| Uncommon Valor
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Theatrical release poster
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| Country
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 USA
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| Directed by
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Ted Kotcheff
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| Release Date
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1983
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| Language
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English
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| Studio
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Paramount Pictures
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| Distributor
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Paramount Pictures
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Uncommon Valor is a 1983 military action film directed by Ted Kotcheff (First Blood) and stars Gene Hackman as Jason Rhodes, a retired US Marine Colonel who leads a group of Vietnam veterans and a young former Marine (Patrick Swayze) back into the country on a mission to rescue American POW's left behind, one of whom may be his son. John Milius produced the movie. Actor Wings Hauser is credited with the original story though it went through multiple re-writes before it was produced.
The following weapons were used in the film Uncommon Valor:
Rifles/Carbines
Colt Sporter 1 Carbine (Mocked up as XM177E2)
Several members of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) are also seen armed with what appear to be CAR-15 rifles in the 1972 Vietnam prologue. The rifles also are used when the men train in Galveston for the mission. The majority of these rifles appear to be converted Colt Sporter I Carbines with 16" barrels to resemble the XM177 series of short rifles with an aftermarket flash hider. These conversions were in popular use in productions of the 1980s, including The Dogs of War.
Late 1970s model AR15 Sporter 1 Carbine - converted into an XM177 Lookalike for the film
Dogs of War - 5.56x45mm
The LRRP member on the left is seen with the carbine during the 1972 Vietnam prologue.
Col. Rhodes (
Gene Hackman) wakes the men up with his carbine.
Rhodes and Blaster fire their carbines during training.
Blaster (
Reb Brown) holds the carbine like a guitar.
MGC CAR-15
In the 1972 Vietnam prologue, LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) members are seen running back to the helicopters, some (including Frank Rhodes (Todd Allen)) were carrying the MGC CAR-15 replica rifle, but were never seen firing. The CAR-15s by MGC were always sold with the replica 30 round magazines. In order to make the weapons more period accurate, some of the CAR-15s in the film took 20 round magazines off of the MGC M16 replica rifles and used those. Others retained the stock 30 round magazine.
MGC CAR-15 replica assault rifle with 20 round MGC magazine.
The MGC CAR-15 Assault rifle with stock 30 round magazine.
Frank Rhodes (
Todd Allen) carries his friend MacGregor on his back during the Vietnam sequence. Note the carbine is loaded with a 20 round magazine.
Frank and MacGregor are left behind in the 1972 Vietnam prologue. Note that this carbine is loaded with a 30-round magazine as the replicas were always sold with the curved 30 rounders.
M16A1
Several LRRP members are seen running with M16A1s during the 1972 Vietnam prologue. Several M16s are among the weapons confiscated while in Thailand. Some M16A1's also are seen in the underground arms cache.
M16A1 with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. What distinguishes it from the original M16 was the addition of a raised rib around the magazine release button, changing of the forward Receiver pins, and the addition of the forward assist button on the upper receiver.
The young MacGregor (Kelly Junkerman) is hit in the leg while carrying his M16A1 during the 1972 Vietnam prologue.
The LRRP member on the right is seen with a M16A1 during the 1972 Vietnam prologue.
Rhodes holds an M16A1 before being told that the bargain basement weapons are in another area.
An NVA soldier who steps on one of Blaster's mines is seen holding an M16 replica.
M16
During the opening Vietnam sequence, Blaster is seen firing an M16 rifle with a full-fence lower.
M16 aka SP1 (flat "slab side receiver") with an A1 "birdcage" Flash hider, used to imitate the M16A1 in many Vietnam era movies. This version has a 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm
Blaster (at right) is seen firing an M16SP1 during the 1972 Vietnam prologue.
Norinco Type 56
The Norinco Type 56 is a common assault rifle used in movies and television to stand-in for the AK-47. This rifle is seen carried by Laotian border patrol guards as well as Jiang (Kwan Hi Lim) and Lai Fun (Lau Nga Lai), who cover their weapons with improvised camouflage.
Type 56 assault rifle aka M22, early milled receiver model without under-folding ("pig sticker") bayonet - 7.62x39mm
At the right, Jiang carries a Norinco Type 56 as his primary weapon.
Jiang (
Kwan Hi Lim) takes up his Norinco Type 56 that has been covered with improvised camouflage.
Laotian border patrol guards carry Norinco Type 56 rifles.
Lai Fun fires her Norinco. Note the closed front sight.
Lai Fun (
Lau Nga Lai) uses her rifle to hold the soldiers at bay.
