A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-Fat as a friend to a pair of brothers who decide to take on the Triad crime organization. The film would spawn the 1987 sequel A Better Tomorrow II and the 1989 prequel A Better Tomorrow III, as well as a 2010 South Korean remake.
The following weapons were used in the film A Better Tomorrow:
The Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver is carried by Sung Tse-Kit (Leslie Cheung) as his police service weapon. A suppressed revolver is also used by an assassin who attempts to kill Ho and Kit's father.
Director John Woo's favorite handgun, the Beretta 92F, makes frequent appearances in this film. Mark (Chow Yun-Fat), Ho (Ti Lung), and Kit (Leslie Cheung) all use the pistol at different times in the film, as do many of Triad gangsters. Aside from being the film that introduced the Beretta 92F as a staple of John Woo films, A Better Tomorrow was one of the first films ever to feature this famous pistol, which had been on the civilian market for less than a year at the time of filming.
Beretta 92SB
The Beretta 92SB is seen in the hands of Shing (Waise Lee) and a few of Triad gangsters throughout the film, and is identifiable by its rounded trigger guard, and modern Beretta grips (versus the older style grips of the original 92).
Smith & Wesson 39
Sung Tse-Ho (Ti Lung) carries a Smith & Wesson 39 pistol during the scenes set in Taiwan, and the gangster who betrays him also uses one during the restaurant shootout. Other Triad members use this pistol during the shootout in the parking garage and at the docks.
Colt M1911A1
Many Colt M1911A1 variants show up in this film, seldom clearly enough to make an ID. Seen mostly in the hands of Triad gangsters.
Browning Hi-Power
The Browning Hi-Power is relatively common in early John Woo films. When Mark is engaged in a shootout in the restaurant, one of his Berettas turns into a Browning. Later Mark is seen dual-wielding the Browning alongside his Beretta while taking a data tape.
Colt Python
A nickel-plated Colt Python is used by Kit in the final shootout.
Shotguns
Remington 870
The leader of Taiwanese gangsters fires what appears to be a Remington 870 when he betrays Ho and Shing. Mark also uses this shotgun when he returns to rescue Ho and Kit in the finale.
Submachine Guns
Heckler & Koch MP5A3
A Heckler & Koch MP5A3 submachine gun, with a slimline handguard and an early straight magazine, is initially used by Ho in the final shootout at the docks.
Mini Uzi
The Mini Uzi is notably seen in the hands of Mark in the final shootout.
MAC-10
The MAC-10 is used by the Triad boss Shing (Waise Lee) during the final shootout.
Rifles
M16A1
M16A1 rifles are carried by police officers when Ho is captured in Taiwan. Some Triad gangsters are also armed with M16A1 rifles during the final shootout at the docks, although they are not seen very clearly.