DAWN of the DEAD Prop Gun

[DubiousComforts]

A few quick photos for Yojimbo. I kept the image sizes large so that you can see the detail:
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/6532/deadprop001zu2.th.jpg (http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop001zu2.jpg)http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/4995/deadprop003iq4.th.jpg (http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop003iq4.jpg)http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/4432/deadprop004kb7.th.jpg (http://img392.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop004kb7.jpg)http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3499/deadprop005in0.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop005in0.jpg)http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/9611/deadprop006na4.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop006na4.jpg)http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/1528/deadprop002ma3.th.jpg (http://img398.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deadprop002ma3.jpg)

Gary Zeller modified the gun so that it will no longer fire, though the safety and trigger still work. The empty clip also pops out for "reloading" (thought I'd taken a photo of the clip, but I guess I didn't). There is a serial number near the top handle, and "Jäger" is embossed near the grip. All metal parts except for the long piece around the barrel as well as the stock (the part Roger uses to take out the Hare Krishna zombie), both of which are plastic.

After checking photos and screencaps, I don't see any difference between the hero guns used by Roger and Peter, and those used by the extras. Maybe a dozen of these guns are used in the film--just watch the posse scene and the raid on the tenement building. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of firearms can spot some differences. I'll post more photos soon.

Update: Found this link, it looks nearly identical to a Jäger M161A Assault Rifle (http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/detail/jager.htm)

[MikePizzoff]

:eek: Friggin sweet! How much do those usually go for?

[Yojimbo]

A few quick photos for Yojimbo. I kept the image sizes large so that you can see the detail:

All metal parts except for the long piece around the barrel as well as the stock (the part Roger uses to take out the Hare Krishna zombie), both of which are plastic.


Thanks, Dubious. That is too cool for words.

BTW: For the Hare Krishna zombie, I think that Roger used the butt of the bolt action rifle -- not sure of the make and model -- as he had already lost his rifle to M-16 Zombie in Pennys. I'll have to check the film again, but I am pretty sure that he did not whack the guy with the M-16.

But for all intents and purposes, you could very well have Roger's/M-16 zombie's hero weapon, if it isn't one of those that appeared in the basement of Project 107. The only M-16s carried in the posse sequence were with the soldiers, all of whom as I understand it were actual National Guardsmen who would have shown up with their G.I. M-16s or AR-15s (which were standard issue at that time for the Guard.) It is possible, though that this one was used in the sequence where the Guardsmen pop the redneck zombies ("look out behind you!")

Sounds like you would be able to convert that back to live-ammo capable with a little bit of gunsmithing. The plastic stock and foreguard were standard on Vietnam Era M-16s and AR-15s, so the only things that would have been changed from original is the mechanism which would allow blanks to be fired, and any sort of fiddling done to make this incapable of cycling ammo.

Dude, I am so, so envious! Thanks for sharing!

[DubiousComforts]

Doh! You are correct about the Hare Krishna zombie--I was fixating on the gun stock and forgot about Roger losing his M-16 to the zombie.

During my e-mail conversation with Gary Zeller's rep, I was under the impression that a bunch of these M-16s were available during filming. I don't think it's a coincidence that they show up in just about every scene where multiple weapons are shown. It's nearly 10 years ago, but I also recall there being some question when I bought this item that no shoulder strap was shown in the eBay photos. They made sure to send me one that had a shoulder strap as seen in the movie, which leads me to believe that Zeller had (and possibly still has) a number of the same gun on-hand.

Do you know what the hatch is for in the fourth photo? I left it it open so that you could see detail inside. Sorry, I am ignorant when it comes to firearms.

[C5NOTLD]

Do you know what the hatch is for in the fourth photo? I left it it open so that you could see detail inside. Sorry, I am ignorant when it comes to firearms.


Nice. :)

The hatch is where the spent shells fly out when you are firing the gun.

[Yojimbo]

Nice. :)

The hatch is where the spent shells fly out when you are firing the gun.