Norinco Type 56 Carbine
Laotian Border Patrol and Prison Camp guards are seen firing the Norinco Type 56 carbine, the Chinese version of the SKS. At one point, Wilkes (Fred Ward) also uses the rifle.
Chinese Type 56 Carbine aka the Chinese SKS rifle - 7.62x39mm. The Chinese SKS has a stamped receiver and a spike bayonet (aka a "pig sticker") much like one of their AK47 copies - the Type 56 assault rifle. This version, like many imported SKS rifles, have the infamous 'orange cratewood' stocks, probably the lowest quality wood in any mass produced rifle, save for the last ditch Arisaka Type 99 rifles at the end of WW2. Many SKS rifles during the Vietnam War were issued with reddish plastic stocks, because of the incidents of 'wood rot' in the humid SE Asian jungles.
Laotian Border guards open fire on the men.
An guard is seen firing the carbine at Sailor's position.
Wilkes (
Fred Ward) fires the carbine with the bayonet extended.
M14-E2
Scott (Patrick Swayze) uses an M14-E2 outfitted with a night vision scope as a sniper rifle during the training exercise.
M14E2 Squad Automatic Weapon - 7.62x51mm NATO. This weapon is outfitted with a scope and used as a sniper rifle in the film.
Scott (
Patrick Swayze) awaits his signal during training, while holding an M14-E2. His rifle doesn't have the slip on muzzle brake or the bipod of the E2 model.
Scott (
Patrick Swayze) looks back at the approaching helicopters with the M14-E2 during the night demonstration for McGregor.
Scott (
Patrick Swayze) raises the M14-E2 to his shoulder during the night demonstration. Here is a clear view of his early generation Night Vision Scope and the E2 stock pistol grip.
When Scott (
Patrick Swayze) fires the M14-E2, he fires single shots, but the sound effect is that of a super fast three round burst of a submachine gun.
M1 Garand
When their weapons are confiscated before the rescue mission, the men are forced to use older WWII-era weapons including the M1 Garand, which is primarily used by Col. Rhodes (Gene Hackman).
M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06
Rhodes aims his M1 Garand as Scott sights for him.
Rhodes adjusts his sights.
Rhodes firing his M1 Garand at Laotian border guards.
Rhodes aims his M1 Garand at a sniper as Charts sights for him.
M1 Carbine
Jiang's associate in the bar is seen holding an M1 Carbine.
World War II era M1 Carbine, with Dark Walnut Stock, 'L' peep sight and no bayonet lug - correct for most of WW2, shown with khaki sling and Magazine pouch for buttstock - .30 carbine
Jiang's associate is carrying an M1 Carbine (late model) when Rhodes and Jiang sit at the table.
Mosin Nagant rifle
A Mosin Nagant rifle is one of the weapons glimpsed in the arms dealer's cache.
Full-length, Mosin Nagant M91/30 - 7.62x54R.
At the far right, a
Mosin Nagant rifle is one of the weapons glimpsed in the arms dealer's cache.
Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbine
A Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbine appears to be one of the vintage rifles purchased by the team.
Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbine - .303 British
To the left of the box are two bolt action rifles, the one in front is a Lee-Enfield No. 5 Jungle Carbine - .303 British
Mauser 1935 Peruvian
A few 1935 Peruvian Mauser rifles are also seen in the weapons purchase.
Mauser 1935 Peruvian - 7.92x57mm
To the left of the box are two bolt action rifles, the one in back is a Mauser 1935 Peruvian.
Mauser Karabiner 98k
Karabiner 98k rifles are also found in the weapons purchase.
Karabiner 98k - German manufacture 1937 date - 7.92x57mm
At the head of the crate are three rifles, one is an M1 Garand and the other two are Karabiner 98K rifles.
Machine Guns
M60 machine gun
An authentic M60 is carried by Sailor (Randall "Tex" Cobb) during the Vietnam sequence and during the training and preparation and actual rescue mission.
M60 machine gun 7.62x51mm NATO
While in Vietnam, Sailor (
Randall "Tex" Cobb) carries the M60 as he makes a run for the helicopters.
Sailor fires the M60 during the night exercise.
Sailor fires the unmodified M60 from a guard tower. This appears to be a continuity error as the machine gun he had been firing earlier was an M60 mocked up to resemble an MG42.
Sailor (
Randall "Tex" Cobb) provides cover with the M60. The blank firing adapter is visible here.
M60D
M60Ds are seen used by the Huey doorgunners during the Vietnam sequence. Twin M60D guns are also mounted on a gunship near the end of the film.
M60D machine gun 7.62x51mm NATO
A doorgunner sits ready with the M60D.
