The United States soldiers seen during Emmett Fitz-Hume (Chevy Chase) and Austin Millbarge's (Dan Aykroyd) training are carrying M16A1's, such as those seen running around the base. Also, M16's are one of the many rifles used by the Mujahideen warriors.
The guards at the abandoned outdoor theater are seen holding Colt XM177's. As was common in several of the films directed by John Landis, several movie directors make cameos and they are seen here.
True, genuine AK-47's can be seen in the hands of Soviet soldiers and Border Guards, a rarity for a US production made during the 1980's. Since the scenes for Soviet Tajikistan were filmed in Norway and scenes for Pakistan and Afghanistan were filmed in Morocco, it is quite possible that the production was able to source real Russian AK-47s from either British and/or European film armourers.
For some scenes, Norinco Type 56 rifles are used in place of AK's.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingNorinco Type 56 (Imported into the U.S. as the Norinco AKS-47 or AKS-47 Sporter) - 7.62x39mmError creating thumbnail: File missingApparently, the Soviet War in Afghanistan caused a shortage of assault rifles, as the Soviets are going to the Chinese for their Type-56 rifle. Here, a Soviet Border Guard fires one of these leased weapons at Jerry and Karen. Note the hooded foresight.Error creating thumbnail: File missingA Soviet Border Guard fires at Austin and Emmett during the former's rescue of the latter. He is using an AK-47.
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)
Several of the Mujahideen can be seen using No. 1 Mark III* Lee-Enfield's, and the No.4 rifle is later seen in the hands of the Pakistani soldiers at the guard post.
The "GLG-20's" Jerry Hadley (Charles McKeown) and Karen Boyer (Donna Dixon) use MAC-10's when Soviet troops discover the spies while infiltrating the Soviet Union. Austin later uses one in his courageous attempt to rescue Emmett from the Soviet border guards. The magazine he uses to reload his MAC-10 appears to be empty.
The Soviet KGB Agents are seen using Tokarev TT-33 pistols after Emmett and Austin discover their contacts' true loyalties while in Pakistan. The agents are also seen using the pistols later at the highway patrol office. They should, however, be using Makarovs.
During Emmett and Austin's training, Colonel Rhombus (Bernie Casey) fires a nickel plated M1911A1 with ivory grips at their feet to persuade them to jump into the mud pit.
