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Full Metal Jacket: Difference between revisions

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'''The following weapons were used in the film ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]'':'''
[[Image:Full Metal Jacket- 1987.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Full Metal Jacket (1987)]]


'''All rifles in this film were supplied by Robert Hills'''
{{Infobox Movie
|name = ''Full Metal Jacket''
|picture = Full Metal Jacket- 1987.jpg
|caption = ''Theatrical release poster''
|country = [[Image:USA.jpg|25px]] USA
|director = [[Stanley Kubrick]]
|date= 1987
|language = English<br>Vietnamese
|studio=Harrier Films<br>Natant
|distributor=Warner Brothers
|character1=Private J.T. "Joker" Davis
|actor1=[[Matthew Modine]]
|character2=Gunnery Sergeant Hartman
|actor2=[[R. Lee Ermey]]
|character3=Private Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence
|actor3=[[Vincent D'Onofrio]]
|character4=Animal Mother
|actor4=[[Adam Baldwin]]
|character5=Private Cowboy
|actor5=[[Arliss Howard]]
|character6=Eightball
|actor6=[[Dorian Harewood]]
|character7=Rafterman
|actor7=[[Kevyn Major Howard]]
}}


'''''Full Metal Jacket''''' is a 1987 Vietnam War film directed by [[Stanley Kubrick]] that follows a US Marine nicknamed "Joker" ([[Matthew Modine]]) through his initiation into Marine boot camp up to his tour in Vietnam as a reporter for ''Stars and Stripes''. Upon his deployment, Joker and his fellow Marines find themselves in the midst of the Battle of Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive. With a screenplay adapted from Gustav Hasford's novel ''The Short-Timers'', ''Full Metal Jacket'' provided breakthrough acting roles for [[Vincent D'Onofrio]] and [[R. Lee Ermey]], who was a former Marine drill instructor prior to his iconic role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the film. At the time of its premiere, the film was part of a wave of Vietnam War-related theatrical releases, and was unfairly compared to [[Oliver Stone]]'s ''[[Platoon]]'' (which was released just over six months prior to this film). The film's title refers to a bullet usually consisting of a soft lead core encased in a shell made of harder material, typically of metal. 




{{Film Title}}
__TOC__<br clear="all">


{{spoiler}}


=Rifles=
==M14==
The [[M14 Rifle]] features prominently in the U.S. Marine boot camp scenes in the film. Once the Marines arrive in Vietnam they are issued [[M16 rifle series|M16]]s. The M14 rifle is notably seen in the film 'locked and loaded' with 7.62x51mm NATO rounds when Private Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) is confronted first by Pvt. "Joker" ([[Matthew Modine]]), and then Gunnery Sergeant Hartman ([[R. Lee Ermey]]), in the 'head'.  When Joker asks if the rounds were live, Pyle responds, ''"Seven-Six-Two millimeter, Full Metal Jacket"''.
[[Image:M14Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M14 rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO]]
[[Image:FMJ 241.jpg|thumb|600px|none|''"This is my rifle."'' <BR> Private "Joker" ([[Matthew Modine]]) with his [[M14 Rifle]] in bed.]]
[[Image:FMJ-M14.jpg|thumb|601px|none|''"There are many like it, but this one is mine."'' <BR> Pvt. Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) with his M14 along with the rest of the boots recite the Rifleman's creed as a prayer before bed.]]
[[Image:FMJ-M14-2.jpg|thumb|600px|none|''"This is my rifle, this is my gun! This is for fightin', this is for fun!"'' <BR> Gunnery Sgt. Hartman ([[R. Lee Ermey]]) marches with the men.]]
[[Image:FMJ 201.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) helps Pyle ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) train with his [[M14]].]]
[[Image:Fmj20.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Pvt. Pyle ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) fires the M14 on the range and shoots the most accurate.]]
[[Image:FMJ 224.jpg|thumb|600px|none|The boots conduct a bayonet charge with their M14 rifles.]]
[[File:FMJ 661.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"Seven-Six-Two millimeter, Full Metal Jacket"''. <BR> Pyle loads his M14 magazine with live rounds.]]


