View Full Version : AR's on TV in the 1980's
This episode of "T.J. Hooker" aired in 1984. Back when you could buy a Colt SP-1 at the local mall or Montgomery Ward's (God, I miss that part of the 1980's).
Regarding the first 7 minutes of this episode, Shatner's AR-18 (or AR-180) magically transforms into an AR-15. Heather Locklear (one of my major crushes back then) is carrying a shorty AR-15/M16 of some type. In 1984, what model would this have been? Assuming it's not a studio prop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcaXCtIpV5I
The_War_Wagon
12-30-20, 17:24
Heather's has an XM-177 f/h, but the bbl looks too long (I had an Oly pre-ban version in the mid-'90's). COULD be a prop.
In 1984 that shorty AR would probably be either a prop or a Colt SP1 carbine mocked up with a fake XM177-style moderator. In the early 80s I don’t think non-Colt ARs were a thing yet, aside from like M16A1s made by Hydra-matic or something
Should have had Steve Forrest, Robert Urich, Rod Perry, Mark Shera and James Coleman make cameo appearance on the team.
1975 SWAT had both AR15s and some AR-180s.
The pilot The Greatest American Hero featured AR-180s in the hands of dune buggy, shaved head white supremacists (of course).
Showed up in a few Magnum PI episodes including the famous "Did you see the sunrise?" episode. But not counting "Police Story", SWAT was first.
The AR180 seemed to be the bad guy's gun during that period. AK didn't appear on scene until the late 80s I think.
The AR180 seemed to be the bad guy's gun during that period. AK didn't appear on scene until the late 80s I think.
There weren't any. The first ones were mocked up Valmets until the first Egyptian imports arrived around 1981-1982 and retailed for $1,200 back then. These were the Steyr imports and not the CAI imports although the guns were very much the same Russian pattern AKM made in Egypt. It wasn't until Chinese imports started rolling in around 1988 (a year or so before they were banned) that legit AKs were seen on TV shows that didn't have access to the Stembridge collection.
The Steyr import Maadi's were what were seen in films like Red Dawn and some were mocked up to resemble AK-74s. There were some other early 80s imports around 1984 like Golden State Arms and I think a company named Global and again these were typically Chinese.
Mitchell brought in a few Hungarians mid 80s and things like that but it was the late 80s Chinese Polytech / Norinco imports that made most variants available to your average shooter for the first time.
I had one of the early Clayco imports back in 1985. This was a Chicom AK with black synthetic furniture, and came with sling. bayonet, and three (IIRC) mags.
Wasn't it in one of the Dirty Harry movies? The one that takes place on Alcatraz
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titsonritz
12-30-20, 21:21
Wasn't it in one of the Dirty Harry movies? The one that takes place on Alcatraz
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The Enforcer
There were also used on Hawaii Five-O, Hill Street Blues, A-Team and Tour of Duty.
Apparently, the very first appearance of the AK in film was a 1955 Soviet comedy:
https://i.imgur.com/g5MMe6A.jpg
I had one of the early Clayco imports back in 1985. This was a Chicom AK with black synthetic furniture, and came with sling. bayonet, and three (IIRC) mags.
Clayco...THAT was the one I was trying to remember. I think only GSAD preceded them and only by a year.
Wasn't it in one of the Dirty Harry movies? The one that takes place on Alcatraz
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Movies are different. With movies you go all the way back to Ice Station Zebra.
Apparently, the very first appearance of the AK in film was a 1955 Soviet comedy:
https://i.imgur.com/g5MMe6A.jpg
Interesting, I thought it debuted during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
Looks like an AR18 too.
https://youtu.be/I0AxrOUJ62E
I remember the A Team used to show a lot of AR, M16 types....
Maybe Magnum PI when he had those Vietnam flashbacks...
Neat thread!
Loved seeing Shatner w/an AR180 about 2-4 minutes into the TJ Hooker episode.
Its making me want to buy a new Mini 14 Tactical (16 in threaded barrel w/FH, neat looking brown stock) I recently saw though...they are $1k now.
Then it needs a hooded Burris Fastfire III w/mount for another $300.
😬😒
I enjoy the way they recoil when fired though, reminds me of an AK without being a commie AK and uses .223 / 5.56 ammo.
Could have bought a good ar180 about a year ago for $1300. Sterling-built. But those are just too much of a collector rifle to fire much or mod.
Ithaca 37's just don't look good when they're all shiny like that...
I remember the A Team used to show a lot of AR, M16 types....
Maybe Magnum PI when he had those Vietnam flashbacks...
Interesting what some of the Magnum stuff really was.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Magnum_P.I._-_Season_1
They goofed the foreign agents with mocked up Uzi in the pilot episode entry. That was actually in the "Never Again" episode where the foreign agents are Mossad looking for Nazis.
