Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely watched the John Wick series of movies. These action-packed features are full of some of the coolest guns and the best firearms handling in Hollywood. This is because Keanu Reeves, the star of the films, trained with professional shooter Taran Butler to prepare for the role.
With so many incredible firearms in the movies, trying to narrow it down was certainly a task. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some of the best guns from the John Wick series.
Editor’s Note: There are some possible spoilers of scenes, but I’ve avoided major plot points. Although, if you haven’t seen the series at this point, what are you waiting for?
Handguns
Starting off with handguns, John Wick uses a slew of high-quality pistols. In the first movie, he is mostly seen with two HK P30L pistols outfitted with compensators. The P30L is an incredibly durable and reliable double-action/single-action pistol used by military and law enforcement units. The German company is known for making some of the most dependable firearms in the world.
In the second movie, Wick upgrades to a custom Glock 34 built by Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI). This takes the Glock, a pistol known for durability and reliability, to the highest level of performance with key upgrades such as improved sights, grip stippling, extended controls, and a match-grade barrel. Later in the film, he is given a Kimber Warrior .45 ACP 1911, with a 7-round magazine capacity, to finish the job.
Finally, in the third movie, Wick runs a TTI Combat Masterpiece 2011 chambered in 9×19 Major in the climactic shootout in the Continental Hotel. In my opinion, this is one of the nicest and coolest firearms ever produced (with a price tag to match). It features aggressive slide cuts for easy manipulation, a 5.4-inch match-grade bull barrel, and an impressive stipple job on the grip — only the best of the best for John Wick.
Wick doesn’t just use modern tactical options, he’s also shown using older guns as well. In the third movie, Wick is handed a customized Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless as he makes the decision on his next move and whether to stand against the High Table. At the beginning of the movie, he races to build a functioning Remington 1875 single-action revolver out of spare working parts from other revolvers in a museum. Additionally, the first shots of the third movie are fired out of a modern classic, the Bond Arms Texas Defender Derringer 9mm. Later, the company created a limited edition “Wicked” model with a JW serial number that’s modeled after the one used in the film.
Rifles
When Wick needs some heavier firepower, he turns to a number of incredible rifles to get the job done. In the first movie, Wick uses a DTA Stealth Recon Scout as he infiltrates the compound where his target is guarded. This is a bullpup .308 Winchester bolt-action rifle that packs a lot of power in a compact and maneuverable package. Additionally, his friend Marcus helps him along the way with a Takedown Ruger M77 for those long-range shots to back him up.
In the second movie, Wick packs a TTI TR-1 Ultralight for his great escape in the catacombs. Chambered in 5.56 NATO with an 11.5-inch barrel, this SBR is configured with a Trijicon Accupoint optic and an RMR on a canted rail.
A SIG Sauer MPX upgraded by Taran Tactical shows up in the third movie when Wick is defending himself from the High Table enforcers in the Continental Hotel. Chambered in 9mm Luger, it’s not as powerful as a traditional rifle, but has very little recoil and offers fast follow-up shots.
Shotguns
Wick’s heavier firepower doesn’t end there, he also uses some top-tier shotguns. In the first movie, he is shown using a Kel-Tec KSG pump-action shotgun. The KSG features dual magazine tubes, making it one of the highest capacity pump-action shotguns around.
In the second movie, Wick uses a Benelli M4 Super 90 with TTI upgrades in the catacombs. Some of the features include an extended magazine tube, fixed stock with pistol grip, and a spare shell holder. The Benelli M4 is about as rugged as it comes in the combat shotgun world, so it makes sense for Wick to use.
In the third movie, when Wick requires something with more “oomph,” he turns to the classic Benelli M2, this version of course upgraded with all the bells and whistles from TTI. The Benelli M2 is a semi-auto shotgun that utilizes the simple and reliable inertia-driven recoil system. At the same time, his friend Charon, the concierge, runs a Benelli M4, a gas-operated version with a similar design to back him up.
Support Gear
Aside from firearms, John Wick uses some amazing gear fit for an action hero. As far as blades, in the second movie, he is shown fighting with a Microtech Combat Troodon. Microtech makes some of the best automatic knives that are ready for serious use. In the later movies, Wick is outfitted with his lightweight, yet durable, bulletproof suit. Reinforced with a kevlar lining, this gives him the maneuverability and protection needed to get the job done. Finally, of course, it wouldn’t be John Wick without his trusty pencil. Known for using a pencil to dispatch his enemies in a pinch, this writing utensil makes several appearances throughout the series.
Conclusion
I could go on and on, but you get the point. The John Wick series is filled with some of the most badass firearms and best action I’ve seen in a while. The training and consulting from Taran Tactical Innovations definitely paid off. If you’re a fan of action movies and haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out.