I think C5 is correct, though I had heard that with a .22 caliber action there is a different ejection mechanism than the M-16/AR-15 in 5.56 or .223 which is a gas-operated system, unlike most .22 caliber systems which are "blowback" (Apparently there is not enough "gas" generated by the .22 as compared to 5.56.) So, while this hatch would be where the shells would come out on a .223, since I am unfamiliar with the conversion I am not sure if the ejector works in the same way.

One of the veterans here, like ProfessorChaos, would know a lot more about this, since the Marines get a lot of detailed training in firearms (and specifically the workings of an M-16.)

Still totally envious, even if it isn't a hero weapon.

[FoodFight]

There are various external differences that make it obvious that it isn't an M-16. With the ejection port cover opened, it really becomes apparent, as the .22 version (I believe there was also a .32 ACP version) is much shorter and possesses a rimfire-type extractor.

I too, am envious.

[jim102016]

There are various external differences that make it obvious that it isn't an M-16. With the ejection port cover opened, it really becomes apparent, as the .22 version (I believe there was also a .32 ACP version) is much shorter and possesses a rimfire-type extractor.

I too, am envious.


Looks like an M-16, but there's a difference I noticed before I even went into the service. When bird-brain Stephen shoots at the zombie at the airport and Peter is almost hit in the office....look at how Peter reloads his rifle. He doesn't take out the entire magazine as one would with an M-16, he takes out the center piece. Just look at the picture that started this post, you can see a piece protruding from the bottom of the magazine. With an M-16, M16A2 or M-4, you pull out the entire magazine. Other things stand out as well, looking at the exposed bolt and the ejection port it doesn't look like it's for 5.56. I also didn't see a way to release the magazine anyway? I've always thought this strange, perhaps its a Hollywood thing? Its indeed a strange animal.

[FoodFight]

The magazine release is located on the 'fake' magazine housing. I examined one of these many years ago and wasn't impressed with the workmanship it displayed.

On a similar note, I was once issued an M-16 which had been retrofitted to M-16A1 status by welding a rather akward forward assist to the receiver and a crudely hand stamped 'A1' (which didn't line up with the other print). It probably would have made a better movie prop than a fighting arm.

[DubiousComforts]

Man, you guys know your guns better than I know my relatives.

I posted a sixth photo above showing the clip popped out of the magazine. The clip is that piece that protrudes from the bottom of the fake magazine. If you look at the fourth photo, the button that pops the clip out is located to the bottom left of the magazine, just as FoodFight said.

[jim102016]

Man, you guys know your guns better than I know my relatives.

I posted a sixth photo above showing the clip popped out of the magazine. The clip is that piece that protrudes from the bottom of the fake magazine. If you look at the fourth photo, the button that pops the clip out is located to the bottom left of the magazine, just as FoodFight said.

Good picture, it looks like a magazine one would shove into a pistol. A strange, strange animal indeed. Maybe the prop guys found these at some lunatic's garage sale years ago. Any idea what caliber it was modified to fire?

[Ivarr]

The are 22 Long Rifle converted AR-15's. I remember looking into it way back in the day ...

The do make stock versions of the 22 LR version (as well as a 9mm version) But they are also available as conversion kits. (Much to complicated for the average plunker to put in).

I would asume that they used the 22 LR version for a few reasons... cheaper blanks, safer blanks (less velocity for the plug) and much less sound than a .223.

But I have no inside info ... I could be wrong.

[FoodFight]

It's not a conversion. The Jaeger was a purpose-built Italian arm. Colt and others have made conversion units, as well as complete uppers for 9mm, but the Jaeger unit has no provision for gas operation, possesses poor workmanship and metallurgy, and probably couldn't stand up to .223 pressure. Still and all, a specimen like this with its' history, would make it worth more than its' inherent value as a wall-hanger.

