Can a blank gun shoot a real bullet?

What a blank gun actually does

A blank gun is built to fire cartridges that make noise and flash but carry no projectile. You get the bang, the recoil and the muzzle flash, the dramatic effects, without a bullet travelling downrange. That’s why prop houses, security trainers and collectors like them: they feel real without being the same as a live firearm.

Why a blank gun won’t fire a real bullet (normally)

There are three practical reasons:

— Barrel and chamber design: Many blank guns are made with blocked or tapered barrels so a real cartridge won’t fit or line up correctly.

— Different construction: Materials and tolerances are lower than those used in service pistols. They aren’t engineered for the pressures produced by live ammunition.

— Safety by design: Manufacturers intentionally make blanks incompatible with live rounds to stop misuse.

Because of those design features, you can’t simply load a real bullet into most blank guns and expect it to behave like a proper pistol. Trying to force it can cause catastrophic failure and the gun can rupture or explode.

About conversions: don’t try it

There are illegal conversion attempts reported online. They are dangerous and illegal. Converting a blank gun into something that will fire live rounds puts the user and bystanders at extreme risk and creates an unlicensed firearm — a serious criminal offence in South Africa.

Legal and practical risks in South Africa

Blank guns are widely available and are treated differently from licensed firearms, but that difference disappears if a blank gun is modified or used to commit a crime. Brandishing a blank pistol can land you in the same kind of legal mess as a real gun, don’t test it. If you’re not certain about the rules, stop and contact your nearest SAPS firearms office or a lawyer before buying or using one.

Safe uses for blank guns

— Film and theatre: realistic sound and flash for scenes.

— Security training: practice drills without live rounds.

— Deterrent: the loud crack and flash can frighten off an attacker, but treat it as a last-ditch deterrent, not your primary self-defence plan.

— Collecting: for display or reenactment.

Practical safety tips

— Purchase only from reputable dealers, like NeonSales, who supply quality blank pistols and genuine branded blank cartridges to reduce the risk of faults.

— Never modify the barrel or chamber.

— Treat every weapon as if it were lethal, blanks can still cause injury at close range.

— Store cartridges and the blank gun separately and safely.

Final word

So, can a blank gun shoot a real bullet? — No when bought and used as intended. Any attempt to make one fire live ammunition is unsafe, illegal and potentially lethal. If you want realism for training or props, stick to proper blank ammunition and experienced suppliers.

Want a reliable blank gun for training or film? Check trusted local sellers and always follow South African safety and legal guidance.

Have a look at our blank gun collection or our blank bullets collection while you're here.