I was just curious as into when the fourth film for the series comes out and how does he survive this night to night nonstop combat cuts shots stabs breaks and much more cause I’m sure he ran out of what they call adrenaline and the 4-6;hour pain pills the Dr gave him,,,,,,idono maybe we’re all off topic but the rite power is outstanding especially armor piercing rounds,,at a high grain I’m pretty sure most rounds would pierce that high quality hand made America suit he wears but if I’m rite he was just shot 5 times and one by halle.berry at about 30 ft maybe closer even her dog was shot in the vest but laid down forn2-3 minutes n hopped rite up ,,, but I don’t know im a huge fan and hope the 4th is the best I was xurious ae to what knife he used in each film or should I say was fitted to carry because he us s alot of knives ,,,most importantly what one did he use to give common his perfessional
courtesy comment
Regarding Bob Molnar’s frequent reloading question: A lot of people in active combat will take a lull to replace a magazine containing an unknown quantity of rounds left with a full magazine. That way when things get intense again they can start with a full load. This might be where “John Wick” gets this from (via Keanu’s trainers and advisers), assuming he has more than a few spares on his person.
I know the J Wick series is for entertainment purposes. After watching the bad guys shoot sooo many rounds and never manage to make a head shot, it (for me personally) just got a bit silly. After watching him fall ar least 5 stories glancing off awnings, fire escapes and numerous metal protrusions I just couldn’t make my “suspension of disbelief” kick in. And that is needed to watch any Syfy or extrem action movie. To survive that fall just did it for me. He’s good, sure but he ain’t Thor.
As a certified gun guy and combat veteran, the John Wick series of films are some of my favourites. Additionally, I have been a Keanu Reeves fan forever.
After hearing of his nice guy reputation, and reading about it too, I thought here is a man who lives his life much as I do. Then, I discovered that Mr. Reeves rode motorcycles as well, and since I’ve been riding since I was 10 years old, I was convinced that he and I would get along would get along spectacularly well. So, back to the Wick films.
I am a concealed carrier of firearms and am outfitted anytime I leave the house. Less fit my protection and more for those around me. With that in mind, I’ll continue.
The films are vastly entertaining, with firearms, stunts, and spectacular effects. As an example of just how good the movies are, even my wife enjoys them!
Keanu Reeves just gets better and better with each installment. Being owners of a German Shepherd dog, we were anxious to see how dogs would be featured in the third film, along with Oscar winning actress Halle Berry. When an Oscar winner signs on to your film series, especially one as beautiful as Ms. Berry, I think it’s safe to say that you have reached a unique pinnacle in action movies; unparalleled in Hollywood.
Both my wife and I are awaiting John Wick 4 to see what Mr. Reeves and director Chad Stahelski will offer audience’s next. We can’t wait and I know we’re not alone by any means.
The Smith and Wesson Model 29 revolver used by Dirty Harry had a 6.5 inch barrel, I believe. Of course, it was .44 Magnum caliber.
John Wick series,
Does anyone have a rational explanation why John Wick reloads so often ? Most of his hand guns are high capacity double stack handguns holding 15-20 rounds but frequently he reloads only after firing 9 – 12 rounds, not needing a tactical reload when only about half of the rounds have been fired if you question that count the number of shots fired before he reloads. Ialso noticed that when he ws using the high capacity AR 9mm, those magazines hold 30 + rounds but several times he reloads after only firing about 10 maybe at most 15 rounds.
He has received numerous training sessions from Taran at Taran Tactical and Keanu Reeves is certainly an accomlished excellent shooter, probably the best Hollywood actor that ever used firearms of this type in any movie.
Thanx. I was off by 2! Ha, ha.
I only use the VA for my hearing aids, and that’s about it despite having other issues that are VA rated. I use Tricare as I’m retired Navy.
@Allen McLean, The Model 27 is a .357. DH used a .44 Magnum according to the script. However for the first movie, they could not find a Model 29 (.44 Mag) and used a M57 in .41 Magnum for him to carry. Those two models are virtually identical except for the caliber and almost impossible to differentiate at a distance. I have seen Model 57s at a gun show and thought there were M29s until I saw the barrel. The Model 27 is also an N frame but the barrel just doesn’t look the same and the bore is markedly smaller than either the .41 or .44.
Your comment about treatments for PTSD… When I got out back in the 70’s, VA did not believe there was anything called PTSD and fought against avenues of treatment for that. Most vets learned their own coping mechanisms, that is those that are still alive. I learned some things to adapt to the world back in the US so I am still alive and reasonably well adjusted after all that mess.
I will say that when I first got out, I had no small amount of antipathy toward the VA. Back then, it seemed to me that they would find any way possible to defer or delay treatment as long as possible for some returning vets. I know several vets who have been denied disability for reasons known only to VA. And some of the things I have been told BY VA employees were despicable. One man. years ago, told me that I thought care was owed to me. When I told him that on the day I enlisted I was told that I would have healthcare the rest of my life, provided I survived to get out and had an honorable discharge. He told me that never happened. He denied calling me a liar just that what I said happened had not. This guy was not there and never served in the military, let alone ever was under fire or had to return fire. He was in diapers, if he had been born, when I went in. As tempting as it was, I never laid a hand on him.