Back when you could buy a Colt SP-1 at the local mall or Montgomery Ward's (God, I miss that part of the 1980's).
Yup... I walked into Oshman's Sporting Goods in 1985 and saw my first ever "SP1-Carbine"... It went on lay-a-way that afternoon. It ended up being my LEO patrol rifle for the late 80s until the mid 90s. She saved my @$$ several times and never let me down.
Interesting what some of the Magnum stuff really was.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Magnum_P.I._-_Season_1
They goofed the foreign agents with mocked up Uzi in the pilot episode entry. That was actually in the "Never Again" episode where the foreign agents are Mossad looking for Nazis.
Those "MacUzis" made the rounds in a lot of early stuff including "Dogs of War", "Stripes" and too many tv shows to list.
The_War_Wagon
12-31-20, 19:42
The AR180 seemed to be the bad guy's gun during that period. AK didn't appear on scene until the late 80s I think.
I think "Red Dawn" was the first time a LOT of saw an AK up close. I didn't get MY Polytech 'til '88, and that was still earlier than most...
I think "Red Dawn" was the first time a LOT of saw an AK up close. I didn't get MY Polytech 'til '88, and that was still earlier than most...
Mine was "The Deer Hunter" (1978) and according to IMFDB they were actually Norinco's. As those scenes were actually filmed in Thailand it makes sense that they were able to source Chinese AKs regionally.
If you want serious early gun porn, and honestly a really good film, track down "The Amateur" (1981) which actually featured Vz 58s, Vz 61s, racks of FN FALs and HK G3s and more M-16A1s than an episode of SWAT. They filmed it in Canada and Austria so I'm not sure what guns were filmed where or how they got them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amateur_(1981_film)
I've been meaning to create a IMFDB page for the film for the last 10 years but simply haven't gotten around to it.
Steve Shannon
12-31-20, 22:59
Yup... I walked into Oshman's Sporting Goods in 1985 and saw my first ever "SP1-Carbine"... It went on lay-a-way that afternoon. It ended up being my LEO patrol rifle for the late 80s until the mid 90s. She saved my @$$ several times and never let me down.
I bought mine in 76 or 77. It was okay and of course if I still had it it would be worth something, but the rifles I have now are better.
I ended up selling it to a Cuban doctor who had plans to take Cuba back from Castro. I wonder what happened to him.
I bought mine in 76 or 77. It was okay and of course if I still had it it would be worth something, but the rifles I have now are better.
I ended up selling it to a Cuban doctor who had plans to take Cuba back from Castro. I wonder what happened to him.
I think I got my SP1 carbine around 81/82 and it was one of the best lightweight carbines ever made for a long time. The only thing I really didn't care for were the A1 sights which are the only thing I didn't care for on all SP1s. But I'll generally take a 6520 lightweight carbine over a 6920 any day, the A2 sights are the only serious improvement that was made.
ETS'd Army in January 76 and wanted a .223 so a buddy talked me into buying a Mini 14. Hated the Mini so couple of months later sold it and got a little hole in the wall gun store in Houston to order me a SP1 for the princely sum of $250 OTD. That sounds like a killer deal until you adjust for inflation and find out that $250 in 76 equals $1,170 today. Sold the SP1 for big money during the 94 ban panic, always hated that front screwed pivot pin.
I think I got my SP1 carbine around 81/82 and it was one of the best lightweight carbines ever made for a long time. The only thing I really didn't care for were the A1 sights which are the only thing I didn't care for on all SP1s. But I'll generally take a 6520 lightweight carbine over a 6920 any day, the A2 sights are the only serious improvement that was made.
That’s interesting as it seems like most people who compare the two prefer the simplicity of A1 sights over the A2s. I still have a number of irons-only ARs, with both types of sight, and personally I find the A2’s knob for windage adjustment mildly more convenient vs having to use a tool or bullet tip (and the finer adjustments are nice for an OCD-riddled iron sight zeroer like me) but otherwise I don’t have much preference between the two types.
Although on my guns with A1 sight setups I do usually substitute an A2 aperture, so perhaps that’s why.
I think I got my SP1 carbine around 81/82 and it was one of the best lightweight carbines ever made for a long time. The only thing I really didn't care for were the A1 sights which are the only thing I didn't care for on all SP1s. But I'll generally take a 6520 lightweight carbine over a 6920 any day, the A2 sights are the only serious improvement that was made.
I disagree on the sights. Less IS more. Yes, the A-1 is a PITA to adjust, but once it's zeroed, it stays that way. No "accidental" movement of the adjustment. If the neighbors dog had not eaten it last year, I'd have my old SP1 carbine until I died. Moot point now with al of the good options on optics out there. Just need BUIS now...