==USAF M16 (Colt Model 604)==
The [[M16 Rifle]] appears in the film as the standard-issue weapon of most of the US Marines in Vietnam. Since the film takes place during the Tet offensive in 1968, the use of M16s is correct since it was adopted by the USMC in 1967. However, the particular rifle adopted by the USMC was the [[M16A1]] whereas the rifle featured in the film is a Colt Model 604, which was the version of the M16 adopted by the US Air Force which lacked a forward assist and had the partial magazine fence of the [[XM16E1]]. "Cowboy" ([[Arliss Howard]]) has his M16 with two magazines taped together 'jungle style', a practice that originated during World War II for the [[Thompson]] that was carried over to the M16 during Vietnam. During his encounter with the VC sniper, Pvt. Joker's rifle jams on him, something early M16s were notorious for due to poor maintenance habits and faulty ammunition.
[[File:USAF Colt Model 604.jpg|thumb|none|450px|"USAF" M16 (Colt Model 604) - 5.56x45mm]]
[[File:FMJ 217.jpg|thumb|600px|none|"Crazy Earl" ([[Kieron Jecchinis]]) is seen without a magazine in his 604 rifle, probably having dumped it after shooting. Note that just before this scene, there was a glaring continuity error (for a Kubrick film), as he still had a mag in the rifle.]]
[[File:FMJ 566.jpg|thumb|600px|none|However, this scene right after the above shows Earl now dropping out the empty mag before he inserts a new one. Note the rifle is held in his right hand.]]
[[File:FMJ 220.jpg|thumb|600px|none|In another continuity error, this angle shows Earl reloading and firing his rifle left-handed.]]
[[Image:Fmj6.jpg|thumb|601px|none|Crazy Earl ([[Kieron Jecchinis]]) holds his M16 after shooting some NVA soldiers. Note he is now again holding the rifle right-handed.]]
[[Image:Fmj29.jpg|thumb|601px|none|Cowboy ([[Arliss Howard]]) fires his M16 at the NVA sniper. Note the mags taped "jungle style".]]
[[Image:FMJ-M16-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Ducking the snipers' fire, Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) lets go of his [[M16 Rifle]] and lets it fall to the ground, after it jams on him.]]
[[Image:FMJ-M16.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Rafterman ([[Kevyn Major Howard]]) unloads his [[M16 Rifle]].]]


==MGC Replica M16==
In the scenes where blank-firing weapons were not needed, the Marines are seen carrying [[MGC M16]] Replica rifles. 
[[Image:MGC16.jpg|thumb|none|450px|MGC M16]]
[[Image:Fmj25.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cowboy ([[Arliss Howard]]) holds the replica MGC M16. Note the fake forward assist indicating that this is the replica.]]
[[Image:Fmj23.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) holding a Model Gun Corp MGC M16 as he walks a column.]]
[[Image:FMJ-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Crazy Earl is carrying an [[MGC M16]] replica rifle.]]


==XM16E1==
What appears to be an [[XM16E1]] is seen in the hands of a Marine.
[[Image:XM16E1 real.jpg|thumb|none|450px|XM16E1 rifle with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. What distinguishes it from the original M16 was the addition of the forward assist button and a chrome bolt carrier (which was later dropped with the M16A1).]]
[[Image:FMJ-M72-LAW.jpg|thumb|601px|none|Just visible in-frame on the right is an XM16E1 being used by a Marine. Note the forward assist.]]


