How a Blank Gun Operates

How Do Blank Guns Work?

Owning a gun that discharges blanks has numerous advantages. They can be used as a signaling device, for gun handling and safety instruction, by film, television, and stage companies, and by collectors who cannot or do not want to acquire a real gun due to liability concerns. So, how does a blank gun work?

To understand how blank guns work, you must first understand the shell or cartridge and its construction. The shell is what is loaded into the gun, and while most people refer to it as the bullet, it is only one portion of the cartridge. These components are:

• Case – The shell's outside is known as the case, and it is commonly composed of brass. The case keeps everything together.
• Primer – When the firing pin inside the gun strikes the primer, which is located at the bottom of the cartridge, it ignites the gunpowder.
• Gunpowder – The explosive element that propels the bullet or, in the case of a blank gun, generates the loud retort when fired. It is normally contained within the shell via wadding or by crimping the shell's end tight. 
• Bullet - This is the actual projectile fired from a typical gun. The bullet typically comprises a lead core surrounded by a strong metallic casing. This section of the cartridge protrudes at the top, giving it the distinctive "bullet" shape.

Blank guns are designed to discharge shells containing primer and gunpowder but no projectile. The top of the shell is crimped or sealed with a wad to prevent gunpowder from seeping out.

Are blank guns dangerous?

Blank guns are dangerous and should be treated as any other firearm. They appear and sound like their real equivalents and might be mistaken for genuine firearms. It is always critical to practice firearm safety when handling any sort of gun, especially blank weapons.

While blank cannons do not fire actual projectiles, blank shells typically include a plastic or paper wad that seals the powder in. When a blank gun is fired, the pressure wave produced by the combustion of the gunpowder can travel out the barrel and push the wad out. At close range, this can result in severe penetrating wounds.

The muzzle explosion can also inflict damage on someone at close range. This cloud of hot, expanding gas exits the gun at an exceedingly high velocity, endangering anyone in the line of fire.

Benefits of Owning a Blank Gun

Blank guns are meant to appear and feel like real weapons, making them excellent for learning gun handling techniques without the risk of a conventional firearm. New shooters benefit because they can practice safely, and the kick from a blank handgun is often lower, making firing them less frightening. Many blank guns operate and may be field stripped, giving them confidence before moving on to a genuine firearm.

Training with a blank firing replica gun can also help police enforcement and military dogs. These animals must remain calm in the presence of loud noises, and some must be trained to identify guns and disarm an assailant. Blank weapons can be used to do this type of training while keeping both the animal and the handler safe.