[Skippy911sc]

An AR-15 or M-16 type rifle is very common in 9mm. A lot of guys like to plink with the smaller round. And with the way the Iraq Conflict rages some even say the .223 or 5.56 round is getting a little hard to come by. I have not personally seen an AR-15 in .22 caliber but I have in 9mm. I own 2 in standard .223 or 5.56. I think the modifications to the weapon to make it capable of firing in .22, Lightening the bolt mechanism, would also allow it to function the gas system. I have a ruger in 22 LR and it is a gas powered semi auto. If someone can point to a tutorial on posting pics I will post a few of the interal mech of an AR15. However I did notice the hollowed out Magazine on peters gun at the airport scene.

[Yojimbo]

The magazine release is located on the 'fake' magazine housing. I examined one of these many years ago and wasn't impressed with the workmanship it displayed.

On a similar note, I was once issued an M-16 which had been retrofitted to M-16A1 status by welding a rather akward forward assist to the receiver and a crudely hand stamped 'A1' (which didn't line up with the other print). It probably would have made a better movie prop than a fighting arm.

I am unfamiliar with the M-16A1 and it's difference from the actual M-16 (which admittedly, I am largely unfamiliar with as well) Is the A1 status simply due to the addition of a forward assist mechanism (to seat the round) or is it a caliber difference (such as some sort of conversion to .22 for training purposes)?

Forgive my ignorance, but any light you can shed on this for me would be greatly appreciated.

[Skippy911sc]

A1 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A1 (for example, an A1 rear sight)
A2 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A2 (for example, an A2 flash hider)
A3 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A3, or (in civilian parlance) a flat-top receiver. Note that the M16A3 is essentially just a full-auto M16A2, but civilian manufacturers began using the term A3 for flat-top receivers before the military adopted the M16A3 and M16A4, so there is divergence between military and civilian usage of the term "A3". Without a definitive military context, it is most likely that "A3" refers to a flat-top, civilian upper receiver. Note also that some civilian manufacturers call their flat-tops A3, others A4.
A4 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A4 (for example, a flat-top A4 upper receiver)

[Yojimbo]

A1 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A1 (for example, an A1 rear sight)
A2 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A2 (for example, an A2 flash hider)
A3 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A3, or (in civilian parlance) a flat-top receiver. Note that the M16A3 is essentially just a full-auto M16A2, but civilian manufacturers began using the term A3 for flat-top receivers before the military adopted the M16A3 and M16A4, so there is divergence between military and civilian usage of the term "A3". Without a definitive military context, it is most likely that "A3" refers to a flat-top, civilian upper receiver. Note also that some civilian manufacturers call their flat-tops A3, others A4.
A4 - Of or referring to a characteristic of the M16A4 (for example, a flat-top A4 upper receiver)

Hey Skippy, thanks for the info!

[FoodFight]

Skippy911sc wrote (QUOTE]I have a ruger in 22 LR and it is a gas powered semi auto.[/QUOTE]

I think that you mean it's blowback operated.

Yojimbo wrote [QUOTE][I am unfamiliar with the M-16A1 and it's difference from the actual M-16 (which admittedly, I am largely unfamiliar with as well) Is the A1 status simply due to the addition of a forward assist mechanism (to seat the round) or is it a caliber difference (such as some sort of conversion to .22 for training purposes)?/QUOTE]

The primary differences between the M16 and M16A1 is the addition of a chromed bore and chamber, a forward assist and modified bolt, and an enclosed flash suppressor.

Weird, quote wrap didn't work.

[Yojimbo]

Skippy911sc wrote (QUOTE]I have a ruger in 22 LR and it is a gas powered semi auto.

I think that you mean it's blowback operated.

Yojimbo wrote
[I am unfamiliar with the M-16A1 and it's difference from the actual M-16 (which admittedly, I am largely unfamiliar with as well) Is the A1 status simply due to the addition of a forward assist mechanism (to seat the round) or is it a caliber difference (such as some sort of conversion to .22 for training purposes)?/QUOTE]

The primary differences between the M16 and M16A1 is the addition of a chromed bore and chamber, a forward assist and modified bolt, and an enclosed flash suppressor.

Weird, quote wrap didn't work.