I disagree on the sights. Less IS more. Yes, the A-1 is a PITA to adjust, but once it's zeroed, it stays that way. No "accidental" movement of the adjustment. If the neighbors dog had not eaten it last year, I'd have my old SP1 carbine until I died. Moot point now with al of the good options on optics out there. Just need BUIS now...
Aside from the furniture, how badly can a dog damage an AR?
Aside from the furniture, how badly can a dog damage an AR?
No more than falling off a boat into the lake can. Just a little more original. ;-)
Steve Shannon
01-01-21, 09:59
I think I got my SP1 carbine around 81/82 and it was one of the best lightweight carbines ever made for a long time. The only thing I really didn't care for were the A1 sights which are the only thing I didn't care for on all SP1s. But I'll generally take a 6520 lightweight carbine over a 6920 any day, the A2 sights are the only serious improvement that was made.
I liked the A2 sights better as well once I saw them, as well as the magazine release fence and push out pivot pin instead of screw style. When I sold the SP1 it was because I needed the money more for other things, but it’s one I haven’t had big regrets over.
I had a chance to buy an AR-180 for $125 once in the mid 80s and I’ve kicked myself repeatedly for not doing that. After shooting it I wasn’t terribly impressed with it.
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Mine was "The Deer Hunter" (1978) and according to IMFDB they were actually Norinco's. As those scenes were actually filmed in Thailand it makes sense that they were able to source Chinese AKs regionally.
If you want serious early gun porn, and honestly a really good film, track down "The Amateur" (1981) which actually featured Vz 58s, Vz 61s, racks of FN FALs and HK G3s and more M-16A1s than an episode of SWAT. They filmed it in Canada and Austria so I'm not sure what guns were filmed where or how they got them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amateur_(1981_film)
I've been meaning to create a IMFDB page for the film for the last 10 years but simply haven't gotten around to it.
Sounds like one I need to see, thanks!
ETS'd Army in January 76 and wanted a .223 so a buddy talked me into buying a Mini 14. Hated the Mini so couple of months later sold it and got a little hole in the wall gun store in Houston to order me a SP1 for the princely sum of $250 OTD. That sounds like a killer deal until you adjust for inflation and find out that $250 in 76 equals $1,170 today. Sold the SP1 for big money during the 94 ban panic, always hated that front screwed pivot pin.
The BIG screw never bothered me. Back in those days it really didn't even occur to us to swap uppers. And during cleaning I just left it hinged at the front. Lots of guys bought the "mini" because all ARs still had the stigma of Vietnam and 90% of the gun show crowd still believe they will "jam up and get you killed" and were completely ignorant of the fact that those things got fixed over 10 years ago with the A1 upgrades. Also gun rags were touting the Mini 14 as the ultimate SHTF rifle. I eventually got one after getting the SP1 carbine and while "ok" I didn't see where it was any kind of uber rifle and god help you if you tried to feed it with any of the aftermarket magazines floating around.
To me it was halfway between a hunting rifle and a black rifle and I think that is what the biggest appeal was for most. Too bad they never made a Mini 30 in 7.62x51 and produced something a little handier than a M1A. But honestly the HK sporters 630 / SL6 and 770 / SL7 were a lot more practical, their only drawback was limited magazine capacities.
That’s interesting as it seems like most people who compare the two prefer the simplicity of A1 sights over the A2s. I still have a number of irons-only ARs, with both types of sight, and personally I find the A2’s knob for windage adjustment mildly more convenient vs having to use a tool or bullet tip (and the finer adjustments are nice for an OCD-riddled iron sight zeroer like me) but otherwise I don’t have much preference between the two types.
Although on my guns with A1 sight setups I do usually substitute an A2 aperture, so perhaps that’s why.
I like the wider second aperture of the A2 sight vs. what are essentially two tight setting on the A1. But it's the elevation and windage adjustments that really do it for me. Adjusting front sight for zero was always a huge pain.
I disagree on the sights. Less IS more. Yes, the A-1 is a PITA to adjust, but once it's zeroed, it stays that way. No "accidental" movement of the adjustment. If the neighbors dog had not eaten it last year, I'd have my old SP1 carbine until I died. Moot point now with al of the good options on optics out there. Just need BUIS now...
I would usually agree with this, however the second wide open aperture lets me see more of what is going on in front of me. It's the same grip I have with old Uzi sights, I can't transition from target to target as fast as I can with an MP5 or AR with A2 sights.
They tried .308 & .243 with the XGI, but apparently had a bunch of issues with it. I remember liking this ad and their Red Labels from a brochure I had as a kid.
https://www.perfectunion.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11361&d=1178017791
I like the large aperture option better, but prefer it when it is same plane like XS does.
They tried .308 & .243 with the XGI, but apparently had a bunch of issues with it. I remember liking this ad and their Red Labels from a brochure I had as a kid.
https://www.perfectunion.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11361&d=1178017791
I like the large aperture option better, but prefer it when it is same plane like XS does.
