As hard as it is to believe, the film Blood Diamond came out 17 years ago, and while most gun nerds immediately think of the Colt CAR-15 as the defacto firearm from this movie, I’m here to show off it and a few others. This film is actually stuffed to the brim with guns, (23 to be exact) so let’s look at a few of them.

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Heckler & Koch USP Compact

Leonardo DiCaprio, “Danny Archer”  wields a Heckler & Koch USP Compact throughout the film and procures this firearm from his friend M’Ed, played by Ntare Mwine, at a bar for a few hundred dollars. This acquisition follows the confiscation of Archer’s Glock 26 while he was involved in diamond smuggling. Seeking the best available option, Archer requests something exceptional from M’Ed, who promises to deliver. The USP Compact satisfies Archer’s requirements, which he employs to eliminate various R.U.F. rebels and Col. Coetzee’s men. Towards the film’s climax, Archer entrusts the pistol to Solomon, intending to stall Col. Coetzee’s forces and facilitate Solomon’s escape.

Set in 1999, the film effectively utilizes the novelty and rarity of the USP Compact which was introduced in late 1996. The pistol’s global reputation for reliability underscores its suitability for Archer’s needs. The movie even features close-ups that reveal the exposed hammer characteristic of the USP Compact. This choice hints at the possibility that the firearm could be a modified variant, possibly the P10 model. Notably, the USP Compact takes center stage on the film’s home video release cover, further highlighting its significance.

It’s important to acknowledge that cinematic presentations often involve artistic interpretation, potentially straying from absolute accuracy. Nevertheless, the film “Blood Diamond” demonstrates meticulous attention to incorporating the Heckler & Koch USP Compact into Danny Archer’s persona, capturing its role as a vital element in the narrative.

Browning Hi-Power

In the movie, R.U.F. Captain Poison, played by David Harewood, is seen wielding a Browning Hi-Power pistol. He uses this weapon to lethally confront and eliminate enslaved individuals at the mine whenever he detects them trying to steal diamonds.

Sterling L2 A1

 

During the sequence where Archer faces arrest for his involvement in diamond smuggling, numerous Sierra Leone Army soldiers are observed carrying Sterling L2A1 submachine guns.

Furthermore, guards overseeing the Freetown prison are similarly armed with Sterling L2A1s.

Colt CAR-15 Variant

The South African mercenaries are armed with a unique adaptation of the Colt CAR-15, distinct from the standard factory version. These rifles are characterized by their utilization of M16A2 receivers, suggesting a possible resemblance to Colt Model 725s. However, what sets them apart is the integration of 10-inch barrels along with GAU-5/XM177-style flash-hiders. This distinctive combination strongly implies that these rifles were likely assembled specifically for the film, utilizing components sourced from various AR-model firearms. It’s worth noting that similar rifles can also be spotted in “Black Hawk Down,” with both films procuring weapons from Bapty & Co.

In addition to their unconventional amalgamation of features, the mercenaries’ CAR-15s are adorned with camouflage paint and enhanced by accessories like Surefire 660 weapon lights and Aimpoint CompM2 red dot sights. During a crucial scene toward the movie’s climax, Archer gains possession of one of these CAR-15s by neutralizing its previous owner. He wields it to provide Solomon and Dia with an opportunity to escape before ultimately succumbing to his own injuries.

This is by far the most popular firearm from this film and in recent years has become commonly cloned. For a full video on this gun and how to make your own version, check out this video from Administrative Results:

Norinco Type 56-1

Throughout the movie, the majority of both the Revolutionary United Front (R.U.F.) rebels and the Sierra Leone Army soldiers are equipped with Norinco Type 56-1 assault rifles. These rifles are essentially Chinese counterparts to the AKS-47/AKMS and are characterized by their folding stocks and distinctive hooded front sights.

Notably, in a crucial scene, Archer briefly seizes one of these rifles to eliminate a fleeing R.U.F. rebel on a bridge. Another instance involves Dia, who is shown using a Norinco Type 56-1 during his initial participation in a massacre as an R.U.F. member. Furthermore, Dia is coerced to employ this rifle to carry out the execution of a prisoner as part of his indoctrination process.

 

H&K G3

In the movie, many of the R.U.F. rebels and Sierra Leone Army soldiers are shown carrying older-style Heckler & Koch G3 rifles. These G3 rifles stand out due to their wooden handguards and stocks, although the rear sight is not visible. Interestingly, this depiction accurately reflects historical reality.

The G3 served as the standard-issue rifle for the Sierra Leone Army for a considerable duration. Although the army later transitioned to acquiring Type 56 rifles from the People’s Republic of China, the use of G3 rifles persisted for a significant period. As the civil war unfolded, a substantial number of G3 rifles ended up falling into the hands of the R.U.F., becoming part of their armament during the conflict.

Lee-Enfield No.1 MkIII

In a scene from the movie, a Kamajor guerrilla catches Archer’s group by surprise, wielding a Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III rifle. Notably, the rifle features a cloth wrapped around it.

DShK

Throughout the film, DShK heavy machine guns are seen mounted on the R.U.F.’s “technical” vehicles.

The DShK 1938 is a Soviet heavy machine gun with a V-shaped butterfly trigger, firing the 12.7×108mm cartridge. The weapon was also used as a heavy infantry machine gun, where it was frequently deployed with a two-wheeled mounting and a single-sheet armor-plate shield.