==Sa vz. 58==
The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) that engages the Marines is armed with a Czech-made [[Sa vz. 58]]. Though the Sa vz. 58 rifles were commonly used by the North Vietnamese Army alongside the more predominant Soviet [[AK-47]] (as well as the Chinese [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]] copy), it is technically incorrect for them to be in common use with the VC. The Việt Cộng tended to use less modern weapons, like captured [[M1 Carbine]]s, [[SKS]] rifles and old weapons from the First Indochina War.
[[Image:800px-Sa 58-JH01.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Sa vz. 58 P - 7.62x39mm]]
[[Image:Fmj34.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An NVA soldier runs through the flames with an Sa vz. 58 during the Tet Offensive]]
[[Image:FMJ-AK-47.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) with her Sa vz. 58.]]
[[Image:FMJ-Sa-vz-58.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) lines up her Sa vz. 58 on Eightball ([[Dorian Harewood]]).]]


=Machine Guns=
==M60==
The Doorgunner ([[Tim Colceri]]) on the Westland Wessex helicopter (standing in for an H-34 Choctaw) that takes Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) and Rafterman ([[Kevyn Major Howard]]) to join Cowboy's ([[Arliss Howard]]) 1st Platoon repeatedly fires an [[M60 machine gun]] at random Vietnamese they pass. The M60 is also the weapon Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) carries throughout the film. Pvt. Joker can also be seen firing an M60 when their base is attacked at the start of the Tet Offensive.
[[Image:M60.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M60 GPMG - 7.62x51mm NATO]]
[[Image:Fmj001.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) operates the M60 as the Marines prepare for the NVA assault on the base.]]
[[Image:FMJ-M60.jpg|thumb|601px|none|The Doorgunner ([[Tim Colceri]]) with his [[M60 machine gun]].]]
[[Image:FMJ-M60-2.jpg|thumb|600px|none|"Animal Mother" ([[Adam Baldwin]]) hugs the dirt and his M60. The quote on his helmet ("I am become death") is from Hindu scripture, and was quoted by the "father of the atomic bomb", J. Robert Oppenheimer.]]
[[Image:Fmj005.jpg|thumb|600px|none|''"Better you than me."'' <BR> Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) shoulders his M60 while looking over the dead Marines.]]
[[Image:FMJ 406.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Animal Mother lays down fire with the [[M60 machine gun]].]]
[[Image:FMJ 401.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Animal Mother charges into the city blazing away with the M60.]]
[[Image:FMJ 402.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) fires the M60.]]


==Browning M2HB==
Several [[Browning M2HB]] heavy machine guns mounted on M41A Walker Bulldog tanks are seen firing in the background of several scenes.
[[Image:BrowningM2.jpg|thumb|none|450px|Browning M2HB in vehicle mounting - .50 BMG (12.7x99mm)]]
[[Image:Fmj22.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A .50 cal [[Browning M2HB]] is seen mounted on the M41A Walker Bulldog tank.]]
[[Image:FMJ-Browning-M2.jpg|thumb|600px|none|A Browning M2HB is seen mounted on the M41A Walker Bulldog tanks as they enter Hue.]]
[[File:FMJ 662.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A camera crew captures a tanker using the M2 atop the Walker Bulldog tank.]]
[[Image:FMJ-Browning-M2-2.jpg|thumb|600px|none|An M2HB is glimpsed behind Animal Mother.]]


=Handguns=
==M1911A1==
Pvt. Joker draws his [[M1911A1]] pistol after his [[M16]] jams on him.
[[Image:M1911Colt.jpg|thumb|300px|none|M1911A1 - .45 ACP]]
[[File:FMJ 205.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Pvt. Joker draws his [[M1911A1]] after his M16 jams on him. ]]
[[Image:FMJ-1911.jpg|thumb|600px|none|Pvt. Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) with his M1911 drawn.]]


 
=Launchers=
 
== M14 Rifle ==
 
The [[M14 Rifle|M14 rifle]] features prominently in the U.S. Marine training scenes of ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''. Once the Marines arrive in Vietnam they are issued [[M16 rifle series|M16]]s. It is with an M14 rifle locked and loaded with full metal jacketed 7.62x51mm NATO ammo that Pvt. Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) kills both Gunnery Sgt. Hartman ([[R. Lee Ermey]]) and himself.
 
