Red Dragon

Red Dragon (2002)

Red Dragon is the 2002 thriller directed by Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) and stars Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins, who returns as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in this prequel to The Silence of the Lambs. The film is the second adaptation of the Thomas Harris book (which was actually the first to feature Lecter) Red Dragon (the first being the 1986 Michael Mann film Manhunter).

The following guns were used in the film Red Dragon:

Smith & Wesson Model 459

The Smith & Wesson Model 459 is the main sidearm of FBI Special Agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) at the beginning of the film. He is seen drawing it from a shoulder holster as Lecter stabs him. Graham is also seen preparing one for the raid on Dolarhyde's house. The FBI purchased 803 S&W 459's and issued it to agents in the early eighties. The second generation 459 was manufactured from 1979-1987. Since the film begins in 1980, Graham's 459 would be consistent. He is seen carrying the S&W in his holster for the rest of the film.

9mm semi-automatic

Graham draws his S&W before being stabbed by Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

Lector struggles with Graham and his S&W.

Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard

Graham (Edward Norton) carries a Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard as his backup gun in an ankle holster. He draws it when Lecter continues to come after him. The Model 49 Bodyguard was authorized by the F.B.I. for carry in 1972. See American Rifleman September 2011; Draw & Fire: A History of FBI Handguns by Bill Vanderpool..

Smith and Wesson Model 49 with Smith & Wesson Bodyguard hammer shroud.

Graham draws his backup weapon.

Colt Detective Special

A Colt Detective Special post-1972 model is used by Will Graham (Edward Norton) at the end of the movie when he engages in a shootout with Francis Dolarhyde aka The Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes) after he invades the Graham home. Graham's wife Molly (Mary-Louise Parker) also is seen taking target practice with it.

Colt Detective Special - .38 special

Graham with his Charter Arms Pug.

Walther PPK

Another weapon Graham keeps in his home is the Walther PPK. He grabs it along with the Ruger as he locks himself and his son in his bedroom. Molly is seen using it as well.

Walther PPK - 9mm Kurz aka 9x17mm (.380 ACP)

After seeing her husband shot, Molly grabs the PPK and uses it on Dolarhyde.

Glock 17

A suppressed Glock 17 is used by the Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes) to shoot Ralph Mandy (Frank Whaley). Later, he carries it unsuppressed when he breaks into the Graham home.

A Generation 1 Glock 17 in 9x19mm.

Dolarhyde fires his suppressed Glock. He does a good job at not flinching.

Dolarhyde with his Glock. No one seems to have heard the shot.

Ted Williams Model 21 Deluxe (sawed off)

A cut-down Ted Williams Model 21 is used by the Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes) when he is contemplating suicide, and later, when the FBI arrive at his house. The same gun or one very close to it was used in The Punisher (2004). He mentions that it is "a 12 Gauge Police Magnum Shotgun"

Ted Williams Model 21 cut down to a Short Shotgun - 12 gauge. Note the forearm engraving, the J.C. Higgins Model 21 is usually a plainer design.

Dolarhyde contemplates killing Reba McClane (Emily Watson) with his Model 21.

Dolarhyde points his shotgun at Reba.

With the shotgun pointed at her, Reba realizes Dolarhyde is planning on killing her.

Dolarhyde throws a match as he holds his shotgun.

See Also

Thomas Harris's Hannibal Lecter Series

• Manhunter

• The Silence of the Lambs

• Hannibal

• Red Dragon

• Hannibal Rising