Thanks for the info about the A-1, FoodFight.

Yeah, I was wondering about whether or not a.22 had enough juice to run a gas-operated system. I myself have a Ruger 10/22 and it is, as you said, blowback system as opposed to my old Mini 14 which was gas (but .223 has much more to work with in the way of gases than a .22)

THat is to say, I guess it isn't impossible for someone to invent a gas powered system that would work for a .22, and if anyone is going to do so it wouldn't surprise me if Ruger was the one that would come up with it. Sturm Ruger and Co. have some awfully clever engineers!

[Skippy911sc]

A blowback system is esentially gas operated since it uses the gas from the fired round to "blow" the bolt back to prepare for another round.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/boltassist.jpg

this is a close up of the foreward assist on a modern AR15 / M4 type Rifle.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/PetersmallMag.jpg

here is a close up of Peter pulling the magazine from his M16 at the airport scene...you can see how small it is when comparing it to this...

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/30-20-10roundmagazines.jpg

These are 30 20 and 5 or 10 round Magazines similar to what he would have used.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/223vs22LR.jpg

and here is a comparison of a .22 LR vs. .223 or 5.56

And just for giggles...

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/closeupcalibercomparison.jpg

here is .50 BMG, .308 Win, 5.56 Nato, .22 Long Rifle, .460 S&W, .454 Casull, .45 Long Colt, .45 ACP, .44 Mag, .44 Spcl, .357 Mag, .32 Auto :)

[Yojimbo]

A blowback system is esentially gas operated since it uses the gas from the fired round to "blow" the bolt back to prepare for another round.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/boltassist.jpg

this is a close up of the foreward assist on a modern AR15 / M4 type Rifle.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/PetersmallMag.jpg

here is a close up of Peter pulling the magazine from his M16 at the airport scene...you can see how small it is when comparing it to this...

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/30-20-10roundmagazines.jpg

These are 30 20 and 5 or 10 round Magazines similar to what he would have used.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/223vs22LR.jpg

and here is a comparison of a .22 LR vs. .223 or 5.56

And just for giggles...

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/mj911sc911/closeupcalibercomparison.jpg

here is .50 BMG, .308 Win, 5.56 Nato, .22 Long Rifle, .460 S&W, .454 Casull, .45 Long Colt, .45 ACP, .44 Mag, .44 Spcl, .357 Mag, .32 Auto :)

Cool pictures. Thanks for the heads up aboput the forward assist, BTW.

I do see what you are saying about the blowback system -- I could be wrong, as I am not up on my firearms knowledge, but the gas operated system siphons off the gases as they blow down the barrel of the gun and redirects the gases back to operate the mechanism, whereas -- and again, I could have it wrong -- the blowback system uses the energy from the bullet itself being propelled down the barrel by the charge itself to propell the block itself backwards against a spring which is calibrated to resist at a certain point of compression and spring the bolt back forward. Maybe this is the same thing? I don't know, I had always thought that these were two entirely different creatures.

Again, one of the heads more knowledgable about firearm mechanisms can probably clarify.

[FoodFight]

Here's a cool animation of a blowback operation. [URL="http://www.waffeninfo.net/verschluss/bild/massezuschiessani.gif"]

Here's gas operation. (Gas piston, in this instance)

[URL="http://www.waffeninfo.net/verschluss/bild/rotboltani.gif"]

Blowback operation isn't dependent upon gases. Theoretically an extremely powerful spring could replace the powder in a case, which would propel the bullet and cycle the action. Trying the same thing with a gas-operated system would only result in failure.

Dang, not even the links are working for me. Cut and paste them, please.

[DubiousComforts]

Just noticed that Steel, Rhodes and Johnson (Greg Nicotero) all use a similar rifle in DAY.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3007/dayprop001aj6.jpg
But these weapons weren't supplied by Gary Zeller, and all definitely load with full magazines--watch the scene where Rhodes is struggling to load the clip just before Bub shoots him.


