Error creating thumbnail: File missing Join our Discord!
If you have been locked out of your account you can request a password reset here.

Red Scorpion

From Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Red Scorpion (1989)

Red Scorpion is a 1989 action film starring Dolph Lundgren as Nikolai Rachenko, a Soviet Spetsnaz-trained agent sent to assist Soviet forces in the putting down of a rebel movement in an African country. Nikolai then finds himself siding with the rebels after being betrayed by his superiors. Directed by Joseph Zito (Missing in Action), the film was produced in South Africa and used the resources of the South African Defense Force for vehicles and weapons (somewhat controversial because this was filmed during the time of apartheid).



The following weapons were used in the film Red Scorpion:


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

Rifles

Soviet Assault Rifle (mocked up FN FAL)

The large assault rifle used prominently by Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) during the final assault is an FN FAL mocked up to resemble the experimental Soviet Avtomat AO-63 assault rifle. The weapon is also seen being tested by Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) on the rifle range near the beginning of the film. The FN FAL used in the movie has been modified with twin barrels, a custom stock, the pistol grip from a Vektor SS-77 general purpose machine gun, an enlarged magazine/foregrip and a Lewis gun's drum magazine mounted on top. Upon closer inspection only the lower barrel can actually be seen firing; presumably this is because building a weapon that could fire from two barrels would be a far more difficult modification, and the discrepancy isn't that noticeable on-screen.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
FN FAL 50.00 - 7.62x51mm NATO
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The double-barrel assault rifle as seen in the movie. The text on the box means "Made in USSR".
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) with the double-barrel rifle seen vaguely in the opening title.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) being handed the double-barrel rifle for testing.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The rifle inflicts damage all out of proportion to its size to targets that are apparently impervious to 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm ammunition.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colonel Zayas satisfied with the results.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai gets ready for the final battle. Note the image of an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher on the stand behind Nikolai.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai firing at the "Mil-24 Hind".
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
"I am Spetsnaz! But I'm no longer one of you." Threatening the general with the rifle.

FN FAL

Unmodified FN FAL rifles are seen in the hands of guerilla fighters.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
FN FAL 50.00 7.62x51mm NATO
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
On the right, a rebel guarding Nikoli is armed with a FN FAL 7.62x51mm NATO

IMI Romat (fitted with grenade launcher)

An Israeli contract FAL fitted with a Mk 40 grenade launcher is used by rebel Kallunda Kintash (Al White). It is later taken and used by Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) for much of the final assault on the Soviet camp.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Israeli FAL "Romat" with Wooden Furniture 7.62x51mm NATO
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) is seen with an Israeli contract FN FAL in a briefing photo.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda Kintash (Al White) takes aim with the IMI Romat.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda Kintash (Al White) with the Romat at the rebel base.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda Kintash (Al White) takes cover with his IMI Romat during the Soviet helicopter attack.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) armed with Kintash's Romat.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) with the Israeli contract FN FAL as he raids the base.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) carrying the Romat as he searches for the general.

AK-47

After the truck chase, Nikolai is seen with a milled receiver AK-47 that is fitted with a bayonet.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Milled Receiver AK-47 design; 7.62x39mm.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Milled Receiver AK-47 design; 7.62x39mm.

AMD-65

An AMD-65 rifle is used by Rachenko to drunkenly shoot up a bar on the Soviet base so that he can be arrested and subsequently aid guerilla Kallunda Kintash (Al White) in his escape, thereby gaining the trust of the rebels and allowing him to assassinate their leader (in an incredibly convoluted plan that actually involves the deaths of several Soviet soldiers). AMD-65s are also seen being used by various Soviet soldiers/guerillas and by Dewey Ferguson (M. Emmet Walsh).

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Hungarian AMD-65 - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Rachenko shoots up a bar with the AMD-65.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda restraining his distraught wife with a AMD-65 slung over his shoulder.

Vektor R4

Vektor R4 rifles are used by the Angolan troops.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vektor R4 assault rifle of the South African forces
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Soldiers marching with R4 Assault Rifles.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Soldiers getting in some target practice with R4 and AMD-63 Assault Rifles
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Rebels opening up with R4 Assault Rifles (this is a flipped shot).

Mosin-Nagant

Mosin-Nagant M44 carbines (without the bayonet) are seen in the hands of African guerillas.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Mosin Nagant M44 Carbine, chambered in 7.62x54R, with attached side-folding bayonet. Note the slightly longer barrel ahead of the front sight to accommodate locking in the bayonet, brass reinforcements around the sling holes and an integral bayonet attached to the barrel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nagant Rifle and PSSh41 resting by a woman.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nagant Rifle in the hands of a rebel (Ernest Ndlovu).
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nagant Rifle in the hands of Rebels surrounding Nikoli.