[[Image:M14Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M14 rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO]]
[[Image:FMJ-M14.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Pvt. Pyle ([[Vincent D'Onofrio]]) prays before bed with his [[M14 Rifle|M14]].]]
[[Image:FMJ-M14-2.jpg|thumb|500px|none|''This is my rifle, this is my gun! This is for fightin', this is for fun.]].
 
 
== M16 Rifle ==
 
The [[M16 rifle series#M16 Rifle|M16 rifle]] appears in the film as the standard-issue weapon of most of the US Marines in Vietnam. Several of them can be seen with two magazines taped together "jungle style", as this is where this practice originated prior to the introduction of higher-capacity 30-round magazines for the M16. During his encounter with the VC sniper, Pvt. Joker's rifle jams on him, something early M16's were notorious for due to poor maintenance habits and design faults with the early variants('''The US Army/USMC in Vietnam were told "It doesnt need cleaning"''').It should also be noted that the M16 rifle that jams on Joker([[Matthew Modine]]) is an MGC M16 rifle - a steel and plastic replica rifle made by the Model Gun Company of Japan.
 
[[Image:M16-SP1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|The original M16, the first version, firing in a 20-round magazine, adopted in large numbers by the U.S. Army in Vietnam.  It would later be replaced by the upgraded M16A1 - 5.56mm]]
[[Image:FMJ-M16.jpg|thumb|none|395px|Rafterman ([[Kevyn Major Howard]]) unloads his [[M16 rifle series#M16 Rifle|M16 rifle]] into the VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]).]]
[[Image:FMJ-M16-2.jpg|thumb|none|430px|Pvt. Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) throws away his [[M16 rifle series#M16 Rifle|M16 rifle]] after it jams on him.]]
 
== M60 ==
 
The Doorgunner ([[Tim Colceri]]) on the helicopter that takes Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) and Rafterman ([[Kevyn Major Howard]]) to join Pvt. Cowboy's ([[Arliss Howard]]) 1st Platoon repeatedly fires an [[M60 machine gun]] at random Vietnamese they pass. The M60 is also the weapon Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) carries throughout ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]''. Pvt. Joker can also be seen firing an M60 when their base is attacked at the start of the Tet Offensive.
 
[[Image:M60.jpg|thumb|none|300px|M60 7.62x51mm NATO]]
[[Image:FMJ-M60.jpg|thumb|500px|none|"Get Some!". The Doorgunner ([[Tim Colceri]]) wastes several civilians with his [[M60 machine gun]].]]
[[Image:FMJ-M60-2.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) hugs the dirt and his [[M60 machine gun|M60]].]]
 
== M1911A1 ==
 
Pvt. Joker draws his [[M1911 pistol series#M1911A1|M1911A1]] pistol after his [[M16 rifle series|M16 rifle]] jams on him. He uses the .45 to "waste" the already-wounded VC sniper.
 
[[Image:M1911Colt.jpg|thumb|295px|none|M1911A1 .45 ACP]]
[[Image:FMJ-1911.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Pvt. Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) with his [[M1911 pistol series]] drawn.]]
 
== Sa vz 58 ==
 
The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) that "wastes" Eightball ([[Dorian Harewood]]), Cowboy ([[Arliss Howard]]) and Doc Jay ([[Jon Stafford]]) is armed with a Czec made[[Sa vz 58]]. It should be also noted that the Sa vz 58 series rifles were commonly used by the Việt Cộng and the North Vietnamese Army alongside the more predominant AK-47 and SKS rifles,all used the Soviet 7.62X39 round.
 
[[Image:800px-Sa 58-JH01.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Sa vz 58 7.62x39mm]]
[[Image:FMJ-AK-47.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) with her [[Sa vz 58]] just before Rafterman ([[Kevyn Major Howard]]) kills her.]]
[[Image:FMJ-Sa-vz-58.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The VC sniper ([[Ngoc Le]]) lines up her [[Sa vz 58]] on Eightball ([[Dorian Harewood]]).]]
 
