’s appearances usually indicate escalated, organized violence or military-level threats. It stands as a reminder of the broader implications of the cases, often hinting at deep-rooted corruption or larger conspiracies at play.

Throughout “True Detective,” firearms aren’t merely tools of the trade but reflective of the series’ deeper themes. The choice of weapon, its usage, and its prominence in key scenes serve to underscore the show’s exploration of morality, decay, memory, and the often blurred lines between good and evil.

Hell of a day when a gunfight is the second most exciting thing that happens to you

Let’s finish the review with our miniature Desert Eagle. We also made this popular model in several scales. Hopefully you’ve already seen it in ¼ scale. Now I will show a tiny ⅙ scale.

This is 2mm pifire model. The shot is quite powerful, despite the size. And also it has a good detailing, even the eagle logo on the handle was added.

You can get to know in detail here:

About the Author

My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.

My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.