SKS M59/66

Several Rebels are seen with Yugoslavian M59/66 varients of the SKS. Interestingly enough, the rifles have their bayonets removed.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Yugoslavian SKS M59/66 rifle with blade bayonet and grenade launcher attached to barrel, the variant most seen during the Balkan Wars - 7.62x39mm. The Yugoslavian M59 is nearly identical to the Soviet SKS, it is the M59/66 which has the grenade launcher attachment at the end of the barrel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M59/66 seen in the hands of a crouching Rebel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M59/66 seen in the hands of a running Rebel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Rebel member holding an SKS to the right of Kallunda's buddy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M59/66 rifles on the left in the hands of Rebels surrounding Nikoli.

Shotguns

South African Musler 12 Gauge Tactical Action

A shotgun with extended mag tube and sawed-off stock is seen in the hands of Krasnov (Brion James), Soviet Military Policemen, as well as Dewey Ferguson (M. Emmet Walsh) during the road chase. As this film was produced in South Africa, the shotgun is likely a 12 Gauge Musler, a South African-manufactured shotgun similar in appearance to the Mossberg 500. A Musler fitted with a full stock is used by Nikolai when he and the rebels make a final assault.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Republic Arms Musler - 12 gauge.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Mossberg 500 with sawed off stock - 12 gauge - this particular Mossberg is a similar configuration to the Musler seen in the film.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Krasnov (Brion James) holding the shotgun while examining prisoners.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda holding the Musler during their escape. Note the way the sling mount is attached to the magazine tube.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
On the left, Dewey Ferguson (M. Emmet Walsh) holds the shotgun during the road chase.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The shotgun fitted with a full stock is used by Nikolai when he and the rebels make a final assault.

Machine Guns

M1919A4 machine gun

A Browning M1919A4 machine gun (which would never be used by Soviet forces) is seen mounted on a Soviet Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M1919A4 M37 vehicle pintle mount - .30-06.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Error creating thumbnail: File missing

Vektor SS-77

A South African Vektor SS-77 machine gun is seen mounted on an armored vehicle during the road chase, and also on a motorcycle and sidecar being ridden by Cuban troops.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vektor SS-77 - 7.62x51mm General Purpose Machine Gun
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Cuban soldier fires a Vektor SS-77 from a motorbike sidecar.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Vector SS-77 seen mounted on a sidecar as Nikolai knocks out the soldier.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Twin-mounted Vector SS-77 in the turret of the Soviet armored vehicle chasing the escaping truck.

RPK

RPKs are used by various Soviet and Cuban troops. Lt. Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) takes one and uses it during the ambush at the oasis.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
RPK light machine gun - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Cuban guarding Kallunda armed with a RPK.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikoli about to shoot a Cuban that he took the RPK from. Note the use of the bipod as a grip.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikoli holds the RPK while contemplating surrender to the Cubans.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
On the right, the rebel standing behind Kallunda (Al White) holds the RPK fitted with a drum magazine. Every other RPK in the film is fitted a stick magazine.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Ango Sundata (Ruben Nthodi) about to drop his RPK and rescue a child durring the Soviet attack on the rebels. It speaks highly of the character that he would run into gunfire to save an innocent life.

Submachine Guns

PPSh41

Also seen wielded by the African guerillas is the PPSh41 submachine gun.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Soviet PPSh-41 Submachine Gun - 7.62x25mm Tokarev
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The rebel to the right of Nikolai is holding a PSSh-41.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
On the left, Nagant Rifle and PSSh41 resting by a woman.

Handguns

Colt Combat Commander

What appears to be a Colt Combat Commander is seen the hands of the Cuban officer and General Vortek (T.P. McKenna). It is likely supposed to portray the Soviet Tokarev TT-33, as Soviet officers would never use a handgun of American manufacture.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colt Combat Commander - .45 ACP.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The Cuban officer is armed with the Colt Commander while threatening Kullanda. It is likely supposed to portray the Soviet Tokarev TT-33, as Soviet officers would never use a handgun of American manufacture.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Closeup of the Colt.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
General Vortek (T.P. McKenna) pulls the handgun.

Other

M40 106mm Recoilless Rifle

An M40 Recoilless Rifle is seen mounted on a Land Rover and used by Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) during the assault on the joint Soviet/Cuban military camp.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M40A1 Recoilless Rifle - 106×607mmR
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Dewey driving a truck carrying the M40 Recoilless Rifle into the Soviet Base.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko(Dolph Lundgren) prepares to use the M40 recoilless rifle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) abandoning the M40 Recoilless Rifle. Note that the .50 caliber spotting rifle does not have a magazine.