FoodFight, you have to load those gifs as images instead of urls.
http://www.waffeninfo.net/verschluss/bild/massezuschiessani.gif

http://www.waffeninfo.net/verschluss/bild/rotboltani.gif
Cool animations! Btw, Rhodes is also seen loading/cocking his rifle (I think) similar to the second animation.

[Skippy911sc]

The diagram looks to be a representation of a 1911 design. The only problem it the the slide, does not fire the round. Rather the trigger is pulled slamming the firing pin into the back of the primer which then ignites the powder within the brass case launching the bullet out the end of the barrel. The explosive reaction slams the slide (top portion of the gun) back ejecting the brass, and the recoil SPRING pulls the slide forward pushing the next round into the chamber. The diagram shows the slide slamming forward firing the round. I am not a gunsmith however I have owned several firearms and they all work in much the same way. The difference may be the location of the spring. In an M16 type rifle the spring is in the buttstock, in an AK47 the Spring is around the gas tube. (this allows for a folding stock). In a hand gun the Spring is usually under the barrel. The only types that I can think of that do not use a spring are single shot, pump, bolt action, and lever action. In these types the old case and next round are all removed and fed manually. Even a semi-auto shotgun uses a spring to eject and feed the next round. The other graphic appears to be a representation of an M16 or AR15 and with the exception of the gas tupe the hand gun would work in a similar manner.

[jim102016]

The diagram looks to be a representation of a 1911 design. The only problem it the the slide, does not fire the round. Rather the trigger is pulled slamming the firing pin into the back of the primer which then ignites the powder within the brass case launching the bullet out the end of the barrel. The explosive reaction slams the slide (top portion of the gun) back ejecting the brass, and the recoil SPRING pulls the slide forward pushing the next round into the chamber. The diagram shows the slide slamming forward firing the round. I am not a gunsmith however I have owned several firearms and they all work in much the same way. The difference may be the location of the spring. In an M16 type rifle the spring is in the buttstock, in an AK47 the Spring is around the gas tube. (this allows for a folding stock). In a hand gun the Spring is usually under the barrel. The only types that I can think of that do not use a spring are single shot, pump, bolt action, and lever action. In these types the old case and next round are all removed and fed manually. Even a semi-auto shotgun uses a spring to eject and feed the next round. The other graphic appears to be a representation of an M16 or AR15 and with the exception of the gas tupe the hand gun would work in a similar manner.


Good call, Skippy, no firing pin. I think he was just going after the basics for those who aren't familiar with the process. I fired an semi-auto shotgun one time (a blast!) and with the way that bastard kicked it made me wish there was a spring in the stock.

Skippy, you work in a firearm shop?

[Skippy911sc]

I don't work in a gunshop, I'm just a nutcase :D

No I am an enthusiast, and a hunter. In real terms the best weapon to have in an out break situation would be a .22 cal semi-auto rifle, IMHO, just for the simple fact that it will penetrate the skull, is simple to use and clean, is not as noisy as other rifles, and has very little recoil. So stock up people!! :)

[Yojimbo]

I don't work in a gunshop, I'm just a nutcase :D

No I am an enthusiast, and a hunter. In real terms the best weapon to have in an out break situation would be a .22 cal semi-auto rifle, IMHO, just for the simple fact that it will penetrate the skull, is simple to use and clean, is not as noisy as other rifles, and has very little recoil. So stock up people!! :)

Agreed. You can also hump a lot more ammo with a .22, it is easily silenced (and if you are using subsonic ammo then it may be fired without a silencer and only present a sound profile similar to an air pistol) and since it is one of the most popular calibers it should be very easy to find it nearly everywhere (as opposed to a more specialized caliber) Also, since it is perceived as barely 1 step away from a bb gun (wrongly, might I add) it stands less likeey to be banned.

[FoodFight]

The site that I got the gif's from said that the first is representative of an Uzi (open bolt fixed, firing pin), but they erred in putting the recoil spring forward of the bolt. It does make it look like a slam-firing M1911 action (good catch, Skippy!). The second is an AK-type gas system. The rotating key in the bolt carrier corresponds to the unlocking of the bolt lugs in their respective recesses. Waffeninfo has other animations of tilting gas block systems, delayed blowback, etc. Crude drawings indeed, but still useful for conceptualizing.

