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Ash Williams: A Deep Dive into the Arsenal of a Deadite Slayer

Ash Williams, the iconic protagonist of the Evil Dead franchise, is renowned for his unique brand of demon-slaying. While he’s no stranger to improvised weaponry, his arsenal often features a mix of the practical and the absurd. At the core of his battle against the Deadites lies a combination of his signature “Boomstick” and his equally infamous chainsaw hand. However, the specific guns and even the number of barrels on his Boomstick aren’t as simple as one might think, and Ash has also wielded other weapons through the series.

The Boomstick: More Than Just a Shotgun

The term “Boomstick” has become synonymous with Ash, and it primarily refers to a shotgun. But what kind of shotgun exactly? It’s not a single, consistent model across the franchise.

The Early Days: Winchester Model 37A

In the original 1981 Evil Dead, Ash brandishes a Winchester Model 37A single-barreled shotgun. This is a more modest firearm than his later boomsticks, noted as a 20 gauge, and was even purchased at Kmart specifically for its role in the film. It’s an affordable and functional shotgun, perfect for the low-budget, raw horror of the first Evil Dead film.

The Iconic Double-Barrel: Stoeger Coach Gun

As the series evolved, the Boomstick morphed into something more recognizable: a double-barreled 12 gauge shotgun. Specifically, the shotgun most frequently associated with Ash in Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness is a Stoeger Coach Gun. This weapon is more powerful and visually impressive than the single-barrel used in The Evil Dead. The coach gun’s classic appearance also fits well into the medieval setting of Army of Darkness.

While the Stoeger Coach Gun is widely accepted as Ash’s signature boomstick, it’s important to note the continuity errors within the Evil Dead franchise. For instance, during the pit monster scene in Army of Darkness, Ash is seen firing his double-barrel shotgun three times without reloading, a feat impossible with the weapon’s two-shell capacity. Similarly, at the end of the movie, Ash uses a lever-action carbine and fires 34 rounds, well exceeding its maximum capacity of about 15 rounds.

The Chainsaw Hand: An Unconventional Weapon

The second staple of Ash’s arsenal is his chainsaw hand. This unconventional weapon replaces his right hand, which he’s forced to amputate in Evil Dead II when it becomes possessed. The chainsaw hand is a brutal and effective weapon against the Deadites, perfectly aligning with the over-the-top nature of the Evil Dead franchise. Its first appearance was in the original 1981 Evil Dead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions regarding Ash’s weapons, expanding on some of the points raised above, and touching on others that come up when discussing the character:

What gauge is Ash’s shotgun? While his initial shotgun was a 20-gauge, the iconic “Boomstick” is a 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun. This provides more stopping power against the demonic hordes.
Does Ash ever use any other types of guns? Yes, in Army of Darkness Ash uses a lever-action carbine toward the end of the film, although, its capacity is inconsistent with what he displays.
Where did Ash get his chainsaw hand? Ash is forced to cut off his possessed right hand in Evil Dead II and then replaces it with a chainsaw.
Why is Ash’s shotgun called the “Boomstick”? Ash himself calls it “The Boomstick,” a nickname that highlights its powerful effect against the Deadites and is meant to be catchy and intimidating in a comedic way.
Is the Boomstick always the same gun in the films? No. The shotgun changes from a single-barrel Winchester in The Evil Dead to a double-barreled Stoeger Coach Gun in Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness.
What is the real-world model of the most iconic “Boomstick”? The most iconic “Boomstick” is the Stoeger Coach Gun, a 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun.
Is Ash’s Boomstick based on any real shotgun? Yes, it is most often represented by a real Stoeger Coach Gun model.
Does Ash use any other melee weapons besides his chainsaw? Aside from the chainsaw hand, Ash does use an array of other weapons such as an axe, shovel, swords, and even more crude implements throughout the series when he cannot use a chainsaw or shotgun.
Is Ash’s chainsaw hand a standard chainsaw? The chainsaw hand, while visually appearing to be an actual chainsaw, is slightly modified to be attached to his arm. The specific mechanical details are never fully clarified, giving it a more fantastical aspect.
How does Ash reload his double-barrel shotgun, and is it always consistent? The films usually show Ash reloading his double-barrel shotgun by breaking it open and manually inserting two shells, but continuity errors, such as seen in Army of Darkness, do happen.
Has the chainsaw hand evolved through the franchise? Not significantly. The core design remains consistent across the films, although its look is sometimes changed slightly.
Does Ash use any other forms of weaponry in the “Evil Dead” universe beyond firearms and melee weapons? In the television series “Ash vs Evil Dead,” Ash is seen using a variety of improvised weapons, such as modified tools and everyday objects, reflecting his resourceful nature when he has to improvise.
Is Ash ever seen using any magical weapons or powers in the series? Ash, particularly in “Army of Darkness” wields an enchanted “mystical” sword for brief moments in combat. He mainly focuses on brute force and basic weapons, but does touch on the mystical side of the universe from time to time.
Is there any in-universe explanation as to why Ash can shoot extra shells out of a double-barreled shotgun? There is no specific in-universe explanation. It is typically seen as an intentional inconsistency for comedic effect and doesn’t impact the overall enjoyment of the film.
Why is the Boomstick, and the chainsaw hand, so integral to the character? These weapons are integral because they represent Ash’s shift from an ordinary person to a Deadite-slaying hero. The “Boomstick” offers raw power, while the chainsaw hand symbolizes his resilience and willingness to embrace the ridiculous to survive.

Conclusion

Ash Williams’ weapon of choice is more than just a boomstick; it’s a symbol of his character, his journey, and the over-the-top horror-comedy style that the Evil Dead franchise is known for. While the specifics of his weaponry might vary, the core of his arsenal remains consistent: a powerful shotgun and the now-iconic chainsaw hand, making him a truly unforgettable hero of horror cinema.

What weapon does Ash use?