The hosts introduce a countdown of the top five guns used in Ballerina, a recent spin-off in the John Wick franchise released on June 6, 2025. Kaya brings in John, described as the resident John Wick expert, especially on firearms built by Taran Tactical Innovations. John explains that the John Wick films pushed him deeper into the gun world and that he has studied the weapons used across the series. Before diving into specific guns, they clarify that they are not affiliated with Thunder Road Films, Summit Entertainment, or Lionsgate, and that any copyrighted or trademarked imagery or clips are used only for discussion. With the disclaimer out of the way, they begin the list at number five.
Number five is the Benelli M2 customized by Taran Tactical Innovations. John notes that the shotgun visually bridges the Benelli M4 from John Wick 2 and the Benelli M2 from John Wick 3, combining elements like the pistol grip into a single build. In Ballerina, this TTI Benelli M2 is used by Norman Reedus during the Continental shootout sequence, echoing the earlier John Wick hotel battles. The discussion then shifts to the platform’s background: the Benelli M1, M2, and M3 are inertia-operated semi-automatic shotguns dating back to the 1980s, designed for tactical roles with law enforcement, military users worldwide, and competition shooters. They contrast it with the gas-operated Benelli M4, adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps, and emphasize Benelli’s strong reputation for reliable, fast-cycling shotguns.
The fourth spot goes to the Glock 43X, shown alongside a standard Glock 43 for comparison. John highlights that in Ballerina this is one of the first pistols Eve uses after leaving the Ruska Roma training facility, featuring prominently in the nightclub shootout. He considers the 43X an excellent compact platform and notes that once Taran Tactical Innovations modifies a gun, the result is distinctive. The movie version uses a 3D-printed grip module or variant specific to the 43X, giving it a unique profile on screen. They mention typical TTI touches seen on similar builds: customized barrel and slide work, aggressive stippling, upgraded sights, and a refined trigger shoe. In the film, Eve uses the Glock 43X to good effect, demonstrating how a compact pistol can still dominate in close-quarters nightclub scenes.
Number three is the Taran Tactical Innovations Viper, a 2011-style pistol related to the better-known Pit Viper and Sand Viper. On the table they have a Sand Viper configured like the one from The Accountant 2, equipped with a Trijicon RMR and a Streamlight weapon light, to illustrate the family of pistols. They explain that the Sand Viper is optic-cut and finished in a different color, while the Pit Viper is not cut for a dot. The Viper used in Ballerina, carried by John Wick when he appears to deal with Eve, differs with a 4.4-inch barrel instead of a 5-inch barrel, lacks the built-in slide compensator, and does not share the same carry magwell. It is presented as a more carry-oriented 2011. The hosts emphasize how effective Keanu Reeves’s character is with the Viper and how those scenes stand out, especially since this is the first time viewers see John Wick in action again after John Wick 4.
The second-place firearm is the TTI V7 Harbinger, a lightweight rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm / .308. The hosts describe it as extremely flat shooting thanks to a pinned and welded four-chamber brake, while also acknowledging that the brake makes the rifle loud and concussive. The rifle on the table wears a bipod and a Trijicon 1–6x AccuPoint scope, paired with a Trijicon RMR mounted at roughly 45 degrees for rapid transitions between magnified and red-dot aiming. They compare this .308 configuration to the 5.56 rifle John Wick used in John Wick 2, calling the Harbinger a larger-caliber evolution of that concept. In Ballerina, Eve uses the V7 Harbinger to cut through cult members during a shootout involving the Continental, giving viewers another look at conflict around the hotel and the people operating behind the High Table. The hosts note that the move from 5.56 to .308 reflects a desire for greater perceived stopping power in the spin-off.
Before revealing the top pick, they call out an honorable mention: the flamethrower wielded by Eve. The exact model is not identified, but the hosts focus on how the film uses it as a centerpiece for a major action sequence. They describe Eve “tearing the house down” with the flamethrower and praise the creativity of the choreography, including a memorable moment where a fire hose is used against the flames, creating a fire-versus-water visual. They compare the impact of this set piece to the overhead dragon’s breath shotgun sequence in John Wick 4, suggesting the flamethrower scene is at least as striking. The segment underscores how each John Wick film and spin-off tends to feature one standout weapon-driven sequence, and in Ballerina that role clearly belongs to Eve’s flamethrower.
The number one spot goes to the Taran Tactical Innovations Glock 17 Combat Master with a compensator, the pistol featured on Ballerina’s cover art with Eve holding it. The hosts argue that calling it a simple Glock 17 undersells the extent of the modifications. The Combat Master build includes extensive slide cuts, a compensator that keeps the front sight on an island with the barrel, and a heavily reworked grip with slimming and aggressive stippling. They mention a Timney Alpha trigger and note how the overall design changes the feel and handling of the pistol. In the context of the franchise, each film has a signature handgun: John Wick 4 centered on the Pit Viper, while Ballerina revolves around this compensated Glock 17 Combat Master. The hosts emphasize how central this pistol is to Eve’s on-screen identity and to the film’s promotional imagery.
Loading...