See Our Selection Of Weapons & Firearms Here:

Popular from the 17th through the early 19th centuries, the blunderbuss could be considered an early form of shotgun, and was often adapted to military and defensive use.

Q: What materials are used in your replica guns?

A: The Denix and other replica guns featured on our site are made of metal (usually zinc overlaid with various finishes like pewter, nickel, brass, etc.) Our replicas have about the same weight, heft and feel as the real guns. On the models that originally had wooden grips, our replicas also use real stained and/or polished wood. Other grips may be made of textured metal or in the case of "Ivory" or "pearl" handled guns, ours will use a resin or polymer to replicate ivory or pearl grips. As an example, some of the fancy Old West engraved presentation models have synthetic "ivory" grips.

None of our replicas are the one-piece chunks of molded and painted plastic resin you may have seen. Our replicas are historically accurate, made as closely as possible to the authentic design of the originals. Durable and well engineered, they are also vastly less expensive than the originals, which makes it possible to build an impressive collection of the world's great classic guns, without a huge budget to purchase them.

Do your replicas have those red or orange plastic caps on the barrels?

A: The pre-20th Century replicas have no plugs or caps. These include flintlocks and muskets, Civil War and Old West replicas, and some World War I guns, such as the SMLE Enfield. The barrels are plugged, but the metal "plug" is inside the barrel where it is not visible, and the muzzles are open. 20th Century replicas--like the German P08 Parabellum and Mausers do have a red plug inside the end of the barrel, because it is required by U.S. Federal law on 20th Century replicas, due to their realistic appearance. However, the plug is inside the end of the barrel, rather than an orange or red plastic "cap" showing on the outside of the barrel.

Q: Can your replica guns be adapted to fire or used to fire blanks or airsoft cartridges?

A: No. The non-firing replica guns featured on our site have a solid metal blockage inside the barrel, and the replicas are not made of the case-hardened steel needed to withstand the hot gases and explosive force of a cartridge being fired. Any attempt to alter one of our replicas to fire projectiles would be unsafe, not to mention, illegal. The cylinders and clips of our replicas are also a non-standard size so that real bullets don't properly fit, as an added safeguard. If you wish to "load' your replica gun, we have solid metal "dummy" bullets that are specially sized to fit some of our replica models.

We also offer some blank-firing weapons that do fire, but please note that laws vary and there are some states in the U.S. where we can't ship these, nor can we ship them outside the U.S., due to laws, or because the shipping carriers won't accept them.

Q: Do replica guns have any moving/functioning parts?

A: Yes. Our replica guns have all or most of the same moving parts as the originals. They can be cocked and the triggers pulled, activating the "firing" mechanisms. Some models--like the German P08--have functional slide loading mechanisms and multi-round clips that can be inserted and ejected. Denix replica revolvers have cylinders that rotate and/or swing out, just as the real version of the firearm model. As an example, the Denix replica AK47 assault rifles have the same moving parts as a real one, and can even be "taken down" or "field stripped" for cleaning.

Q: Are Denix replica guns legal?

A: In most places, yes. Special U.S. State requirements: In Kansas and California any replica gun purchases must be accompanied by the purchase of a display case or frame. In New York, replicas of pre-1898 weapons are permitted, but we can only ship post-1898 replicas to theatrical, military, police or other government accounts with valid proof of account identity such as a letterhead request. Connecticutt, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Minnesota will only permit replicas of pre-1898 antique firearms. There are no permits required to purchase a replica gun.

A few countries ban all replica firearms. In others, certain kinds of replica guns are banned--usually the 20th Century or "modern" types. Some countries banning importation of so-called "modern" replicas will permit replicas of antique guns, such as muskets, flintlocks, Civil War and "old West" models. If you are uncertain about the laws regarding replica firearms in your country, please check before attempting to make a purchase. The United Kingdom prohibits import of any replica of a gun made after 1870, and all blank-firing replicas. Canada will permit only non-firing replicas of pre-1898 cap and ball/percussion or flintlock weapons. They will not permit replicas of any weapon that fired a self-contained metal cartridge such as the Old West rifles and revolvers, as they consider these "modern" replicas.

We will not knowingly sell a replica gun to a child or anyone under the age of 18, nor to anyone who we know to have questionable intentions. Heritage Costumes Inc. strongly urges all of our customers to abide by their local laws, and to maintain a safe and responsible environment for any gun replicas purchased.

Q: Are replica guns safe?

A: Yes. The Denix and other replicas on our site are safe to have in your home and for use in collections, displays, or for theatrical or training purposes. None of them will fire projectiles, nor can they be converted to do so. However, they are NOT toys and are definitely NOT for children. Moving, spring-loaded parts, metal hammers that click on chambers, etc. could smash or pinch a child's fingers. Also, Denix replica guns look and even feel like the real thing and have moving parts. If a replica gun were to be aimed or used in a threatening manner, especially in the presence of police, military or Homeland Security professionals, or others, the consequences could be fatal. They should always be treated with the same responsible handling that would be used with a real firearm. When purchasing a replica firearm from us, you are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and/or situation for your purchase.