These adrenaline-fueled John Wick series of movies showcase some of the most impressive firearms and gun handling skills in the history of Hollywood.
This is largely thanks to the extensive training that Keanu Reeves underwent with the renowned professional shooter, Taran Butler.
Together, they ensured that the firearms used in the films not only looked authentic but were also used realistically, adding to the overall authenticity and appeal of the movies.
The Pistols Used by John Wick [broken down by film]
It was quite a challenging task to pick the best firearms from the vast collection featured in movies.
The John Wick series boasts an impressive lineup, and while this list is not comprehensive, here are some of the most remarkable guns from the franchise.
What pistol does John Wick use in Chapter 1
In “John Wick: Chapter 1," John Wick primarily uses a Heckler & Koch P30L, a semi-automatic pistol. This firearm is notable for its long slide, and it’s a key part of Wick’s arsenal throughout the film.
The P30L is a variant of the Heckler & Koch P30 and is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a fitting choice for the character’s skilled and precise combat style.
(Photo @Flickr)
HK P30LS
The HK P30L hammer-fired DA/SA 9mm pistol developed by German gun manufacturing company Heckler & Koch is the original firearm of choice for John Wick.
It is first seen in the digging scene and proves useful in numerous firefights, including the unforgettable home invasion and nightclub chase scenes.
The variant featured in the 2014 movie has a mag capacity of 15 rounds and is chambered in the 9mm Luger cartridge. Its barrel, measuring 4.45 inches, is longer than that of the original HK P30, providing a shooter with several essential advantages, such as increased firepower and an extended sight radius for more precise shots.
What pistol does John Wick use in Chapter 2
In “John Wick: Chapter 2," John Wick uses several firearms, but the most iconic pistol he uses is the Glock 34.
This pistol is featured prominently in several action sequences throughout the movie. The Glock 34 is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, known for its extended barrel, greater slide dimensions, and elongated distance between sights.
These features make the Glock 34 a popular choice for competitive shooting, and in the context of the film, they contribute to its portrayal as a precise and effective weapon in John Wick’s skilled hands.
Glock 34 | Taran Tactical Combat Master Package
In Chapter 2, John Wick uses the Glock 34, which has undergone numerous upgrades and modifications by Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) compared to the original model.
TTI developed upgrades for several firearms featured in the movie series, and their director, Taran Butler, trained Keanu Reeves to become the iconic John Wick character we all admire. The Glock 34 is a competition-shooting version of the well-known Glock 17 full-size 9mm pistol. Its long 5.31-inch barrel significantly improves accuracy and firepower.
John Wick’s Taran Tactical Glock 34 is almost unrecognizable due to the extensive modifications it underwent.
The firearm boasts a flared mag well for faster reloads, a recontoured grip, a competition trigger, slide porting, and an easy-to-see fiber optic front sight. These upgrades make the gun smoother, more accurate, and more powerful.
Kimber Warrior 1911
Kimber Manufacturing’s 1911 pistol has a variant called the Kimber Warrior. This particular model is chambered in .45 ACP and boasts front and rear slide serrations, as well as an accessory rail.
In a memorable scene where the Bowery King provides John Wick with a firearm (“Somebody PLEASE get this man a gun!"), he acquires the Kimber with just seven rounds. This number is intentional, as it corresponds to one bullet for every million dollars of the kill contract.
Wick skillfully employs the pistol at the start of the art gallery firefight and later reloads it using a magazine taken from a fallen opponent. With one fluid motion, he executes a one-handed press check, which looks impressively cool.
What pistol does John Wick use in Chapter 3
In “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," John Wick uses a variety of firearms, but one of the standout pistols is the STI 2011 Combat Master, which was specifically designed for the film in collaboration with Taran Tactical Innovations.
This pistol is a customized 9mm competition-style firearm, known for its high capacity, reliability, and accuracy.
The STI 2011 Combat Master is used by Wick in several key action sequences and is notable for its distinctive appearance and enhanced performance, fitting the character’s reputation for exceptional skill and precision.
Taran Tactical STI 2011 Combat Master
John Wick’s firearm of choice in the Continental shootout is the Taran Tactical STI 2011 Combat Master, a heavily modified version of the STI 2011, a double-stack competition 1911 pistol.
