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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!

The Silence of the Lambs is the 1991 thriller that was an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris and marked the first appearance of Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In the film, FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) enlists Lecter's help in order to track down a notorious serial killer who has kidnapped a US Senator's daughter. Directed by Jonathan Demme (The Manchurian Candidate), the film would win the Academy Award for Best Picture as well as acting wins for both Hopkins and Foster. Hopkins would reprise his role as Lecter in two more films: Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).

The following weapons were used in the film The Silence of the Lambs:

Handguns

Smith and Wesson Model 13

FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) carries the standard-FBI-issue Smith & Wesson Model 13. This .357 magnum, 3" barrel revolver was the last revolver issued by the FBI (usually loaded with .38 spl +P .158 gr LHP ammo). Starling is shown being issued her Model 13 and training with it on the range in the deleted scenes. She is also seen doing a quick reload of her revolver with a speedloader after she opens fire on a suspect and expends all 6 rounds. When Starling fires her weapon at the suspect, there is noticeable recoil and she flinches. However, when she fires it on the range in the deleted scenes, there is absolutely no recoil, and she keeps her eyes open. This could indicate multiple weapons were used on the set.

Smith & Wesson Model 13 - .357 Magnum

FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) checks in her S&W Model 13 with Sgt. Tate when visiting Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Memphis. She draws the revolver, then opens the cylinder, but does not unload it before handing it to Tate.

Closeup of her S&W Model 13 and her speedloader after Tate sets it on the table. The revolver used by Jodie Foster in the movie has a Pachmayr Grip adaptor, true to the actual FBI-issued firearm at the time. Also note that the rounds in the speedloader are SJHP, and not the .38 spl LSWCHP +P, used by the FBI in that era.

"FBI, You're safe!" Clarice with her S&W Model 13 drawn at the ready as she shouts to Gumb's hostage, Catherine Martin, in Gumb's basement.

Clarice opens fire on a suspect in the dark with her S&W Model 13.

FBI recruits including Clarice (Jodie Foster) training in a deleted scene. The range director in the scene tells the recruits that they are to prepare for "double-action" training, and the actors correctly refrain from cocking the hammers.

Later in the same deleted scene, Clarice draws her S&W Model 13. Her holster seems to be the one that the FBI used with the S&W at the time (note the speedloader pouch).

Yet another deleted scene shows Clarice being issued her field weapon. (Due to the fact that she holsters it without looking, she appears to holster the weapon backwards.)

Browning Hi-Power

As they close in on Lecter, one of the SWAT officers is seen with a Browning Hi-Power with Target sights before he opens the elevator access panel. Another SWAT officer appears to use a Browning HP to shoot a motionless suspect in the leg.

Browning Hi-Power "Type 73" w/ Target sights - 9x19mm. These Hi-Powers feature enlongated bushings different from Hi-Powers Made before 1973 and after the MK II Series.

A SWAT officer with his Browning HP prepares to open the access panel.

A second SWAT officer uses his Browning HP to shoot an unconscious suspect in the leg to check if he is alive, something no real police officer would do.

Colt Government

One of the FBI instructors uses a deactivated Colt Government to demonstrate to Clarice and the recruits what went wrong during an exercise.

Colt Government Model M1911A1 - .45 ACP

"...You're dead, Starling" A Colt is pointed at the head of Clarice during an FBI training exercise. Close inspection of the pistol's ejection port indicates that the gun is deactivated.

Colt Python

Jame Gumb a.k.a "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine) is seen holding what appears to be a 6" barreled, stainless steel Colt Python with Pachmyr Presentation grips. In the book, it is said that Gumb loads the gun with .38 Special lead wadcutters.

Colt Python Stainless Steel variant with 6" Barrel - .357 Magnum

Buffalo Bill leaves his Colt Python on the stove as he answers Clarice at the door.

With his night vision goggles on as Clarice stumbles in the dark, Buffalo Bill raises his revolver.

Smith & Wesson Model 10HB

The police officers that guard Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) are armed with Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers with heavy barrels.

Smith & Wesson Model 10 HB (heavy barrel) revolver (Post 1950s Model) - .38 Special. Later incarnations of the Model 10 had a non-tapered heavy barrel, which leads it to be commonly mistaken for a .357 revolver.

Sgt. Tate (Danny Darst) holds a S&W Model 10 as he and his fellow officers investigate gunfire coming from Lecter's prison cage.

Tate and his officers enter Lecter's room in a rather comical fashion armed with their Model 10's. The sound of several hammers being cocked is played as they enter.

Tate draws his Model 10 as he notices a mysterious bloodstain in the elevator.

Heckler & Koch P7

A Heckler & Koch P7 is briefly seen in the hands of an FBI HRT agent as Crawford and his men breach the suspected house of Buffalo Bill.

Heckler & Koch P7 - 9x19mm

The FBI HRT agent seen on the right next to Special Agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) holds an H&K P7.

Shotguns

Remington 870

FBI Special Agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) prepares to assault the possible residence of Buffalo Bill armed with the Remington 870 shotgun. According to Scott Glenn's commentary on the Blu-Ray edition, the shotgun originally had an 18 inch barrel, but Glenn insisted upon having a shorter one. The armorer explained that making it shorter would not be legal, but finally relented and cut down the barrel down to 14 inches shortly before the scene was shot.

Remington 870 - 12 Gauge

Crawford and the FBI HRT prepare to raid the possible residence of Buffalo Bill.

Crawford with the Remington 870 with the short barrel. Notice the lack of a front sight.

Ithaca 37

Several variants of the Ithaca 37 shotguns are carried by the Memphis P.D. SWAT officers that respond to Hannibal's prison break.

Ithaca Model 37 riot version - 12 Gauge

The SWAT Team leader (Chris Isaak) in the middle carries the riot Ithaca while the SWAT officer on the left carries an Ithaca with the extended mag tube.

The SWAT Team leader (Chris Isaak) gives orders while carrying the Ithaca.

The agent on the left guarding Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) is armed with the Ithaca.

Submachine Guns

Fake Heckler & Koch MP5K

SWAT officers are shown holding what appears to be an airsoft replica of the Heckler & Koch MP5K as they prepare to take down Lecter in the elevator.

Daisy Airsoft Model 15 MP-5K. One of the first ASG.

One of the SWAT officers providing cover is seen with what appears to be replica MP5K. Note: This appears to be a FalconToy SoftAir MP5K, based on the "SD"-looking foregrip.

The SWAT officers provide cover with their MP5K's.

Falcon replica

Assault Rifles

M16A1

Soldiers of the Tennessee National Guard were seen armed with M16A1 rifles at Memphis Airport when Dr. Hannibal Lecter arrived in Memphis to assist federal agents. National Guardsmen tasked with guarding Dr. Lecter at the makeshift prison he was incarcerated in were also seen armed with M16A1 rifles.

M16A1 with 30 Round magazine - 5.56x45mm

The National Guardsman behind the Senator stands guard armed with an M16A1.

Rifles

Remington 700PSS

Responding to an incident involving Lecter, the SWAT team negotiator (Daniel von Bargen) is seen carrying what appears to be a Remington 700 PSS rifle. FBI HRT snipers who close in on the suspected house of Buffalo Bill also appear to be armed Remington 700PSS sniper rifles.

Remington 700PSS with Harris bipod

Responding to an incident involving Lecter, the SWAT team negotiator (Daniel von Bargen) is seen carrying what appears to be a Remington 700 PSS rifle.

On the right, the SWAT team negotiator (Daniel von Bargen) carries the rifle.

FBI HRT sniper outside the house with their Remington 700PSS rifles.

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