Sailor reaches out his hand for Frank while a doorgunner fires the M60D. Note how he has avoid the hot flying brass coming out of the MG.
Charts flies a Bell helicopter mounted with twin M60D machine guns.
MG42 (fake)
When the team raids the prison camp, several guard towers as well as captured US helicopters appear to have MG42 machine guns positioned within. Upon closer inspection, several of these MG42s are in fact M60 machine guns fitted with a fake barrel shroud. In several images, there is no opening to remove the barrel on the right hand side. Also there is an ammo bag hanger on the left side and the nut on the bottom of the gas cylinder is showing below the shroud. The stock was left off on the helicopter just like the M60C and a fake rubber stock was add for the ground scene.
MG42 7.92 x 57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser)
A POW guard tower opens fire with its MG42 on Blaster. The machine gun actually is an M60 with a fake MG42-style barrel shroud.
Sailor mans the MG42 door gun. The MGs receiver more closely resembles an M60.
Sailor fires the MG from the helicopter. Here, this doesn't appear to be an authentic MG42 as there appears to be no opening to remove the barrel on the right hand side.
Sailor carries the M60 mocked-up to resemble the MG42.
While in the guard tower, Sailor fires the M60 mocked-up to resemble the MG42. This MG turns into an unmodified M60 later in a continuity error.
MG42
An authentic MG42 machine gun is seen on the wall of the arms cave. Sailor later uses an actual MG42 when he is bursting through the prisoner huts, but it is never fired (the only firing scenes of the MG42 utilize the mocked up M60).
MG42 7.92 x 57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser)
An authentic
MG42 machine gun seen on the wall of the arms cave.
Sailor's MG is visible here.
Browning M2 Heavy Barrel
What appears to be a Browning M2HB is seen mounted on a Laotian patrol boat.
The Laotian patrol boat fires the M2HB machine gun.
As the Laotian sailors prepare to abandon their boat after Charts throws a grenade into it, they were seen 'mime-firing' the 50 cal gun, further indicating that the weapon wasn't loaded with blanks.
Browning Automatic Rifle
When their weapons are confiscated before the rescue mission, the men are forced to use older WWII-era weapons including the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), which is used primarily by Scott (Patrick Swayze).
Browning Automatic Rifle .30-06
Scott fires his BAR at the Laotian border patrol.
Handguns
Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver
Thai Police are armed with Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers when they apprehend Rhodes and the men.
Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver - .38 Special
Thailand law enforcement carry S&W Model 10 revolvers in a police raid.
Thai Cops frisk Colonel Rhodes and Johnson, carrying S&W Model 10 revolvers.
Smith & Wesson Model 686 Revolver
One of the Thai Cops carries a Smith & Wesson Model 686 Revolver in the raid. Since the revolver was introduced in 1980 and as the scene takes place in 1983 Bangkok, this is possible.
Smith & Wesson Model 686 4" Barrel - .357 Magnum.
At the right, a Thai Cop carries a S&W Model 686 Revolver.
Smith & Wesson Model 19 Snub Nose
When Rhodes goes to a Thai bar to find Jiang, a bar patron is briefly seen at a card table firing a small revolver that could be a Smith & Wesson Model 19 Snub Nose. A similar revolver is seen in the hands of a prison guard officer.
Smith & Wesson Model 19 'Combat Magnum' Snub Nose - .357 Magnum
A similar revolver is seen in the hands of a prison guard officer.
M1911A1
M1911A1 pistols are carried by several characters including Col. Rhodes (Gene Hackman), Wilkes (Fred Ward), and Blaster (Reb Brown).
Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP.
Rhodes checks out a dusty M1911A1 in an old arms locker.
The M1911A1 is carried by Wilkes (
Fred Ward).
Wilkes checks out a POW cell with his M1911A1 drawn.
Closeup of Wilkes' M1911A1.
Blaster guards a sewage tunnel with his M1911A1.
Colt Commander
During the raid on the prison camp, Rhodes carries a more compact pistol that resembles the Colt Commander.
Colt Combat Commander - .45 ACP
Rhodes carries the pistol in his left hand.
Rhodes uses the pistol to shoot off the lock.
Submachine Guns
M1928A1 Thompson
When their weapons are confiscated before the rescue mission, the men are forced to use older WWII-era weapons including the M1928A1 Thompson. Wilkes, Blaster and Charts (Tim Thomerson) are armed with Thompsons that lack the compensator. These weapons are M1928A1s because of the location of the actuators, although it appears the rear sights have been removed.
M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP, with Cutts compensator
A Thompson is seen on a pack mule.
