Weapons Used by Arnold Schwarzenegger's Character in the 1985 Film Commando

Arnold Schwarzenegger's character John Matrix in the 1985 film Commando is known for his extensive and impressive arsenal. This article delves into the various weapons he uses throughout the movie, providing both detailed descriptions and insights into their origins and significance.

Initial Weapon: Beretta 92 9mm Pistol

In the opening scenes of the film, John Matrix retrieves his Beretta 92 9mm pistol from his shed when his home is under attack. This was a common choice for1980s action heroes and reflects the reliability and versatility of the Beretta 92.

Select-Fire Weapons: Colt AR-15 or M16

One of the most memorable weapons used by Matrix is either a select-fire Colt AR-15 or an M16. This weapon is notable for its use of the full-auto setting, showing Matrix emptying the magazine with one hand before discarding it. These weapons were popular in the 1980s and remain iconic today.

Uzi: A Memorable Stolen Weapon

Throughout the movie, Matrix employs a Uzi, another weapon often associated with 1980s action films. This particular Uzi was also stolen during his raid on the armory. The choice of the Uzi adds to the gritty and intense nature of the film's action sequences.

Israeli Military Industries Products

Among the weapons used by Matrix, the Israel Military Industries Desert Eagle pistol stood out. Matrix likely grabbed this from the armory during the raid and presumably took it with him before being apprehended. The Desert Eagle is renowned for its strength and accuracy.

Heavy Machine Guns: Soviet RPK and M60

During the villa raid, Matrix is seen using a Soviet RPK or a US M60 General Purpose Machine Gun. Both of these weapons add a formidable factor to the already intense battle scenes. The M60, a highly capable and reliable machine gun, was a staple in many 1980s action films due to its performance in various military and civilian settings.

Shotguns and Explosives

One of the weapons used in the villa raid was a Remington 870 Tactical shotgun. This combat shotgun is well-known for its reliability in close-quarters combat and effectiveness in a variety of environments. Furthermore, the movie also features the use of M18A1 Claymore antipersonnel mines and several M67 fragmentation hand grenades, adding to the intense nature of the battle.

The Veritech: A Unique Flamethrower Weapon

The most memorable weapon from the movie is a facsimile of the then 1985 obsolescent M202 Lightweight Flamethrower. Although this weapon never existed in real life, it was intended to be a safer replacement for the M1 Flame Gun. Sadly, practical limitations and safety concerns made it impractical. The weapon's design is described as a theoretical combination of M72 LAW rockets (which themselves do not exist) with an embedded 'clip' of M74 rockets tipped with M235 incendiary warheads, though it actually used a real M202 launcher and M72 rockets.

This unique weapon, available in limited versions through various authors and websites, is often referenced in fan-made content and models due to its striking and memorable appearance in the film. It also highlights the creative storytelling and the filmmakers' willingness to push the boundaries of conventional weaponry for the sake of cinematic impact.

Understanding the weaponry used in these iconic action scenes provides valuable historical context for the 1980s, as well as fascinating details for fans of the film and history enthusiasts. Whether you are a fan of action movies or a firearms enthusiast, John Matrix's arsenal in Commando is a fascinating look into the armory of a modern-day action hero.