Will Smith's portrayal of Detective Mike Lowrey in the Bad Boys franchise cemented his action-hero status. His firearm choices, particularly his Glock, have become iconic. But which specific model did he wield in the first Bad Boys film? Let's investigate.
Identifying Mike Lowrey's Glock: More Than Just a Pistol
While many sources casually mention a Glock, pinpointing the exact model requires a closer look at screen captures and behind-the-scenes information. The Glock used isn't consistently the same throughout the entire film, adding another layer of complexity to identifying it. Some scenes show a Glock 17, while others seem to depict a Glock 22. This inconsistency could be due to prop gun swaps during filming, or deliberate choices by the prop masters.
Glock 17: The Most Likely Candidate
The most frequently seen Glock in Bad Boys closely resembles a Glock 17. This is a full-size, 9x19mm pistol, known for its reliability and popularity among law enforcement and civilians. The Glock 17's design fits the general appearance of the firearm used by Will Smith in many key action sequences. The size and overall shape are highly consistent with this model.
Glock 22: An Alternative Possibility
However, some stills and certain scenes suggest the possibility of a Glock 22. This model is chambered in .40 S&W, a slightly larger caliber than the 9mm of the Glock 17. The visual differences between these two models are subtle, and distinguishing them definitively from stills is challenging. It's possible that the production used a mix of both for various shots.
The Importance of Prop Guns in Film
It's crucial to remember that firearms used in movies are often modified prop guns, and not always fully functional or perfectly accurate replicas of real-world models. These modifications are made for safety and to meet specific filming requirements. This makes identifying the precise model solely based on visual appearance difficult and leaves room for some speculation.
Beyond the Glock: Other Firearms in Bad Boys
While the Glock is arguably the most memorable firearm associated with Will Smith's character, Bad Boys also features a variety of other weapons, including shotguns and other handguns. These add to the overall action and visual appeal of the movie. The focus on the Glock, however, stems from its frequent use and association with Lowrey's character throughout the film.
Conclusion: A Question of Speculation and Subtle Differences
Determining the precise Glock model used by Will Smith in Bad Boys remains somewhat inconclusive based solely on publicly available information. While the Glock 17 seems to be the most likely candidate due to its frequent appearance, the possibility of a Glock 22 or a mixture of both cannot be entirely ruled out. The subtle differences between models, combined with the use of prop guns, make definitive identification a challenge. Ultimately, the specific Glock model becomes less significant than its role in shaping the iconic image of Detective Mike Lowrey.
