The history of the creation of a unique pistol from the film “Red Heat” (28 photos + video)

In the cult American crime action film Red Heat, Arnold Schwarzenegger's hero Ivan Danko uses a Podbyrina system pistol, which is called the KGB's secret weapon. In fact, the gunsmith Podbyrin turned out to be a fictional character, and this post will tell you the story of the creation of exclusive weapons. Make yourself comfortable, as you will have to read a lot)

Next, a word from the author:

Podbyrin 9.2mm Pistol (description):

Currently, this weapon, which deservedly has the title of “The Most Powerful Pistol in the World,” is in service with the special forces of the FSB and the SVR of the Russian Federation.

Pieces from the film "Red Heat" (RED HEAT, 1988), with the image of "The Most Powerful Gun in the World":

In fact, everything was a little different. Or even not like that at all. For the main character of the film, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, director Walter Hill wanted a “Walther P38, but bigger and meaner. P38 on steroids,” in his own words. As a result, gunsmith Tim LaFrance built three copies pistol, which he called "The Hollywood Eagle". He used a Desert Eagle .357 Mk I pistol as a base, and did everything he could to make it look like a large Walther P38. According to Tim, the most difficult part of the conversion was reworking the gas system (the gun had to actually fire).

I found a version online that “Podbyrina” played Magnum Research Mark XIX Desert Eagle 10 inch barrel .44 Mag, but I don’t agree with it. In my opinion, a quick glance is enough to make sure that this is not so:

Now, a little press about the device:

Page from the magazine "American Handgunner" May/June 1988:

An article with details about the creation of the device (and another interesting pistol that played in "Red Heat") in "Petersen's Handguns", dated July 1988:

Let's admire Arnie with the device:

Now another copy, created by Tim Lafrance - the secret weapon of the Main Villain Victor "Rost" Rustaveli, played by Ed O'Ross (remember the one that flew out of his sleeve?):

In fact, this is a Derringer, 38-caliber BTJ DA38 O/U, converted by Tim to 12-gauge (an article in Petersen's Handguns magazine, dated July 1988, also talks about it):