Blaster aims his Thompson as Johnson readies the recoilless rifle.
Wilkes opens up with his Thompson.
Charts (
Tim Thomerson) fires his M1928A1 Thompson at the Laotian Border guards.
Blaster (
Reb Brown) fires his Thompson at an oncoming patrol boat.
Uzi Submachine gun
A bodyguard of the 'new' arms dealer who confronts Johnson and Rhodes is seen holding a standard Uzi.
A bodyguard of the "new" arms dealer carries an Uzi as he greets visitors at the gate.
Shotguns
Remington 870 Slug Gun
When Rhodes visits Sailor in prison, a guard is seen with a Remington 870 Slug Gun shotgun. Later, an arms dealer's guard in Bangkok is seen holding an 870.
Remington 870 Slug Shotgun - 12 gauge
When Rhodes visits Sailor in prison, a guard is seen with a
Remington 870 shotgun.
The bodyguard to the left, at an arms dealer's Bangkok villa, is armed with a Remington 870.
Launchers
M79 Grenade Launcher
An M79 Grenade Launcher is seen briefly carried by a LRRP member during the opening Vietnam sequence.
M79 grenade launcher - 40mm
A LRRP member turns back with his M79 grenade launcher.
RPG-7
Several RPG warheads are seen in the arm dealer's cache of weapons. An RPG-7 launcher and several warheads are later seen carried by Jiang (Kwan Hi Lim). Also, an RPG-7 is briefly seen being loaded near the end of the film, but not fired.
A box of RPG rockets seen to the right of Sailor.
An RPG-7 is briefly seen being loaded by enemy soldiers.
M18 57mm Recoilless Rifle
An M18 Recoilless Rifle is used by Scott (Patrick Swayze) during the training exercise. While in Laos, both Jiang and Johnson (Harold Sylvester) use a recoilless that has been covered with improvised camouflage.
M18 Recoilless Rifle - 57mm
Scott fires the recoilless.
Blaster loads a round into the recoilless rifle handled by Johnson.
Jiang uses the recoilless.
Grenades/Mines
M67 Hand Grenade
One of Sailor's unusual traits is carrying a live hand grenade around his neck. He is seen carrying an M67 fragmentation hand grenade while training in Texas.
M67 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade
M26 hand grenade
M26 hand grenades are among the weapons seized by Thai police.
A CIA officer inspects the grenades.
Mk II Hand Grenade
Several Mk II Hand Grenades are seen among other WWII weapons purchased by the team. One Mk II is seen worn around the neck of Sailor. Also all members of the team during the rescue mission wear them on their web gear.
Mk 2 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade
MKII Grenades are seen on the table as the team unloads their weapons stockpile.
Wilkes, Blaster, Jiang and Scott stand ready with their MK II Hand Grenades on their gear.
Sailor prepares to grab the MKII hung around his neck.
M18 Smoke Grenade
M18 smoke grenades are seen among the ordnance on the table.
A bundle of M18 smoke grenades are seen mostly on the left.
The smoke grenade is tossed into the hut.
M18A1 Claymore
When the team checks out their weapons purchase, M18A1 Claymore mines are seen amongst the ordnance being organized on the table. These have the obvious blue painted stripe on them, indicating that they are inert trainers and not the real thing.
At the left, there are at least two M18A1 Claymore mines on the table. However, these are obvious trainers as evidenced by the blue paint.
M15 Anti-Tank Mine
M15 anti-tank mines also are seen amongst the ordnance being organized on the table when the team checks their weapons purchase.
Weapons Cache
Rhodes and his team are seen going to an arms dealer's weapons cache, which houses several modern weapons, a trunk full of World War II-era weapons, and the following:
M2 Mortar
An M2 Mortar is also found in the cache.
When arms dealer Gericault (
Jan Triska) pauses in the tunnel, an M2 Mortar is visible to the left.
Oerlikon 20mm AA Cannon
Among the weapons in the cache is an Oerlikon 20mm Cannon.
The Oerlikon 20mm AA Cannon is seen in the center. Also seen are MG42 and M60 machine guns.
Modern Weapons
A cache of modern weapons including M16A1 rifles are briefly seen before Rhodes goes to the "bargain basement".
Rhodes hold an M16A1 before being told that the bargain basement weapons are in another area.
"Bargain Basement" Cache
The "Bargain Basement" lot of weapons Rhodes purchases for $4000 consists mostly of World War II vintage weapons including M1 Garands, M1928A1 Thompsons, and M1911A1 pistols.
Rhodes checks out a dusty M1911 in an old arms locker.
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