[Riptides]

Hello everyone.

I don't know if it's already been said, the hatch that covers the ejection slot on the side is a cover to prevent debris from entering the bolt while using the rifle in the "field". While not required it's usually a good idea to flip this open with before firing, as it's not uncommon for a spent shell casing to get hung in the bolt from the cover being closed when firing.

Also the reason this gun takes a .22LR bullet is because it was modified specifically by the manufacturer to be a training model, usually for live fire exercises (think SWAT teams training on entry tactics where they are expected to shoot live ammo @ some point in the exercise). The reason for this is that .22LR rounds are an order of magnitude less dangerous in these situations than actual .223 rounds.

[Skippy911sc]

Hello everyone.

I don't know if it's already been said, the hatch that covers the ejection slot on the side is a cover to prevent debris from entering the bolt while using the rifle in the "field". While not required it's usually a good idea to flip this open with before firing, as it's not uncommon for a spent shell casing to get hung in the bolt from the cover being closed when firing.

Also the reason this gun takes a .22LR bullet is because it was modified specifically by the manufacturer to be a training model, usually for live fire exercises (think SWAT teams training on entry tactics where they are expected to shoot live ammo @ some point in the exercise). The reason for this is that .22LR rounds are an order of magnitude less dangerous in these situations than actual .223 rounds.

The dust cover will automatically open when the bolt is slid into firing position and the 22lr blanks are A LOT less powerful than the 5.56 or .223 blanks...and yes when a blank is fired something comes out of the barrel...often a piece of wax...think about Branden Lees fate.

[FoodFight]

Skippy1911sc wrote

The dust cover will automatically open when the bolt is slid into firing position and the 22lr blanks are A LOT less powerful than the 5.56 or .223 blanks...and yes when a blank is fired something comes out of the barrel...often a piece of wax...think about Branden Lees fate.
7 Hours Ago 04:55 AM


Actually, SOME blanks will discharge something through the muzzle. In the case of the M16/M4 series rifles firing the M200 blank cartridge, a M15A2 blank firing attachment must be fitted to make the system function. The BFA effectively blocks the muzzle from discharge.

[DubiousComforts]

Found out some additional info about the M-16 from Clayton Hill. He handled the weapons on the set and said there was no way to keep track of which M-16 was used in which scene and by which character because those guns were all the same and each day of filming was different. He would often take the weapons back as soon as a scene was finished because "everyone wanted to play around with them."

I asked about the number of M-16s used because you can see at least a dozen in some shots, like the military/posse scenes. Clayton said that they didn't actually have that many, and that those particular guns in the posse scenes were probably provided by the national guardsmen that played extras (good call, Yojimbo!)

Also dug out the autographed photo from Gary "Dr. Z" Zeller on which he wrote "Dawn of the Dead M-16 is guaranteed to scare and destroy zombies + it did!" :D

[strangeillusion]

Found out some additional info about the M-16 from Clayton Hill. He handled the weapons on the set and said there was no way to keep track of which M-16 was used in which scene and by which character because those guns were all the same and each day of filming was different. He would often take the weapons back as soon as a scene was finished because "everyone wanted to play around with them."

I asked about the number of M-16s used because you can see at least a dozen in some shots, like the military/posse scenes. Clayton said that they didn't actually have that many, and that those particular guns in the posse scenes were probably provided by the national guardsmen that played extras (good call, Yojimbo!)

Also dug out the autographed photo from Gary "Dr. Z" Zeller on which he wrote "Dawn of the Dead M-16 is guaranteed to scare and destroy zombies + it did!" :D

WOW! I remember when Zeller was selling off some of his stuff on Ebay -- He (actually his assistant) offered me an M-16 for something like $400 - not sure if it's the one you have -- being in college at the time I wasn't too rich so I had to pass -- I do have one of Zeller's prop .357 Magnums from Dawn and a prop zombie hand used in an explosives effect (it's just a mannequin hand with some grey and red paint -- but it's still cool!)...