==M72 LAW==
==M72 LAW==
A U.S. Marine uses an [[M72 LAW]] while attempting to take down a VC sniper in Hue.
[[Image:M72A2LAW.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M72A2 LAW - 66mm]]
[[Image:FMJ-M72-LAW.jpg|thumb|601px|none|A U.S. Marine firing an [[M72 LAW]].]]


We briefly see a U.S. Marine firing a 66mm [[M72 LAW]] at the VC Sniper's ([[Ngoc Le]]) position.
==M79 Grenade Launcher==
 
An [[M79 grenade launcher]] is mainly carried by T.H.E. Rock ([[Sal Lopez]]) in the film.
[[Image:M72A2LAW.jpg|thumb|none|500px|M72A2 LAW 66mm]]
[[Image:FMJ-M72-LAW.jpg|thumb|500px|none|A U.S. Marine firing an [[M72 LAW]].]]
 
== M79 ==
 
We see an an [[M79 grenade launcher]] in the hands of a U.S. Marine on several occasions.
 
[[Image:M79-Grenade-Launcher.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M79 grenade launcher - 40mm]]
[[Image:M79-Grenade-Launcher.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M79 grenade launcher - 40mm]]
[[Image:FMJ-M79-3.jpg|thumb|395px|none|A U.S. Marine firing his 40mm [[M79 grenade launcher]].]]
[[Image:FMJ 81.jpg|thumb|600px|none|T.H.E. Rock ([[Sal Lopez]]) hits the dirt carrying the M79.]]
[[Image:FMJ-M79-2.jpg|thumb|500px|none|A U.S. Marine firing his [[M79 grenade launcher|M79]].]]
[[Image:FMJ-M79-3.jpg|thumb|600px|none|T.H.E. Rock ([[Sal Lopez]]) fires his 40mm [[M79 grenade launcher]] during the Battle of Hue.]]
 
[[Image:FMJ-M79-2.jpg|thumb|600px|none|T.H.E. Rock firing his [[M79 grenade launcher|M79]].]]
==Browning M2==
 
Several [[Browning M2]] heavy machine guns mounted on tanks are seen firing in the background of several scenes.
 
[[Image:BrowningM2.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Browning M2 .50 BMG]]
[[Image:FMJ-Browning-M2.jpg|thumb|500px|none|A .50 cal [[Browning M2]].]]
[[Image:FMJ-Browning-M2-2.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Animal Mother ([[Adam Baldwin]]) is in the foreground with his [[M60 machine gun]] slung over his shoulder, a tank mounted [[Browning M2|fifty-cal]] can be seen in the background.]]
 
== Daisy Red Ryder ==
Crazy Earl carries a lever action [[Daisy Red Ryder BB gun]] in addition to his [[M16 rifle series|M-16]] (probably a prop for a Winchester), through the movie, although we never see it closely:
[[Image:FMJ-1.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Daisy Red Ryder BB gun in "Full Metal Jacket" (arrow). Also, note how the character of Crazy Earl is carrying an MGC [[M16]] replica rifle.]]
[[Image:FMJ-2.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Daisy Red Ryder BB gun in "Full Metal Jacket" (arrow)]]
 
==MGC M16 rifle==
A number of characters were seen carrying MGC M16 rifles for scenes where they didn't carry the blank-firing M16 rifles.
[[Image:MGC16.jpg|thumb|none|500px|The MGC M16 Assault rifle: a non firing metal replica built by the Model Gun Corp of Japan and one of the most used non firing replicas of the M16 in movies and television]]
[[Image:FullMetalJacket MGC16.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Pvt. Joker ([[Matthew Modine]]) walks in a column holding a Model Gun Corp MGC M16]]
 


=Grenades=
==M26 Hand Grenade==
[[M26 hand grenade]]s are seen several times on the flak vests of various Marines in Hue.
[[Image:200px-M-67handgrenade.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M26 "Lemon" hand grenade.]]
[[Image:Fmj21.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Joker gets a dressing-down from a Marine Colonel, a pair of M26 hand grenades visible on his vest above his camera]]
[[Image:FMJ 208.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cowboy ([[Arliss Howard]]) carries the grenade on his vest.]]


