Upotte!! is a slice-of-life and action series whose characters are the personifications of firearms. Upotte!! goes to great lengths to showcase many technical details and historical trivia on the subject, often through the use of cut-in narrated demonstrations to help explain the plot point (or joke) in a given scene. The story begins with a human teacher being transferred to Seishou Academy, entirely oblivious to its purpose as a school for personified firearms. The students are divided by weapon class, with submachine guns being in elementary school, assault rifles and shotguns in middle school, and battle rifles and sniper rifles in high school; most of the faculty are also guns. The main cast features Funco (FNC), Ichiroku (M16A4), Sig (SG 550), and Elle (L85A1), and their many adventures and misadventures.
The following weapons were used in the anime series Upotte!!:
A poster for what is presumably an in-universe spy film is seen in Ichiroku and Elle's room, featuring a pistol of some sort.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe movie poster behind Sig, who has no trouble with the cold weather while the other three huddle under the kotatsu (heated table). (Ep.7)
Submachine Guns
Fabrique Nationale P90 TR
An FN P90 TR is seen on a gun rack during a cut-in when Sig bluntly states that she thought the reason Ichiroku was popular was because she's cheap. Interestingly, the P90 is fitted with an adapter to take STANAG magazines, something only compatible with airsoft P90s.
A Heckler & Koch MP5A2 is seen in the hands of MP, the personification of said SMG. As with all the characters, the full designation is her "full" name ("MP5A2") but she goes by a shorter, more conversational name in virtually all circumstances. MP is one of G3's many younger sisters, as the MP5 is essentially a G3 scaled down to a submachine gun. Due to this, Sig nicknames her Chii3 ("Small3").
An Ingram M-10 is seen in the background when MP explains why M-10 suddenly stopped talking, due to her having an extremely high rate of fire (1090 rounds per minute is mentioned). M-10, who also goes by Ram (from "Ingram"), had been explaining why Gossan ("five-three") is grouped with the SMGs despite using rifle-calibre ammo, as she's the personification of the HK53 (an MP5-sized HK33).
Error creating thumbnail: File missingA stitched shot showcasing much more of the M-10 on-screen at once than is normally seen, as MP gives her explanation; Gossan is the tall girl behind her. Note that the gun's charging handle is erroneously drawn in both positions at once. (Ep.3)
M1928 Thompson
An M1928 Thompson with a drum magazine is held by its personification, Thompson, on the cover of the first volume of Rufuira!!, a doujinshi by the manga's artist; this manga makes a cameo lying on the floor of the human teacher's room. The human teacher's name is never given during the show, and most characters simply refer to him as Genkoku, essentially "Modern Literature (teacher)".
Error creating thumbnail: File missingM1928 Thompson - .45 ACPError creating thumbnail: File missingMs. Thompson showing off a bit more than just her SMG on the cover of the first Rufuira!! volume. The collection of canon manga includes the main series (Upotte!!), Upotte!! Nano, Upotte SISTERS!!, Rufuira!!, and Echiina!!, as well as a few non-canon doujinshi. (Ep.7)
MP 40
An MP 40 is shown during the overview of the history of submachine guns. The narrator also makes reference to the WWI-era MP 18 during this sequence.
A Remington Model 870 is used to demonstrate the difference between a traditional pump-action shotgun with a non-detachable tube magazine, and a self-loading shotgun with detachable box magazines, in this case the Saiga-12. A chibi-form Ichiroku is seen firing one at a chibi Elle, who is portraying a rabbit.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingRemington Model 870 Police Magnum (wood furniture) - 12 gaugeError creating thumbnail: File missingRemington Model 870 Police Magnum (synthetic furniture) - 12 gaugeError creating thumbnail: File missingA hunter shoots fleeing ducks with his Remington 870, somewhere in what appears to be the Pacific Northwest. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA SWAT-style team breaches a room, three of them armed with Model 870s fitted with black furniture. The fourth officer is carrying a Glock pistol and ballistic shield. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA good profile view of the Remington Model 870. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA stitched sequence of a chibi Ichiroku loading and firing an 870 at a chibi Elle. Ichiroku can be seen loading four shells from her eight-shell bandolier, then firing (and missing) all four shells before tossing the gun into the air in frustration. The shotgun is then caught by a chibi Saiga, who transforms it into a Saiga-12K. (Ep.10)
Izhmash Saiga-12K
