What Gun is John Wick? A Deep Dive into the Baba Yaga’s Arsenal

John Wick isn’t just a man; he’s a meticulously crafted instrument of vengeance, and his choice of weaponry is a crucial part of his identity. So, to answer the question directly: John Wick is a carefully curated arsenal. He isn’t defined by one single firearm, but rather by his proficiency with a variety of them, each chosen for a specific purpose and tactical advantage. While he’s most recognized for his use of Glock 34 Combat Masters (especially those tuned by Taran Tactical Innovations), and the Heckler & Koch P30L, his arsenal extends to shotguns, rifles, and even more exotic weapons. It’s his skill, adaptability, and understanding of ballistics that truly make him a force to be reckoned with.

John Wick’s Signature Firearms: A Closer Look

John Wick’s weapon choices are far from arbitrary. They reflect his training, his experience, and the specific needs of each mission. Here’s a breakdown of some of his most iconic firearms:

Heckler & Koch P30L

The H&K P30L is arguably the original “John Wick gun”. Featured prominently in the first film, this German-engineered pistol is known for its reliability, durability, and ergonomic design. The “L” stands for “Long,” denoting a slightly longer barrel which marginally improves accuracy. The P30L is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol, meaning the first shot requires a longer, heavier trigger pull, while subsequent shots have a shorter, lighter pull. Wick’s P30L is fitted with a custom compensator, further reducing muzzle climb and allowing for faster follow-up shots.

TTI-Tuned Glock 34 Combat Master

As the franchise progressed, Wick upgraded his arsenal, most notably to the TTI-tuned Glock 34 Combat Master. This customized pistol is a significant step up in terms of performance and handling. Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) is renowned for its high-performance firearm modifications, and their Glock 34 package is no exception. The TTI Combat Master typically features:

• Stippled grip: Enhanced grip for improved control, especially in wet or stressful conditions.
• Custom trigger: Lighter, crisper trigger pull for increased accuracy and faster shooting.
• Magwell: Flared magwell for faster and more reliable magazine changes.
• Custom slide work: Modifications to the slide to reduce weight and improve cycling.

The Glock 34 itself is a 9mm handgun with a longer slide and barrel than the standard Glock 17, further enhancing accuracy.

STI 2011 Combat Master

In later installments, Wick transitioned to the STI 2011 Combat Master. The STI 2011 platform differs from a standard Glock by using a 1911-style trigger system and a double-stack magazine. This combination gives the pistol a superior trigger feel and higher capacity compared to traditional single-stack 1911s. The STI 2011 is a high-performance pistol favored by competitive shooters.

TTI Pit Viper

The TTI Pit Viper, featured in John Wick: Chapter 4, is a top-tier custom 2011-style pistol, costing around $7,000. This weapon showcases the pinnacle of TTI’s customization capabilities, with its sleek design, optimized performance, and enhanced ergonomics. It’s a symbol of Wick’s continued evolution and his access to the finest tools for his deadly profession.

Beyond Pistols: John Wick’s Complete Armory

While pistols are his bread and butter, John Wick is far from a one-trick pony. He’s proficient with a variety of weapons, adapting his arsenal to the specific challenges he faces.

• Shotguns: He frequently uses shotguns for close-quarters combat, often utilizing “Dragon’s Breath” ammunition for devastating effect.
• Rifles: While less common, he has been seen using rifles for longer-range engagements, demonstrating his versatility as a marksman.
• Knives: Wick is also a master of knife combat, utilizing various blades, including the karambit knife, for grappling and close-quarters engagements.
• Improvised Weapons: He is highly skilled and efficient at using anything that can be turned into a weapon.

Why These Guns? An Examination of John Wick’s Choices

John Wick’s gun choices are based on a blend of practicality, aesthetics, and symbolism.

• Reliability: All of his primary firearms are known for their reliability and durability. In a high-stakes environment, a weapon malfunction can be fatal.
• Accuracy: Wick is a highly skilled marksman, and his guns reflect his precision. The longer barrels and custom modifications contribute to improved accuracy.
• Ergonomics: The ergonomics of his firearms are also important. He needs to be able to handle his weapons quickly and efficiently, even under stress.
• Customization: The custom modifications, especially those from TTI, allow him to tailor his weapons to his specific preferences and fighting style.
• Training and Familiarity: Wick’s choices also likely reflect his prior training and experience. He probably spent years honing his skills with these types of firearms.