==M67 Hand Grenade==
Several Marines carry [[M67 hand grenade]]s on their flak vests as well. An interesting note about this is that during the late 1960s (when the events of the film take place), the M67 was just starting to see use among frontline US military units, and beginning to phase out older designs such as the M26 hand grenade mentioned above.
[[Image:M67.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M67 High-Explosive Fragmentation grenade]]
[[Image:Fmj24.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Lt. Touchdown ([[Ed O'Ross]]) has an M67 grenade on his vest.]]


=Other=
==Daisy Red Ryder BB gun==
Crazy Earl carries a lever-action [[Daisy Red Ryder]] BB gun in addition to his [[M16]] throughout the movie, as carried by his character in the book on which the film is based, ''The Short Timers''.
[[Image:199852 lg.jpg|thumb|none|501px|Daisy Red Ryder BB gun]]
[[Image:FMJ-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The stock of Daisy Red Ryder BB gun is seen sticking out of Crazy Earl's pack. Crazy Earl is carrying an [[MGC M16]] replica rifle.]]
[[Image:FMJ-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Daisy Red Ryder BB gun is seen on the right on the ground next to Crazy Earl.]]
[[File:FMJ 663.jpg|thumb|none|600px|During the battle of Hue, Crazy Earl holds his Red Ryder instead of M16 rifle.]]


[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:War]]
[[Category:War]]
[[Category:Stanley Kubrick]]

Latest revision as of 14:25, 25 October 2023



Full Metal Jacket
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Theatrical release poster
Country Error creating thumbnail: File missing USA
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Release Date 1987
Language English
Vietnamese
Studio Harrier Films
Natant
Distributor Warner Brothers
Main Cast
Character Actor
Private J.T. "Joker" Davis Matthew Modine
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman R. Lee Ermey
Private Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence Vincent D'Onofrio
Animal Mother Adam Baldwin
Private Cowboy Arliss Howard
Eightball Dorian Harewood
Rafterman Kevyn Major Howard


Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 Vietnam War film directed by Stanley Kubrick that follows a US Marine nicknamed "Joker" (Matthew Modine) through his initiation into Marine boot camp up to his tour in Vietnam as a reporter for Stars and Stripes. Upon his deployment, Joker and his fellow Marines find themselves in the midst of the Battle of Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive. With a screenplay adapted from Gustav Hasford's novel The Short-Timers, Full Metal Jacket provided breakthrough acting roles for Vincent D'Onofrio and R. Lee Ermey, who was a former Marine drill instructor prior to his iconic role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the film. At the time of its premiere, the film was part of a wave of Vietnam War-related theatrical releases, and was unfairly compared to Oliver Stone's Platoon (which was released just over six months prior to this film). The film's title refers to a bullet usually consisting of a soft lead core encased in a shell made of harder material, typically of metal.



The following weapons were used in the film Full Metal Jacket:


Error creating thumbnail: File missing WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!


Rifles

M14

The M14 Rifle features prominently in the U.S. Marine boot camp scenes in the film. Once the Marines arrive in Vietnam they are issued M16s. The M14 rifle is notably seen in the film 'locked and loaded' with 7.62x51mm NATO rounds when Private Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence (Vincent D'Onofrio) is confronted first by Pvt. "Joker" (Matthew Modine), and then Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey), in the 'head'. When Joker asks if the rounds were live, Pyle responds, "Seven-Six-Two millimeter, Full Metal Jacket".

