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Blade Runner: The Film

“Blade Runner” is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, adapted from Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019, where synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on space colonies. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by Roy Batty (played by Rutger Hauer) escapes back to Earth, burnt-out cop Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down.

The film initially underperformed in North American theaters and polarized critics; some praised its thematic complexity and visuals, while others critiqued its slow pacing and lack of action. However, “Blade Runner” later became a cult film and is now regarded as one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. It is hailed for its production design depicting a high-tech but decaying future and is often regarded as both a leading example of neo-noir cinema and a foundational work of the cyberpunk genre. The film has influenced many science fiction films, video games, anime, and television series, and it brought Philip K. Dick’s work to Hollywood’s attention, leading to several film adaptations of his works.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Vangelis, was nominated in 1982 for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe as best original score. “Blade Runner” is celebrated for its profound exploration of themes such as identity, humanity, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancements. It remains a cornerstone of science fiction cinema, continuing to captivate audiences with its complex narrative and richly crafted world.

The Iconic Firearms of Blade Runner: COP 357 and Deckard’s Blaster

“Blade Runner”, Ridley Scott’s seminal 1982 science fiction film, is renowned not only for its thought-provoking narrative and visual splendor but also for its meticulous attention to detail in world-building. Among the many elements that contribute to the film’s rich atmosphere, the weapons wielded by its characters stand out for their unique design and symbolic significance. This page delves into two such firearms: the COP 357 Derringer used by the replicant Leon and the LAPD 2019 Blaster carried by the protagonist, Rick Deckard.

The COP 357 Derringer: A Symbol of Concealment and Surprise

The COP 357 is a compact, four-barreled pistol chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. In “Blade Runner,” it is used by Leon Kowalski, a replicant who seeks to extend his lifespan. The weapon’s design is a testament to the film’s setting—a future where practicality and concealment are paramount. The COP 357’s small size belies its firepower, making it an ideal choice for a character like Leon, who must navigate a world that is hostile to his very existence.

The gun’s appearance in the film has sparked much discussion and analysis, with fans and prop collectors alike seeking to uncover the history and lore behind this distinctive firearm. Its heavy build and formidable caliber make it a weapon of last resort, symbolizing the replicants’ desperate struggle for survival. The debate over the gun’s color and grips, resolved only when an original stunt copy was auctioned, reflects the community’s dedication to preserving the film’s legacy.

Deckard’s Blaster: A Fusion of Past and Future

Rick Deckard’s sidearm, commonly referred to as the LAPD 2019 Blaster, is a masterful blend of retro and futuristic design elements. Constructed from parts of a Steyr Mannlicher .222 Model SL and a Charter Arms Bulldog revolver, Deckard’s Blaster is a visual representation of the film’s central themes: the melding of humanity with technology and the blurring of lines between the organic and the artificial.

The blaster’s design was originally conceived by Syd Mead, whose vision for the weapon included LED lights to enhance its futuristic appeal. Although the original prop was sold for a staggering $270,000, its impact on the film—and on science fiction weaponry in general—cannot be overstated. The blaster is not just a tool for Deckard; it is an extension of his character, representing the authority of the Blade Runner unit and the weight of the moral dilemmas he faces.

Stephen Danes Concept Design For Deckard's Blaster

Although not widely recognised there does seem to be an interest in the 1980 concept design for the blaster created by Stephen Dane. So although not actually used in the movie we feel it should also be noted here as it is part of the history and evolution of the iconic film.

Assistant Art Director Stephen Dane produced several preliminary sketches during pre-production of a gun that Deckard (Harrison Ford) was to use throughout the movie. The drawings all appear to depict a modified COP .357. In the end, probably at the direction of Ridley Scott, the COP was dropped as the gun to be used by Rick Deckard. Instead, the COP, in completely unaltered form, was employed as the weapon Leon uses to shoot the Blade Runner Holden in the famous opening scene of the film


Conclusion: More Than Just Props

The firearms in “Blade Runner” are more than mere props; they are integral to the narrative and thematic fabric of the film. The COP 357 and Deckard’s Blaster are not only iconic in their design but also in the way they reflect the characters who wield them. They are symbols of the film’s exploration of identity, existence, and the nature of humanity itself. As “Blade Runner” continues to influence the genre and captivate audiences, the legacy of these firearms endures, reminding us of the power of cinema to create worlds that are both fantastical and deeply resonant.