The 2011 used by Wick is chambered in 9x19mm Major, a high-powered variant of the 9x19mm Luger round designed specifically for IPSC and USPSA competition shooting.
Wick acquires this weapon, along with a set of USPSA-style 23-round magazines, from Charon’s armory. He expertly employs it during the intense Continental shootout.
What pistol does John Wick use in John Wick 4
In “John Wick: Chapter 4," John Wick uses several pistols, with the Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper being his main weapon for a significant part of the film. This pistol is offered to him by the Bowery King in Paris and is used extensively thereafter.
The TTI Pit Viper is a 9x19mm Parabellum caliber pistol, noted for its 21-round capacity magazine, built-in compensator for minimal muzzle flip, fiber-optic front sight, ambidextrous safeties, flared magwell for faster reloads, and a two-pound extreme trigger.
Taran Tactical Pit Viper
In the upcoming movie John Wick 4, Keanu Reeves will wield the Taran Tactical Innovations’ Pit Viper, a custom-built 2011 pistol that costs a staggering $7,000.
This weapon is designed for competition shooting and has already proven its worth by winning the 2021 USPSA 2-Gun National title under an alias during testing.
The Pit Viper is perhaps the ultimate 2011, with top-of-the-line features including a match-grade barrel coated with DLC, a single-port compensator, an enlarged and flared ejection port that almost resembles an open slide, and an Aftec extractor.
Its grip is aggressively stippled and wrapped around for maximum control, while a stainless steel guide rod and seamlessly blended grip safety work together with a built-in bladed standoff to provide exceptional stability and accuracy.
Additionally, throughout the movie, John Wick also uses various Glock models (including Glock 17, Glock 17L, Glock 19, and Glock 34), a CZ P-10 C, a SIG-Sauer P365 SAS, and other firearms like the Thompson Center Arms Encore and the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 Performance Center.
These weapons are used in different contexts and action sequences, showcasing a diverse arsenal in line with the character’s adaptability and proficiency in firearms.
An Honorable Mention: Glock 26
The Glock 26 was used in the first three movies, which is smaller in size compared to the other guns.
These pistols are of the third generation and have not been modified in any way. They come with standard 10-round magazines, which makes them the easiest guns for John Wick to carry and access.
In a famous scene, Wick draws one of these Glock 26 pistols to take down multiple henchmen in a bathhouse. He uses a technique called a “failure drill" to eliminate one of them. Wick then switches back to his P30L before the chase sequence into the nightclub.
When he runs out of ammunition for his H&K pistol, he switches again to the Glock 26 for the final moments of the scene.
If you already own a Glock 26 Gen 3, Taran Tactical makes a Grand Master Connector Kit, that you can use to emulate the performance of the Taran Tactical Combat Carry Glock 26.
Additionally, you can purchase the Taran Tactical +2/3 base pads. For under $100, you can upgrade your stock Gen 3 Glock 26 to something that John Wick would carry.
Affordable John Wick Pistol Option
Although the custom pistols that are used in the John Wick movies are without a doubt badass, not everyone can afford them. Some variations cost north of $3,000.
If you want that John Wick vibe in a handgun that won’t break the bank, you need to take a hard look at the Faxon FX19 Hellfire. For under $1,200, you’re getting one hell of a gun.
Upon getting the FX19 Hellfire and being a John Wick fan, I immediately thought, “This is absolutely a pistol John Wick would use."
At least that was my impression when I first laid eyes on the Hellfire and held it in my hands. Shooting the FX19 Hellfire is a blast. The gun shoots fast, flat, and accurate.
The specs that make the Hellfire a worthy option for a John Wick pistol.
Custom Slide
Faxon Match Series G19 1/2×28 Threaded Barrel
Machined in-house from 17-4 Stainless Steel
Enhanced front, rear, and top serrations
Optic cut for Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C
Machined posts in optic cuts for optic locating and recoil absorption
John Wick is one of the most iconic movie characters of the past decade, and his signature firearms have become a defining aspect of the franchise.
From the HK P30L to the Taran Tactical Innovations Pit Viper, each of the pistols used by Wick has a unique design and features that set them apart from the rest.
These weapons not only look impressive on screen but are also highly functional and play a critical role in the character’s success.
Table of Contents
The Pistols Used by John Wick [broken down by film]
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