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M14 rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO
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"This is my rifle."
Private "Joker" (Matthew Modine) with his M14 Rifle in bed.
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"There are many like it, but this one is mine."
Pvt. Leonard "Gomer Pyle" Lawrence (Vincent D'Onofrio) with his M14 along with the rest of the boots recite the Rifleman's creed as a prayer before bed.
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"This is my rifle, this is my gun! This is for fightin', this is for fun!"
Gunnery Sgt. Hartman (R. Lee Ermey) marches with the men.
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Joker (Matthew Modine) helps Pyle (Vincent D'Onofrio) train with his M14.
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Pvt. Pyle (Vincent D'Onofrio) fires the M14 on the range and shoots the most accurate.
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The boots conduct a bayonet charge with their M14 rifles.
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"Seven-Six-Two millimeter, Full Metal Jacket".
Pyle loads his M14 magazine with live rounds.

USAF M16 (Colt Model 604)

The M16 Rifle appears in the film as the standard-issue weapon of most of the US Marines in Vietnam. Since the film takes place during the Tet offensive in 1968, the use of M16s is correct since it was adopted by the USMC in 1967. However, the particular rifle adopted by the USMC was the M16A1 whereas the rifle featured in the film is a Colt Model 604, which was the version of the M16 adopted by the US Air Force which lacked a forward assist and had the partial magazine fence of the XM16E1. "Cowboy" (Arliss Howard) has his M16 with two magazines taped together 'jungle style', a practice that originated during World War II for the Thompson that was carried over to the M16 during Vietnam. During his encounter with the VC sniper, Pvt. Joker's rifle jams on him, something early M16s were notorious for due to poor maintenance habits and faulty ammunition.

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"USAF" M16 (Colt Model 604) - 5.56x45mm
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"Crazy Earl" (Kieron Jecchinis) is seen without a magazine in his 604 rifle, probably having dumped it after shooting. Note that just before this scene, there was a glaring continuity error (for a Kubrick film), as he still had a mag in the rifle.
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However, this scene right after the above shows Earl now dropping out the empty mag before he inserts a new one. Note the rifle is held in his right hand.
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In another continuity error, this angle shows Earl reloading and firing his rifle left-handed.
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Crazy Earl (Kieron Jecchinis) holds his M16 after shooting some NVA soldiers. Note he is now again holding the rifle right-handed.
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Cowboy (Arliss Howard) fires his M16 at the NVA sniper. Note the mags taped "jungle style".
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Ducking the snipers' fire, Joker (Matthew Modine) lets go of his M16 Rifle and lets it fall to the ground, after it jams on him.
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Rafterman (Kevyn Major Howard) unloads his M16 Rifle.

MGC Replica M16

In the scenes where blank-firing weapons were not needed, the Marines are seen carrying MGC M16 Replica rifles.

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MGC M16
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Cowboy (Arliss Howard) holds the replica MGC M16. Note the fake forward assist indicating that this is the replica.
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Joker (Matthew Modine) holding a Model Gun Corp MGC M16 as he walks a column.
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Crazy Earl is carrying an MGC M16 replica rifle.

XM16E1

What appears to be an XM16E1 is seen in the hands of a Marine.

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XM16E1 rifle with 20 round magazine - 5.56x45mm. What distinguishes it from the original M16 was the addition of the forward assist button and a chrome bolt carrier (which was later dropped with the M16A1).
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Just visible in-frame on the right is an XM16E1 being used by a Marine. Note the forward assist.

Sa vz. 58

The VC sniper (Ngoc Le) that engages the Marines is armed with a Czech-made Sa vz. 58. Though the Sa vz. 58 rifles were commonly used by the North Vietnamese Army alongside the more predominant Soviet AK-47 (as well as the Chinese Type 56 copy), it is technically incorrect for them to be in common use with the VC. The Việt Cộng tended to use less modern weapons, like captured M1 Carbines, SKS rifles and old weapons from the First Indochina War.

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Sa vz. 58 P - 7.62x39mm
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An NVA soldier runs through the flames with an Sa vz. 58 during the Tet Offensive
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The VC sniper (Ngoc Le) with her Sa vz. 58.
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The VC sniper (Ngoc Le) lines up her Sa vz. 58 on Eightball (Dorian Harewood).