As mentioned above, Saiga is the personification of the Saiga-12K shotgun. Together with the rest of the Eastern Bloc firearms she attends Akaganekou ("Red Steel High"). Saiga ambushes Ichiroku and Sig during the battle of Atami, and continues to hold a stalemate with copious amounts of buckshot throughout the battle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingIzhmash Saiga-12K - 12 gaugeError creating thumbnail: File missingAfter Saiga makes her entrance by blasting Ichiroku (destroying one of her magazines), Sig returns the favour with a burst of 5.56mm to Saiga's own mag, the remaining shells falling out the bottom. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingSaiga panics, looking at what's left of her shotgun's magazine. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA frustrated Saiga falls back to reload. Ichiroku and Sig then comment on her being a shotgun, with Ichiroku naming Saiga and Sig naming Izhmash. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA close-up of the Saiga-12K as chibi Saiga transforms it from a Remington 870 during the shotgun explanation. Note the curious S/F markings on the selector, not something found on Russian firearms. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingChibi Saiga prepares to blast chibi Ichiroku with what is evidently anti-clothing-shot, concluding the cut-in explanation. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingSaiga loads a fresh 5-round magazine and gives an enthusiastic smirk. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingBlasting away at the stairwell, Saiga continues to keep her enemies' heads down. (Ep.10)
Assault Rifles & Light Machine Guns
AK-47
Two different AK-47 patterns are seen as the narrator (who uses the Russian term Avtomat Kalashnikova) explains the rivalry between the M16 and AK during the Vietnam War, and the reputations both guns earned during that conflict. The first one seen is a final production "Type 3" pattern, the other is an early-pattern "Type 1". It should be noted that the "Type 1/2/3" descriptors are terms created by Western historians to help categorize the three patterns of AK-47, rather than being official Russian terminology.
An RPK light machine gun is used by RPK. Tall, well-built, and always eager for a good fight, RPK makes for a stellar personification of her firearm. Although generally rather trigger happy, RPK also makes use of her rifle's long barrel and bipod to provide some very impressive long-range precision support at the beginning of the battle of Atami.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingRPK - 7.62x39mmError creating thumbnail: File missingRPK fires her LMG in semi-auto from its bipod. Despite being on a rocking boat and several hundred metres away, she achieves exceptionally precise fire. (Ep.9)Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe RPK lies next to its owner as she and her partner slip out of their wetsuits. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingAfter running into the main quartet, RPK fires at them while making her escape. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingRPK fires at the glass ceiling of the mall from which Funco had just been sniping. The rifle's bolt can be seen cycling in this shot, and is to the rear here. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingWith three of her unconscious comrades in the background, RPK makes good use of her long 40-round magazine. Perhaps slightly too much use, though she is heard reloading off-screen at one point. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingAfter being ordered to reposition and assist Saiga, RPK rips off her mask in frustration and gives Funco a long glare before leaving. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingRPK is briefly seen firing her LMG at Ichiroku, forming a pincer attack. (Ep.10)
AK-74
The leader of the Akaganekou group that instigates the battle of Atami is Nanayon ("seven-four"), personification of the AK-74. Most of the Akaganekou "extras" are also armed with AK-74s, though they should be canonically considered to be using different, similar Eastern Bloc weapons.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingAK-74 - 5.45x39mmError creating thumbnail: File missingNanayon fires her AK-74 from the shadows in semi-auto. The fire selector is correctly set to that position, and the bolt can be seen cycling here. (Ep.9)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA stitched shot as Nanayon warns civilians about the upcoming battle. Although effectively committing a terrorist attack, she at least has the decency to keep her rifle on safe when out of combat. Like the Saiga, her rifle similarly features "S/A/R" markings instead of cyrillic. (Ep.9)Error creating thumbnail: File missingA trio of Akaganekou students wearing masks fire their AK-74s at Ichiroku and Sig. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingThree more take up defensive positions at the mall, however Funco sees this and opts to take them out from the roof instead of engaging head on. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingNanayon opens fire at Funco in the deserted shopping mall. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingFunco clips Nanayon's mask and sends it flying during their duel. (Ep.10)Error creating thumbnail: File missingNanayon shoulders her AK-74 as her face off with Funco nears its end. (Ep.10)
AKS-74U
After Sig's impractical-but-awesome one-handed shooting demonstration, Funco and Sig attempt to persuade Genkoku of its usefulness by claiming it could be used to write messages on the walls of an enemy camp some distance away. The "camp" in question is clearly set somewhere in the Middle East, and two of the three fighters there are armed with rifles. Given the setting/theme these are most likely Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, and the one with a visible muzzle appears to best match the AKS-74U.
A poster showcasing a disassembled Bushmaster ACR is seen in Curly's shop. The rifle is fitted with a non-standard stock (its proper stock is seen elsewhere on the poster) as well as some other parts on the poster not being for the ACR, such as the GL1 grenade launcher for the F2000. This seems to be explained by the Japanese text describing custom parts and fitment work.
A CETME Modelo L is used by Modelo, seen in the jungle tournament. One is also featured on the sign for Curly's gun shop, as well as on a rack in the shop itself.
