The Hitcher (1986)

The Hitcher Theatrical Release Poster Country United States Directed by Robert Harmon Release Date 1986 Studio HBO Pictures Silver Screen Partners Distributor TriStar Pictures Main Cast Character Actor John Ryder Rutger Hauer Jim Halsey C. Thomas Howell Nash Jennifer Jason Leigh Captain Esteridge Jeffrey DeMunn Trooper Donner Billy Green Bush Trooper Hancock Henry Darrow Trooper Hapscomb Jon Van Ness

The Hitcher is a 1986 thriller that follows a young man (C. Thomas Howell) who agrees to give a mysterious stranger (Rutger Hauer) a ride with horrific results. A DTV sequel, The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting was released in 2003 with C. Thomas Howell returning and a remake was released in 2007.

The following weapons were used in the film The Hitcher:

Revolvers

Smith & Wesson Model 66

The Smith & Wesson Model 66 is used by several law enforcement officers. Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) acquires a Smith & Wesson Model 66 off of Trooper Donner (Billy Green Bush) during his escape from the Sheriff's station.

Smith & Wesson Model 66 with Pachmayr grips - .357 Magnum

Jim Halsey holds a Smith & Wesson Model 66 on Trooper Prestone (Jack Thibeau).

Jim Halsey holds a Smith & Wesson Model 66 on John Ryder.

Jim Halsey is given six rounds of ammunition for his Smith & Wesson Model 66

Jim Halsey figures out how to load his Smith & Wesson Model 66 after nervously fumbling with it.

Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) aims the Smith & Wesson Model 66.

Nash tries to fend off the State police.

The Smith & Wesson Model 66 lays on the ground.

Smith & Wesson Model 28

John Ryder (Rutger Hauer) keeps a Smith & Wesson Model 28 as his sidearm for the majority of the film.

S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4" barrel and Rubber Combat Grips - .357 Magnum

John Ryder with the Smith & Wesson Model 28.

John Ryder checks the load on his Smith & Wesson Model 28.

"Wipe it OFF!"
Trooper Hancock (Henry Darrow) holds his Smith & Wesson Model 27 / 28 on John Ryder.

John Ryder: "The gun is loaded."
Note wood Hogue grips.

Custom Smith & Wesson Model 629 Snub

At the end of the movie, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) grabs Captain Esteridge's (Jeffrey DeMunn) sidearm. It is a 2.5"-barreled, Mag-na-ported Smith & Wesson Model 629. A similar gun can be seen in the films Extreme Prejudice and Beverly Hills Cop. A continuity error is seen when John Ryder jumps through the windshield, Jim Halsey's 629 turns into a Smith & Wesson Model 66.

Standard Smith & Wesson Model 629 snub with 3" barrel - .44 Magnum

Jim Halsey eyes Captain Esteridge's 629.

Jim Halsey grabs Captain Esteridge's 629.

Custom N-frame S&W in "The Hitcher"

Jim Halsey checks the load on Captain Esteridge's 629.

Jim Halsey holds Captain Esteridge's 629. C. Thomas Howell knows to keep his finger off the trigger.

Shotguns

Remington 870

The Remington 870 is used by the State Troopers, specifically during the Highway chase. Both standard and Police Folder variants are used.

Remington 870 Police Magnum Riot Shotgun - 12 gauge

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Trooper Hapscomb (Jon Van Ness) holds his Remington 870‎ on Jim Halsey.

A deputy sheriff (Danny Rogers) fires on Jim Halsey during the Highway chase.

The deputy sheriff prepares to shoot out Jim Halsey's tires.

Remington 870 Folding Stock - 12 Gauge

The sheriff during the Highway chase.

The State Trooper at the far left is armed with a Remington 870 Folding Stock.

Franchi SPAS 12

A Franchi SPAS-12 is carried by the State police escorting John Ryder to the state prison. Both John Ryder and Jim Halsey use the Franchi SPAS-12 at the climax of the film.

Franchi SPAS-12 - 12 Gauge

John Ryder kills the State policemen.

John Ryder looks out the Police van with a SPAS-12.

John Ryder picks the SPAS-12 back up.

John Ryder looks at Jim Halsey.

John Ryder chambers a new round.

Jim Halsey with the SPAS-12.

Rifles

M16 SP1

A State trooper riding in a Helicopter fires on Jim Halsey during the Highway chase with a M16/SP1. Several of the State troopers escorting John Ryder (Rutger Hauer) are also armed with SP1s.

Colt M16 SP1 - 5.56x45mm

A State trooper riding in a Helicopter fires on Jim Halsey.-note the birdcage flashider.

A State trooper with an M16/SP1. Note the lack of a forward assist.

Trivia

In addition to scenes shot in the studio, filming locations include Amboy, California, Barstow, California, Death Valley National Park in California, Imperial County, California and Lake Mead in Nevada.

See Also

The Hitcher

The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting

The Hitcher (2007)