M134 Minigun

What appears to be an M134 minigun can be seen mounted in the nose of the Sikorsky S-62 "Hind gunship". Upon closer inspection, this appears to be a mockup as the barrel cluster seems to be fused to the fuselage of the helicopter and therefore could not possibly rotate. Furthermore, it seems to fire from each of these stationary barrels in sequence (with acetylene-powered muzzle blasts), rather than always firing from the barrel in the uppermost position as a real minigun would. It is most likely an acetylene-powered mock-up, although it is difficult to tell for sure as it is never seen firing in close-up.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
General Electric M134 - 7.62x51mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The minigun mockup seen mounted in the nose of the "Hind".

Mk 40 grenade launcher

A MK 40 grenade launcher is seen underslung on the Israeli IMI Romat used by Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) and Kallunda Kintash (Al White). Rachenko fires the launcher several times during the assault on the Soviet base at the end of the film, using both high explosive grenades and buckshot rounds. However, he is never once shown reloading it and consequently manages to fire off six rounds from the single-shot launcher!

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

Flamethrower

Custom flamethrowers are used by Soviet troops to 'cleanse' a tribal village in a scene in the extended cut.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

Degtyaryov DT Machine Gun

A DT machine gun is seen firing from the hull of a Soviet T-34/85 tank. While this tank (and the DT machine gun) had long since been taken out of Soviet service by the time the film was made, it is somewhat plausible that a “Client State” may still be operating such outdated Soviet armor.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
DT machine gun - 7.62x54mm R.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
DT machine gun firing from the Hull of the T-34/85. Note that the shot is reversed as the next image clearly shows the machine gun mounted on the opposite side of the tank. - 7.62x54mm R.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
DT machine gun mounted on the left side of the T-34/85- 7.62x54mm R.

RPG-7

An RPG-7 launcher is used by a Czech tank gunner during the escape of Kallunda Kintash (Al White), although curiously it is not loaded with a warhead!

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
RPG-7 40mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
A Czechoslovakian soldier aims an RPG-7 at the truck being used by Nikoli, Kallunda and Dewey. Note the launcher is not loaded with a warhead, prompting us to question what damage the soldier intends to do with it.

RKG-3

A mockup of an RKG-3 anti-tank grenade is wielded by Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) before getting his arm blown off by Nikolai Rachenko.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
RKG-3 anti-tank grenade
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) Informs Nikoli that he has a RKG-3 grenade.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) uses a grenade with a pin in it as a threat as to not be shot.Shows you the intelligence of the man.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
"This is such a small space... and this is such a very big grenade!"
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Closeup of the grenade.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colonel Zayas (Carmen Argenziano) reaches for the mockup of the RKG-3 grenade, but to no avail. He appears to be trying to reinsert the arming pin, which really wouldn't help him all that much as the fuse has already been triggered and detonation is inevitable at this point.

M26 Grenade

During the truck chase, Kallunda cuts a belt of grenades off of an unconscious soldier. These appear to be M26 Hand Grenades.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kallunda cutting off a belt of grenades.

Magnetic Grenade

At the end of the truck chase, Nikolai Rachenko (Dolph Lundgren) places what appears to be a magnetic grenade based on an SPM Limpet Mine onto the truck's fuel tank to destroy it.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
What is supposed to be a magnetic mine is placed on the truck by Nikolai and appears to be based on an SPM limpet mine. In reality, this prop looks to be constructed from vacuum-formed plastic and the detonator at the top is a spark plug. The Russian text on the magnetic grenade reads: "MZ-4" / "AT Mine DIT" / "Type K". This text is pure fiction.

Trivia

"Faux" Mi-24 Hind

The "Mil Mi-24 Hind" seen in the movie is a cosmetically modified Sikorsky S-62. The helicopter appears to be the same one previously seen in Braddock: Missing in Action III and Bulletproof, albeit fitted with more extensive and slightly more convincing modifications this time; as well as the wings and fake rocket pods and missiles from its previous appearances, the helicopter has now additionally been fitted with large faux engine intakes at the wing roots and the new acetylene-powered M134 Minigun in the nose (replacing the non-functional side-mounted cannon on the earlier version, which has been removed). The helicopter's outrigger floats (containing the main landing gear) have also been cosmetically linked to the hull with additional plating, and an extra rocket pod has been added to each wing, increasing the total number from four to six (which is in fact two more than the real Hind could carry). Finally, the helicopter has been painted with a new desert camouflage scheme, as opposed to the plain black with gray hull seen in its previous film appearances.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The "Hind" attempts to take off.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The Hind prepares to take out a village. In reality, the Hind is usually fitted with four rocket pods, not six.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The Hind rises.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Sideview as the Hind searches to Nikolai.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
The Hind sprays deadly chemicals.