[DubiousComforts]

WOW! I remember when Zeller was selling off some of his stuff on Ebay -- He (actually his assistant) offered me an M-16 for something like $400 - not sure if it's the one you have -- being in college at the time I wasn't too rich so I had to pass -- I do have one of Zeller's prop .357 Magnums from Dawn and a prop zombie hand used in an explosives effect (it's just a mannequin hand with some grey and red paint -- but it's still cool!)...
Yeah, it was about 8-9 years ago when Zeller's assistant was offering some props on ebay. We talked about this in another thread before I posted the photos here. I originally bid on Flyboy's pistol (the one he found in the mall maintenance room) and I think they were also offering a rubber baseball bat, but I couldn't identify where it was used in the film, so I passed.

I won the pistol, but we eventually figured out it wasn't actually the handgun used in DAWN so he gave me a good price on the M-16. I was thinking of selling the M-16 until Clayton Hill informed me they didn't use that many in the film, and that the weapons were rotated each day so nobody can tell which actor used which M-16. My wife wishes it was still working so that she could shoot me in the head for buying it.

The .357 Magnum and the prop hand sound great--can you post some photos here?

[Yojimbo]

My wife wishes it was still working so that she could shoot me in the head for buying it.


Dude, your wife and mine should get together and go bowling!

[Yojimbo]

Inspired by Dubious posts, and after doing some research I have purchased and received one of the last remaining M-16s used in DOTD that were in Gary Zeller's possession. Apparently, there are still two left over from the film, but Zeller has indicated that he is going to keep one for his own collection and his son wants the other one.

I cannot tell you how stoked I am to get this into my hands. Zeller sent it with a Certificate of Authenticity and the rifle still has dried zombie blood on it! Freaking incredible!

Had to beg my wife for permission to purchase this, and certainly it cost more than I can really afford, but all things considered I am a very happy freak right now, in debt as I am.

I will post pictures of it as soon as I get a chance, but had to share the news with the heads here at HPOTD.

Special thanks to Dubious for inspiring me to take steps to realize a longtime dream.

[jim102016]

Inspired by Dubious posts, and after doing some research I have purchased and received one of the last remaining M-16s used in DOTD that were in Gary Zeller's possession. Apparently, there are still two left over from the film, but Zeller has indicated that he is going to keep one for his own collection and his son wants the other one.

I cannot tell you how stoked I am to get this into my hands. Zeller sent it with a Certificate of Authenticity and the rifle still has dried zombie blood on it! Freaking incredible!

Had to beg my wife for permission to purchase this, and certainly it cost more than I can really afford, but all things considered I am a very happy freak right now, in debt as I am.

I will post pictures of it as soon as I get a chance, but had to share the news with the heads here at HPOTD.

Special thanks to Dubious for inspiring me to take steps to realize a longtime dream.

Wow, how much did it cost that you had to ask your wife for permission?

[DubiousComforts]

I cannot tell you how stoked I am to get this into my hands. Zeller sent it with a Certificate of Authenticity and the rifle still has dried zombie blood on it! Freaking incredible!
Congratulations, dude! I am really happy for you. Can't wait to see those photos! :)

[Yojimbo]

Wow, how much did it cost that you had to ask your wife for permission?

Embarrassed to say, but high enough that only a die-hard DOTD 78 freak like me would even consider spending, and way beyond the amount that a married dude can spend without consulting his wife (those of you who are married can probably relate)


Congratulations, dude! I am really happy for you. Can't wait to see those photos! :)

Thanks, brother, will post as soon as I figure out how

[IRA_LCPL]

didnt see a mag eject button either jims right. Also the hatch as you call it i where the spent shells fly out like anotherposter said but the little cover is to keep mud and muck out of the breech ofperhaps the Finikiest weapon EVER made the A1.

Nice find though