A ST Kinetics SAR 21 is used by Sar. Like Aug, she wears glasses presumably to represent the SAR 21's built-in optic. One is also seen in Curly's shop.
A Colt M16 is seen in "Sing! Compete!" when the episode shows the evolution of the M16 series and when the narrator explains the origin of the rivalry between M16 and AK rifles.
A Colt M16A1 can be seen in the second episode when the M16A1 is compared with the A4 in terms of firing rate in "Go for it! Pass it!". A M16A1 is also seen in "Wash and Scrub!" and in "Sing! Compete!".
16 (Ichiroku in Japanese) is the personification of the Colt M16A4 Assault Rifle, first appearing in "Grip and Hold!". Examples of the M16A4 are first seen in "Sing! Compete!". What appears to be M16A4s are seen in a flashback in "Take it! Hurry!". In "Graze it! Beat it!", the chamber of 16's M16A4 becomes fouled due to bad powder, causing the weapon to jam with each round fired, forcing her to use the forward assist after every shot and complain that she's not supposed to be a bolt action rifle.
A Colt M4A1 is depicted in "Wash and Scrub!" in the hands of a British SAS soldier during an oral history narration of the L85A1. It has a holographic sight with a magnifying scope.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingColt M4A1 with 6 position collapsible stock - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingA British SAS soldier holding a M4A1 by one hand. The scaling on the weapon is way off being far too large, meaning that in order for the soldier to be able to grip the weapon the pistol grip has been shrunk relative to the rest of the rifle. It was drawn rather to reasonable scale in the manga.
Enfield L85A1
L is the personification of the L85A1, first appearing in "Grip and Hold!". She adores Fal and often jams, which is unfortunately true as the British and the Jamaicans (A major user of the L85A1 since 1992) often encountered jamming issues as a major source of discontent for the rifle before Heckler & Koch was able to improve the rifle to bring it the L85A2 standard. The L85A1 appears in "Wash and Scrub!" during a narrator explanation on how the rifle was made.
A FARA 83, made by Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles Domingo Matheu (Domingo Matheu Portable Military Factory), is seen in "Sing! Compete!", wielded by Fara.
Funco is the personification of the FN FNC Assault Rifle, first appearing in "Grip and Hold!". Hilariously, Genkoku first referred to her as the 'girl with the thong', a reference to the fact FN FNC's came with skeleton stocks. The FNC Funco wields appears to be based on the civilian semi-auto version, since it has a sling mount instead of the bayonet lug under the barrel.
An Armalite AR-18 used by 18 (Ichihachi in Japanese) can be seen on the shooting range next to L and Aug in "Grip and Hold!". 18 uses the AR-18 in the jungle wargames in "Sing! Compete!".
A Polish Kbk wz.88 Tantal, the Polish equivalent of the AK-74, is wielded by a Red Steel High student during the shootout in Atami in the episode "And then! Upote!".
A Sako Rk95 Tp is used by Sako as her main assault rifle, appearing first in "Sing! Compete!". She first uses it in "Graze it! Beat it!!".
Error creating thumbnail: File missingSako Rk95 Tp - 7.62x39mm.Error creating thumbnail: File missingEyecatch of "Sing! Compete!" with Sako on the right holding her Rk95 Tp. Note that the stats present are wrong - Sako is intended to use a rare export variant of Rk95 Tp chambered in 5.56x45mm, yet the stats are copied from the 7.62x39mm version, and inaccurately on top of that (weight is 1 kg higher than in reality, and there is no such a thing as a 5.56x39mm round). The magazine is also animated way too large.Error creating thumbnail: File missingSako aims the Rk95's barrel at Funco's chest after temporarily blinding her with bullet fragmentation in the jungle wargame arc.Error creating thumbnail: File missingSako searching for 16 and L in the jungles. Note that there is a continuity error since the magazine is seen straight.Error creating thumbnail: File missingHiding in the bushes while Sako scopes out her opponents.Error creating thumbnail: File missingFPS view of the riflescope mounted on Sako's Rk95.Error creating thumbnail: File missingSako aiming the Rk95 in "Take it! Hurry!". Note the riflescope and the waffle-type magazine.Error creating thumbnail: File missingA very good closeup of the Rk95 in the same episode. You can see the riflescope, waffle-type magazine and the AK-like foregrip.
SIG SG 550
Sig is the personification of the SIG SG 550; smart yet somewhat of a ditz. She first appears with the rifle in "Grip and Hold!". She is depicted as being the most accurate of the main four assault rifles, able to effectively engage targets at ranges that would normally be associated with the larger-caliber battle rifles.