It is much better now, since the last Gulf War. Some of them are starting to understand what some vets are going through, and I am frequently thanked by the VA employees for my service. Still, I only go to VA for my blood pressure meds and my Adderall (for my ADHD). Also, if I need any x-rays, CT, MRI, you know the expensive tests, I ask my VA doc and it is usually easy to get it done there. And I do not have a co-pay. I will never be admitted overnight in a VA hospital. I will take the co-pay that Medicare requires and go to what I refer to as a real hospital. Nor will I have any kind of surgery or any procedure where they put me under. I have no affection for the VA and I understand that is the only healthcare some vets can obtain. They have my sympathy.
To correct the reference made by others to Dirty Harry’s Smith & Wesson:
it was a Model 29 44 Magnum,
not a Model 27 357 Magnum.
PTSD sucks. Have you heard about the ganglion block that’s being used? It prevents the sympathetic response. Think the VA uses it.
686 is a .357 Magnum in stainless. 586 is a .357 Magnum in blue. DH had a Model 27 with a 6 inch barrel, I believe.
Ah, you caught that, too!
I believe the phrase is “run and gun”, which to me equates to “shoot, move, communicate”.
Why haven’t they have him use the Springfield 9mmOSP ELITE
Great semi automatic, recoil is fantastic an use can use 30 round clips
The John Wick series was great until JWIII. The plot and direction sucked. TOO many never-ending fight scenes, the trip to the desert, the fall down multiple stories and surviving-BULLSHIT. Best part? Halle Berry and the fur missiles!
Hope #4 is back on track!
I was not new to H&K pistols, I’ve owned a USP 45 Tactical for almost 20 years now. And a full sized USP in 9mm. But I did love the P30L that was used in “John Wick”. I rushed out and picked one up and was mostly very happy with it. That was until a friend let me shoot his VP9. Overall I felt like it shot better and had a much better trigger than the P30L. I sold my P30L and picked up a VP9 Tactical, since it had a slightly longer barrel than the stock VP9. Still to this day, that is the very best H&K pistol I own and carry. Not to say the USP’s are no good, but the VP9 Tactical is much easier to conceal… I will probably pick up one of the newer VP9’s that have the full 5″ barrel. Not to mention the VP9SK(which he actually carries a Glock 26 located in the SOTB as his back-up gun)!!!
How does someone “run” a gun? Never have been able to figure that one out. Seems like a misuse of words to me. Heard it used a lot lately but can’t quite picture how someone runs a gun or ammo.
Please explain.
Thank you.
Angus
You did forget one suttle yet notable weapon. Need anything for the pain. “I think i got that covered” (Blanton’s). As I may not own a Kimber, DTA or Benelli I have enjoyed 3, maybe 5, fingers of Blanton’s Bourbon. Anybody that discerning about their bourbon and weaponry is top notch in my book.
Although all of the weapons used are outstanding, the cost of replicating this armory would be prohibitive for anyone not winning the PowerBall or MegaMillions lottery.
On the other hand the selection further demonstrates the reasonability of selecting quality and dependable platforms to start with. I would/do depend on any/many of the base firearms that evolved into the masterpieces used in the films.
Any early Steve Seagal action film, Colt .45 Cal ACP.
Any early action films with Browning Hi-Power 9mm.
Early Miami Vice T.V. episodes, with the Bren Ten 10mm – Don Johnson.
Early Dirty Harry Clint Eastwood, S & W Model 686 .44Cal Revolver.
I haven’t seen any of the John Wick Movies and see no reason for me to do so. I will not try to dissuade anyone from watching it, but I will not partake. Between my time in the Army going back a little more than 50 years ago, and then spending 30 plus years in civilian ERs, I have seen more than enough real dead people shot with real guns, (not to mention having been shot at) I do not find anything attractive in that genre of movie. Even when I watch historically based movies from WWII and later (which I seldom will do), it is a rare occasion that I can watch it in less than two or three days. Some I have never finished watching. I am sure I am not the only vet with this point of view.
Now, I realize that what is projected on the giant screen is not real, but what I have actually witnessed with my own eyes was real, and some of those things visited me for years in my dreams. And some of those dreams were just as real to me at the time as the real thing was in real life. Don’t need the reminders or anything to trigger a recurrence of those dreams. It is hell waking up dripping with sweat, your heart racing, being scared to death and then thanking God it was just a dream; then you start praying that it will not return when you go back to sleep because frequently waking up was just an interruption in the nightmare. Most vets I know understand this and non-vets have no clue. That’s good. You do not want to walk that path because once it is stuck in your head, you are never the same and you can’t return to innocence.