The Cinematic Appeal: More Than Just Guns

While the firearms themselves are impressive, the way they are used in the John Wick movies contributes significantly to their appeal.

• Gun Fu: The John Wick movies are known for their “gun fu” style of action, which combines martial arts with gunplay. Wick seamlessly integrates his firearms into his hand-to-hand combat techniques.
• Realism (Within Reason): While the action is stylized, the filmmakers strive for a degree of realism in the gun handling. The reloading techniques, shooting stances, and tactical movements are all based on real-world techniques.
• Visual Spectacle: The gunfights are choreographed and filmed to be visually stunning. The muzzle flashes, bullet impacts, and sound effects are all carefully crafted to create a visceral and engaging experience.

The guns of John Wick are not simply props; they are extensions of his character. They represent his skill, his training, and his unwavering determination. They are essential tools in his quest for vengeance and survival. Games and films can teach us about tactics and strategy, but always remember to respect firearms safety and never use real weapons without proper training and authorization. At the Games Learning Society, we recognize the power of games and film, and encourage their study as means of learning and better understanding ourselves. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About John Wick’s Guns

Here are some frequently asked questions about the firearms used by John Wick:

1. What was John Wick’s primary firearm in the first movie?

John Wick primarily used a Heckler & Koch P30L fitted with a custom compensator in the first John Wick film.

2. What Glock does John Wick use?

John Wick primarily uses a TTI-tuned Glock 34 Combat Master, although he also used a Glock 26 in the first three films.

3. Why does John Wick use the Glock 26?

The Glock 26 was one of John Wick’s sidearms when he was hired to assassinate Gianna D’Antonio. While he favored German variants, the Sommelier recommended the Glocks.

4. What is the TTI Combat Master Package?

The TTI Combat Master Package is a series of customizations offered by Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) for Glock pistols, including stippled grips, custom triggers, flared magwells, and custom slide work.

5. What is the TTI Pit Viper?

The TTI Pit Viper is a custom-built 2011-style pistol used by John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4, known for its high performance and unique design.

6. What is John Wick’s best weapon?

While subjective, many consider the TTI-tuned Glock 34 Combat Master and the Heckler & Koch P30L to be among John Wick’s best weapons, due to their reliability, accuracy, and customization options.

7. Does John Wick use real guns on set?

No, John Wick does not use real guns on set. Film sets generally use blank-firing firearms or airsoft replicas for safety reasons. The sound effects are added in post-production.

8. What is “Dragon’s Breath” ammunition?

“Dragon’s Breath” ammunition is a type of shotgun shell that contains incendiary compounds, producing a large burst of flames when fired.

9. Why does John Wick tilt his gun?

John Wick uses a stance called “center axis relock,” developed for close-quarters tactical situations. It’s believed to aid in handling if an opponent attempts to grapple.

10. What knife does John Wick use?

John Wick uses several types of knives, including the karambit knife (curved blade with a finger ring) and the tanto knife (Japanese-style blade).

11. What is the difference between a 9mm and a .40 caliber?

9mm has less recoil, making it easier to shoot and allowing for faster follow-up shots. .40 S&W has more recoil and larger bullet size. 9mm firearms can carry more rounds.

12. Who trained John Wick?

John Wick was trained under the Director’s supervision in various skills, including martial arts, firearms, tactical driving, and more.

13. Why is John Wick so good at fighting?

John Wick is highly skilled due to his extensive training, proficiency in martial arts (including judo), and expertise with firearms. He also benefits from wearing body armor that can withstand direct shots from various calibers.

14. How many bullets did John Wick shoot?

Across all the John Wick movies, John Wick has fired hundreds of shots, demonstrating high accuracy rates.

15. Will there be a John Wick 5?

A John Wick 5 was initially confirmed to be in early development, however, director Chad Stahelski has since stated that he is unsure if a fifth movie will happen.