Aug is the personified version of the Steyr AUG; she wears glasses like Sar, representing the AUG's built-in optics. She first uses it in "Graze it! Beat it!!", changing hairstyles by removing the short wig to her original long hair to indicate the use of a standard barrel-based AUG. Crunchyroll's subs consistently mis-indentify the weapon's country of origin as Australia, contrary to the narrator's correct mentioning of Austria as the AUG's country of origin. It's also mentioned that the AUG can mount a heavy barrel and become a Squad Automatic Weapon (likely referring to the AUG HBAR), however the standard-length AUG is shown when this is being explained, likely an oversight. When in this persona, Aug's confidence increases to the point where she becomes almost overbearing.
The T91 carbine is seen in "Sing! Compete!" in Curly's gun shop. The T91 is first used by Tei in "Graze it! Beat it!!". Her stock (panties) gets shot off by 16 during their wargame, but is recovered afterwards. Her trademark six-pigtail hairstyle is likely a reference to the insignia of the 205th Armory, T91's manufacturer.
An FN FAL appears in "Wash and Scrub!" when the narrator explains to the audience how the L85 was created.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingFN FAL 50.00 - 7.62x51mm NATO.Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe first FN FAL as depicted. The carry handles appears to be folded down. The plastic parts (buttstock, foregrip and pistol grip) were changed to wood. Also note that the caliber listed was only used in the prototype FAL, not the production model
Royal Small Arms Factory L1A1 SLR
Funco's elder sister Fal is based off the FN FAL, more specifically the British L1A1 SLR variant. She is described as being beautiful and smart. Fal appears in "Grip and Hold!". The rifle appears in "Wash and Scrub!" when Fal explains the origin of the L1A1. Even if Fal is depicted as being based on the British L1A1 model (so semi-automatic only), while confronting her younger sister at the fountain in "Go for it! Pass it!" she is seen firing a burst in fully automatic fire, much like the original Belgian model. This is apparently a reference to a field-modification that Australian troops did to their L1A1s during the Vietnam War to lock their weapons in full-auto.
G3 is the Heckler & Koch G3A3. She has several younger sisters in middle and elementary school (i.e. the HK33 and MP5 series'). She first appears in "Grip and Hold!". The rest of the H&K family, seen in the manga, consists of HK33E, G41, and G36 in middle school, HK53 (due to being MP5-sized) MP5A2, MP5SD, MP5K, UMP, and MP7A1 in elementary school, and HK32 who attends Red Steel High due to her caliber. 53 appears in "Wash and Scrub!", and (along with G3 and MP) UMP, MP5K, MP7A1, and four others who are off-screen appear in "Behold! Laugh!", however none of their guns are seen in the show. It's most likely that MP5SD doesn't talk (or doesn't talk much, at least), with HK32 presumably being the one not present in "Behold! Laugh!".
16's elder sister 14 (Ichiyon in Japanese) is based off the M14. She first appears in "Grip and Hold!". A few M14s are seen in "Sing! Compete!". 14's accuracy when firing her rifle in full auto is non-existant; 16 even claims that the spread of her rounds is roughly 10 meters. This is a reference to the M14 being notoriously difficult to control in full-auto due to the heavy recoil of its 7.62x51mm ammo.
An M1 Garand is shown in "Take a Look! Scold Someone!", which is a wooden replica of the gun placed on the sign on the entrance to the Seisho Academy annual fair.
An SKS rifle appears in "Wash and Scrub!" during the explanation on the origin of bullpup rifles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingRussian Simonov Type 45 aka the Russian SKS rifle - 7.62x39mm. The Russian SKS has a milled receiver and a blade bayonet. The rifles were issued with hardwood or laminated stocks. This example has a hardwood stock.Error creating thumbnail: File missingA SKS rifle with the flag of the USSR behind it.
Machine Guns
Browning M2HB
A Browning M2HB is seen on top of a Stryker ICV in "Take a Look! Scold Someone!".
In Curly's gun store in "Sing! Compete!", several assault rifles are portrayed as being sold in the world of "Upotte!".
Error creating thumbnail: File missingA few assault rifles are sold in Curly's Store. From bottom to top: Steyr AUG A1, ST Kinetics SR-88A and the T91 carbine.Error creating thumbnail: File missingSame photo as the one above, except that the CETME Model L is fully displayed next to the T91.Error creating thumbnail: File missingTokyo Marui "Golgo 13" M16 Airsoft GunError creating thumbnail: File missingOn the upper left side, you can see the barrel of the ST Kinetics SAR-21. On the upper right side is a M16A2 with a riflescope mounted on the upper receiver and a custom stock, similar to the M16A2 used by Duke "Golgo 13" Togo in the Golgo 13 series.
RPG-7
An RPG-7 launcher tube in shown in "Take a Look! Scold Someone!"
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