Course Curriculum

Four Days, Day by Day

A structured progression from fundamentals to full mock-set scenarios, ending with written and practical assessment for the Certified Hollywood Armorer certificate.

Certified Hollywood Armorer Day 4 closes with written and practical assessment. Passing participants receive Hollywood Armorer’s own certificate of completion.

Brand certification mark — not a government license or third-party accreditation.

Overview — subject to change. This curriculum is a general outline. Topics, sequence, and timing may be adjusted for each session, venue, applicable law, and class needs. The final syllabus is provided to enrolled participants. [ADD: final syllabus / daily schedule & hours]

Day 1

Foundations of Firearms Safety

Classroom + Range

The Four Rules

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready
Know your target and what is beyond it
Why these rules still apply on set — and how productions adapt them

Firearm Mechanics

Revolvers, lever actions, shotguns, semi-automatic pistols and rifles
Loading, unloading, and clearing procedures
Common malfunctions and safe responses
Period firearms common to Westerns

The Armorer’s Role

Responsibilities and authority on a production
Where the armorer fits: props, stunts, ADs, special effects
The right and duty to stop work
Professional conduct and focus — one job at a time

Range Fundamentals

Supervised safe-handling drills
Muzzle and trigger discipline under pressure
Clearing and verification drills

Day 2

Set Protocols & Chain of Custody

Classroom + Mock Set

Chain of Custody

Receiving, logging, and securing firearms
Sign-out and return procedures
Who may handle a firearm, when, and under whose supervision
Wrap, lock-up, and overnight storage

Inspection Procedures

Pre-use and post-use inspections
Barrel and chamber checks; obstruction checks
Showing firearms clear to actors and the AD
Documenting every inspection

Cold / Hot Gun Procedures

Clear definitions and announcements for “cold” and “hot” firearms
Controlling the set when firearms are in use
Transitioning safely between setups
Handling unexpected changes to a scene

Safety Meetings & Paperwork

Running a firearms safety meeting before use
Call-sheet notices and crew communication
Firearms logs, round counts, and incident reports
Keeping records a production can rely on

Day 3

Blanks, Dummies & Safer Alternatives

Classroom + Range

Blank-Firing Firearms

How blank-firing and blank-adapted firearms work
Hazards: muzzle blast, debris, hearing, and distance
Minimum safe distances and shields
Cleaning and maintenance between takes

Blank Ammunition

Types and loads of blank ammunition (full, half, quarter load, etc.)
Selecting the smallest load that achieves the shot
Secure storage, issue, and accountability

Dummy Rounds & Verification

What dummy rounds are and why they’re used
Sourcing from reputable suppliers
Verification methods and inspection
Keeping dummies, blanks, and all else strictly separated

No Live Ammunition on Set

Why live ammunition is prohibited on working sets
Search, segregation, and verification practices
What to do if live ammunition is discovered

Alternatives to Functional Firearms

Non-firing replicas and “non-guns”
Rubber and resin stunt props
Airsoft and other simulated options, and their own hazards
Digital muzzle flash and CGI; discussing options with the director and producers

Day 4

Law, Crew Coordination & Assessment

Classroom + Mock Set + Assessment

Laws & Regulations (Overview)

Federal and state considerations for transport and storage
Federal Firearms License (FFL) considerations and when licensed dealers may be involved
State and local variations; interstate travel
Industry guidelines, including published industry safety bulletins, discussed generally
Course content is educational — not legal advice

Working With the Crew

Coordinating with the first AD, props, stunts, and special effects
Briefing and rehearsing with actors
Handling pressure, schedule changes, and rushed setups
Communication and speaking up

Hands-On Practicals

Full mock-set scenario from arrival to wrap
Inspection, sign-out, and safety meeting
Scene rehearsal with cold and hot transitions
Post-scene inspection and documentation

Final Assessment

Written examination on safety, protocol, and regulation topics
Practical assessment of handling, inspection, and set procedure
Certified Hollywood Armorer certificate of completion issued to participants who pass [ADD: passing criteria / retake policy]