They Live is a 1988 film written (under a pseudonym) and directed by John Carpenter. In the movie, a drifter (never named but credited as Nada) is out of work and so is much of the country. He finds some work on a construction site and befriends another worker who takes him to a shanty camp site for the homeless. After the camp’s shifty organizers run from a police raid, Nada curiously seeks answers. His curiosity only leads him to some sunglasses. These sunglasses reveal things not seen by the naked eye, like hidden messages and aliens disguised as humans living in an elite upper class. Nada does not take this lightly and sets out to destroy every alien he puts his sights on. A classic 80s Sci-Fi action flick.
Nada (Roddy Piper) is confronted by two LAPD officers in an alleyway. Nada manages to knock them out and relinquishes them of their sidearms. One such sidearm is a Colt Python revolver. Nada puts the officer’s utility belt over his shoulder and across his chest with the revolver holstered on the belt.
Smith & Wesson Model 28
Besides the Colt Python, Nada (Roddy Piper) also takes the other officers sidearm a Smith & Wesson Model 28. You can see this revolver tucked into his waistband when he walks into the bank. He is also seen with the revolver when he forces Holly to give him a ride.
Holly (Meg Foster) uses a Walther PP pistol with nickel finish and pearl grips later on in the film.
Beretta Jetfire
Gilbert (Peter Jason) gives Nada a Beretta Jetfire. Nada keeps the pistol concealed in his shirt sleeve and later uses it on the roof.
Desert Eagle
Nada (Roddy Piper) picks up a Desert Eagle MkI pistol from the table of guns at the safe house. He later uses it in the Studio 54 building.
SIG Sauer P226
Frank takes a SIG-Sauer P226 from the table of guns at the safe house. Note how the P226 seems to be fitted with a custom stainless compensator. Frank later uses the pistol in the Studio 54 building.
Nada, LAPD Officers, and various other characters use Ithaca 37 shotguns. The Ithaca 37 appears extensively throughout the whole film. The shotgun is configured like the real LAPDs Ithaca Shotguns and is equipped with rifle sights
HK94 Conversion
The HK94A3 Conversion is used both by Nada (Roddy Piper) and the LAPD in the film. Nada acquires his from the table of guns at the safe house. The HK94A3 conversion that appear in the film have long barrel shrouds that act as a muzzle attachment producing a large unusual flash. Also vertical foregrips are attached to the shroud. Nada's HK94 has the foregrip positioned horizontally at the 9 o’clock position instead of the typical vertical 6 o'clock position. These weapons were supplied by Ellis Mercantile.
Micro Uzi
Frank picks up a Micro Uzi from the table of guns at the safe house. He uses the Micro Uzi in the ensuing battle with the LAPD until he runs out of ammuntion.
Uzi Submachine gun
The Uzi is used by Gilbert during the LAPD raid. The LAPD also using an Uzi during the shootout.
M16 Rifle
Nada (Roddy Piper) and Frank acquire M16 rifles in the Cable 54 building and use them against Cable 54 soldiers. The Cable 54 soldiers are also carrying M16s.
M16A1
An M16A1 is used by a Cable 54 soldier in the helicopter to shoot at Nada on the roof.
MGC M16 rifle
A Cable 54 building soldiers is seen carrying a MGC M16 replica rifle. When Nada picks up the weapon it becomes a genuine M16 rifle.
Mk 2 Hand Grenade
When Frank is picking up weapons at the safe house he puts a Mk 2 hand grenade into his backpack. He later uses the grenade to blow apart a door to gain entrance to Studio 54.
Steyr GB
When the safe house is raided one of the organizers tries to get off a shot at the police with a Steyr GB, but is instead killed. His Steyr GB pistol has a flashlight attached to it.
Table of Guns
At the safe house Nada and Frank are brought to a large table containing many different types of firearms.