The Silence of the Lambs is the 1991 thriller that marked the first appearance of Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In the film, FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) enlists Lecter's help in order to track down a notorious serial killer who has kidnapped a US Senator's daughter. Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the film would win the Academy Award for Best Picture as well as acting wins for both Hopkins and Foster. Hopkins would reprise his role as Lecter in two more films: Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).
The following weapons were used in the film The Silence of the Lambs:
FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is shown training with and then carrying the Smith & Wesson Model 13. This .357 magnum, 3" barrel revolver was the last issue revolver of the FBI (usually loaded with .38 spl +P .158 gr LHP ammo). When Starling fires her weapon at Buffalo Bill, there is noticeable recoil and she flinches. However, when she fires it on the range in the deleted scenes, there is absolutely no recoil, and she keeps her eyes open. This could indicate multiple weapons were used on set.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingSmith & Wesson Model 13 - .357 MagnumError creating thumbnail: File missingClarice checks in her S&W Model 13 and her speedloader when visiting Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Memphis. The revolver used by Jodie Foster in the movie has a Pachmayr Grip adaptor, true to the actual FBI-issued firearm at the time. Also note that the rounds in the speedloader are SJHP, and not the .38 spl LSWCHP +P, used by the FBI in that era.Error creating thumbnail: File missing"FBI, You're safe!" Clarice is armed with her S&W Model 13 as she shouts to Gumb's hostage, Catherine Martin in Buffalo Bill's lair .Error creating thumbnail: File missingClarice opens fire with her S&W Model 13.Error creating thumbnail: File missingFBI recruits including Clarice (Jodie Foster) training in a deleted scene. The range director in the scene tells the recruits that they are to prepare for "double-action" training, and the actors correctly refrain from cocking the hammers.Error creating thumbnail: File missingLater in the same deleted scene, Clarice draws her S&W Model 13. Her holster seems to be the one that the FBI used with the S&W at the time (note the speedloader pouch).Error creating thumbnail: File missingYet another deleted scene shows Clarice being issued her field weapon. (Due to the fact that she holsters it without looking, she appears to put it in backwards.)
Browning Hi-Power
As they close in on Lecter, one of the SWAT officers is seen with a Browning Hi-Power with Target sights before he opens the elevator access panel. Another SWAT officer appears to use a Browning HP to wound a suspect in the leg.
Jame Gumb a.k.a "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine) is seen holding what appears to be a 6" barreled, stainless steel Colt Python with Pachmyr Presentation grips. In the book, it is said that Gumb loads the gun with .38 Special lead wadcutters.
FBI Special Agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) prepares to assault the possible home of Buffalo Bill armed with the Remington 870 shotgun. According to Scott Glenn's commentary on the Blu-Ray edition, the shotgun originally had an 18 inch barrel, but Glenn insisted upon having a shorter one. The armorer explained that making it shorter would not be legal, but finally relented and cut down the barrel down to 14 inches shortly before the scene was shot.
Soldiers of the Tennessee National Guard were seen armed with M16A1 rifles at Memphis Airport when Dr. Hannibal Lecter arrived in Memphis to assist federal agents. National Guardsmen tasked with guarding Dr. Lecter at the makeshift prison he was incarcerated in were also seen armed with M16A1 rifles.
