Decoding the Arsenal: What Gun Is John Wick’s Gun?

The question of “What gun is John Wick’s gun?” is deceptively simple. It’s not one gun, but a meticulously curated collection, each weapon chosen for a specific purpose and often customized to peak performance. While John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is most associated with the Heckler & Koch P30L in the first film, his firearm preferences evolve throughout the series, showcasing a deep understanding of ballistics and tactical application. He’s a weapons sommelier, appreciating the nuances of each firearm. Therefore, the accurate answer is this: John Wick’s “gun” is an arsenal of carefully selected and customized firearms. The real question is, which gun is he using at any given moment and why?

The Core Arsenal: Handguns

Wick’s pistol choices are a reflection of efficiency and deadly precision. Here’s a breakdown of his key sidearms:

• Heckler & Koch P30L: This is arguably the most iconic of Wick’s handguns, particularly in the first film. The long-slide version of the P30, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, offers improved accuracy and a comfortable grip. The custom compensator reduces muzzle flip, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

• Glock 26: Wick’s backup sidearm, used in the Red Circle Club shootout in the first film when his P30L runs dry. It’s a compact and easily concealable option. In later films, it reappears with an extended magazine.

• Glock 34: The Glock 34 takes center stage as Wick’s primary weapon in the second film. This 9mm handgun features a longer slide and barrel compared to the Glock 17, enhancing accuracy. His Glock 34 is a heavily modified one from Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI).

• TTI Combat Master Package Glock 34 MOS FS (Gen 5): In John Wick: Chapter 4, Wick starts with this high-performance pistol. The MOS (Modular Optic System) allows for the mounting of red dot sights, further enhancing accuracy. He loses it in the Osaka Continental fight but utilizes standard Glock 34s to continue fighting.

• Kimber 1911 .45 ACP: Received from The Bowery King in the second film, this 1911 is a classic and powerful sidearm chambered in .45 ACP. The 1911 platform is known for its crisp trigger and accuracy.

Long Guns: Rifles and Shotguns

Wick isn’t solely reliant on handguns. He’s equally proficient with rifles and shotguns:

• Taran Tactical Innovations TR-1 Ultralight: This custom AR-15 style rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm is a key weapon in John Wick: Chapter 2. Its lightweight design and customized components, developed by Taran Tactical, make it a formidable tool for close to medium-range engagements.

• Benelli M4 Super 90: This semi-automatic shotgun is a devastating close-quarters weapon. Wick uses it effectively in various scenarios throughout the series, demonstrating his proficiency with different weapon systems.

• Custom Marlin 1894 Lever Action Rifle: While not wielded by Wick himself, this weapon is used by Mr. Nobody in John Wick: Chapter 4. While potentially less practical for close-quarters, its lever action is effective.

Tactical Stance and Training

Wick’s effectiveness is not just about the guns themselves, it is about how he uses them. He is shown using a shooting stance called center axis relock (CAR), designed for close-quarters combat and potentially useful for grappling situations. This specialized training, coupled with his relentless practice and dedication to mastering various weapons, makes him a truly formidable opponent.

The Evolution of Wick’s Arsenal

John Wick’s firearm choices aren’t static; they evolve with each film. He adapts to the threats he faces, constantly refining his arsenal to maximize his combat effectiveness. This dynamic approach to weaponry reflects his resourcefulness and tactical intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What caliber are most of John Wick’s handguns?

Most of John Wick’s handguns, especially his Glocks and Heckler & Koch P30L, are chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. He also utilizes the Kimber 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.

2. Why does John Wick use a Glock 26?

The Glock 26 serves as Wick’s backup sidearm due to its compact size and concealability. He uses it when his primary weapon is out of ammunition or in situations where a smaller weapon is more practical.

3. What is Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) and its role in John Wick?

Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) is a firearms customization company that provides many of the modified weapons used in the John Wick films. Their customized Glocks, AR-15 rifles, and shotguns enhance performance and aesthetics.

4. What is center axis relock (CAR) and why does John Wick use it?

Center axis relock (CAR) is a close-quarters shooting stance designed for tactical situations. It is supposed to make it easier to handle if an opponent might try grappling with you.

5. Does John Wick use real guns on set?

While the guns used on set are real, they are often modified for safety and do not fire live ammunition. The gunshots and muzzle flashes are typically added in post-production by sound designers and visual effects artists.

6. What rifle does John Wick use in John Wick: Chapter 2?

In John Wick: Chapter 2, John Wick primarily uses a Taran Tactical Innovations TR-1 Ultralight, an AR-15 style rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm.

7. How many bullets did John Wick fire in the first movie?

In the first John Wick movie, John Wick fired 302 shots with an 80.1 percent rate of accuracy, resulting in 128 total kills.

8. What kind of knife does John Wick use?

John Wick uses a variety of knives, including the Karambit knife and Tanto knife, for grappling and close-quarters combat.

9. How many kills does John Wick have in the entire film series?

Across the first three John Wick films, John Wick has a total of 299 kills. This number increases significantly with John Wick: Chapter 4. The John Wick Kill Count Is 439.

10. What Glock model does John Wick use in John Wick: Chapter 4?

In John Wick: Chapter 4, John initially uses a 5th Generation TTI Combat Master Package Glock 34 MOS FS pistol. He later uses standard Glock 34s after losing his customized one.

11. What gun was Mr. Nobody using in John Wick: Chapter 4?

Mr. Nobody uses a Custom Marlin 1894 Lever Action Rifle equipped with a SilencerCo ASR 3-port muzzle brake.

12. What is the significance of the 9mm caliber in John Wick’s weapons?

The 9mm caliber offers a balance of manageable recoil, adequate stopping power, and high magazine capacity, making it a practical choice for Wick’s fast-paced and high-volume shooting style.

13. Why does John Wick sometimes tilt his gun when shooting?

John Wick’s use of the center axis relock (CAR) stance involves tilting the gun to bring it closer to his body for better control in close quarters and to potentially defend against grappling attempts.

14. Are the weapons handling techniques in the John Wick films realistic?

While the John Wick films are stylized and exaggerated, the weapons handling techniques are based on real-world training and tactical principles, albeit with a heightened sense of theatricality. This blending of realism and entertainment is a hallmark of the franchise.

15. What factors contribute to John Wick’s proficiency with firearms?

John Wick’s proficiency stems from a combination of factors, including extensive training, meticulous weapon selection, customization, and a deep understanding of ballistics and tactical application. This expertise, coupled with his unwavering focus and determination, makes him a formidable marksman.

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores how games can be designed and used effectively for learning. While the action of John Wick is not a game, it is a performance of knowledge and skills that the protagonist has built over time, not unlike how one develops mastery in a game. In a way, John Wick gamifies his fighting.

John Wick’s gun isn’t just a weapon; it’s an extension of his skills and a reflection of his dedication to his craft. It’s a symbol of his relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment to achieving his objectives.