Machine Guns

M60

The Doorgunner (Tim Colceri) on the Westland Wessex helicopter (standing in for an H-34 Choctaw) that takes Joker (Matthew Modine) and Rafterman (Kevyn Major Howard) to join Cowboy's (Arliss Howard) 1st Platoon repeatedly fires an M60 machine gun at random Vietnamese they pass. The M60 is also the weapon Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin) carries throughout the film. Pvt. Joker can also be seen firing an M60 when their base is attacked at the start of the Tet Offensive.

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M60 GPMG - 7.62x51mm NATO
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Joker (Matthew Modine) operates the M60 as the Marines prepare for the NVA assault on the base.
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The Doorgunner (Tim Colceri) with his M60 machine gun.
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"Animal Mother" (Adam Baldwin) hugs the dirt and his M60. The quote on his helmet ("I am become death") is from Hindu scripture, and was quoted by the "father of the atomic bomb", J. Robert Oppenheimer.
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"Better you than me."
Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin) shoulders his M60 while looking over the dead Marines.
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Animal Mother lays down fire with the M60 machine gun.
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Animal Mother charges into the city blazing away with the M60.
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Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin) fires the M60.

Browning M2HB

Several Browning M2HB heavy machine guns mounted on M41A Walker Bulldog tanks are seen firing in the background of several scenes.

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Browning M2HB in vehicle mounting - .50 BMG (12.7x99mm)
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A .50 cal Browning M2HB is seen mounted on the M41A Walker Bulldog tank.
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A Browning M2HB is seen mounted on the M41A Walker Bulldog tanks as they enter Hue.
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A camera crew captures a tanker using the M2 atop the Walker Bulldog tank.
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An M2HB is glimpsed behind Animal Mother.

Handguns

M1911A1

Pvt. Joker draws his M1911A1 pistol after his M16 jams on him.

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M1911A1 - .45 ACP
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Pvt. Joker draws his M1911A1 after his M16 jams on him.
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Pvt. Joker (Matthew Modine) with his M1911 drawn.

Launchers

M72 LAW

A U.S. Marine uses an M72 LAW while attempting to take down a VC sniper in Hue.

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M72A2 LAW - 66mm
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A U.S. Marine firing an M72 LAW.

M79 Grenade Launcher

An M79 grenade launcher is mainly carried by T.H.E. Rock (Sal Lopez) in the film.

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M79 grenade launcher - 40mm
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T.H.E. Rock (Sal Lopez) hits the dirt carrying the M79.
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T.H.E. Rock (Sal Lopez) fires his 40mm M79 grenade launcher during the Battle of Hue.
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T.H.E. Rock firing his M79.

Grenades

M26 Hand Grenade

M26 hand grenades are seen several times on the flak vests of various Marines in Hue.

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M26 "Lemon" hand grenade.
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Joker gets a dressing-down from a Marine Colonel, a pair of M26 hand grenades visible on his vest above his camera
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Cowboy (Arliss Howard) carries the grenade on his vest.

M67 Hand Grenade

Several Marines carry M67 hand grenades on their flak vests as well. An interesting note about this is that during the late 1960s (when the events of the film take place), the M67 was just starting to see use among frontline US military units, and beginning to phase out older designs such as the M26 hand grenade mentioned above.

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M67 High-Explosive Fragmentation grenade
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Lt. Touchdown (Ed O'Ross) has an M67 grenade on his vest.

Other

Daisy Red Ryder BB gun

Crazy Earl carries a lever-action Daisy Red Ryder BB gun in addition to his M16 throughout the movie, as carried by his character in the book on which the film is based, The Short Timers.

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Daisy Red Ryder BB gun
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The stock of Daisy Red Ryder BB gun is seen sticking out of Crazy Earl's pack. Crazy Earl is carrying an MGC M16 replica rifle.
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Daisy Red Ryder BB gun is seen on the right on the ground next to Crazy Earl.
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During the battle of Hue, Crazy Earl holds his Red Ryder instead of M16 rifle.