Interesting. I never noticed the .308 option when it was offered. Of course by 1984/85 I wasn't really interested anymore and not overly impressed with the one I had.
Interesting. I never noticed the .308 option when it was offered. Of course by 1984/85 I wasn't really interested anymore and not overly impressed with the one I had.
They apparently never went in to production due to issues so kind of odd they advertised them.
Similar to DSA and aluminum FAL uppers. One of the DSA guys waa telling me about these coming out soon at a late 90's Knob Creek show. Not sure if DSA found the problem on their own or they ramped up testing after Williams Alumabomb uppers hit the market, but I don't think DSA ever sold any.
64746
titsonritz
01-01-21, 20:35
I remember that XGI promise that never materialized.
They apparently never went in to production due to issues so kind of odd they advertised them.
Similar to DSA and aluminum FAL uppers. One of the DSA guys waa telling me about these coming out soon at a late 90's Knob Creek show. Not sure if DSA found the problem on their own or they ramped up testing after Williams Alumabomb uppers hit the market, but I don't think DSA ever sold any.
64746
It baffles me that anyone who had the best "production" receiver in the business (even FN imports were castings and not forged steel) would even bother to try and develop something like that. For what...half a pound of weight? Their entire business model was based upon "we have the Steyr blueprints and specs."
Their time would have been better spent on a higher quality CHF barrel.
The Enforcer
There were also used on Hawaii Five-O, Hill Street Blues, A-Team and Tour of Duty.
Loved Tour of Duty! They hit on every major topic. (Racism, drugs, lunatics, POW's, relationships back home, whores, STD's, supply issues, dumb reporters, dumb missions, the lives of the fixed and rotary wing guys, tunnels, fire bases, the civies caught in the middle, or just trying to make a buck, or actually working for the VC or NVA, etc.)
Watched a couple episodes a couple years ago and they held up fine.
AK's looked Chinese. (Wood color, gas tube vents)
Lots of SKS's, RPD's, and all of the American guns, too.
I would usually agree with this, however the second wide open aperture lets me see more of what is going on in front of me. It's the same grip I have with old Uzi sights, I can't transition from target to target as fast as I can with an MP5 or AR with A2 sights.
Sights?
Mount a rail on that top cover for a RDS.
Better yet, buy one. (If you still have an Uzi) That top cover is HARD steel! Took top--quality bits and was slow-going with a press. (I no longer have an Uzi, but adding the mount and RDS did work out)
After the success of "Platoon", a few Vietnam-era TV shows were aired. "China Beach", "Tour Of Duty", and "Call To Glory" come to mind.
After the success of "Platoon", a few Vietnam-era TV shows were aired. "China Beach", "Tour Of Duty", and "Call To Glory" come to mind.
Dana Delany was on "China Beach." I remember that very clearly. If they had anything else going on, I couldn't tell you (and I watched the show every week).
It baffles me that anyone who had the best "production" receiver in the business (even FN imports were castings and not forged steel) would even bother to try and develop something like that. For what...half a pound of weight? Their entire business model was based upon "we have the Steyr blueprints and specs."
Their time would have been better spent on a higher quality CHF barrel.
Allegedly, the good steel upper receivers that made DSA a good name were manufactured by LMT while the early in house uppers supposedly had some issues. No idea who did the alloy.
The barrel comment reminded me that DSA marketed some new L1A1 barrels that had a dimensional issue. FalFiles seems to be kaput, but there was a member there (the 42 year old ID man https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/2-men-killed-in-murder-suicide-at-lynnwood-motel-1/ ) who had moved to ID from Australia and had managed to bring in a lot of Australian L1A1 parts among other FAL goodies(I bought some Imbel stuff from him).
Barrels were dwindling by then, but he had allegedly got the plans from Lithgow and went around to some barrel makers to get an initial estimate, but (alleged according to him on FalFiles) he had tweaked a couple of dimensions on the drawings so he wouldn't potentially be doing the leg work for a manufacturer he didn't contract with.
Interesting what some of the Magnum stuff really was.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Magnum_P.I._-_Season_1
They goofed the foreign agents with mocked up Uzi in the pilot episode entry. That was actually in the "Never Again" episode where the foreign agents are Mossad looking for Nazis.
In the few Vietnam flashbacks I remember on 'Magnum' where the VC were shown carrying weapons, the guns looked like simple generic civilian rifles. While I was a bit put out that I didn't see AKs or SKSs (maybe I just missed them), such arms would also be appropriate for guerillas, who use whatever they can get hold of.
titsonritz
03-27-21, 20:21
Apparently, the very first appearance of the AK in film was a 1955 Soviet comedy:
https://i.imgur.com/g5MMe6A.jpg
Interesting, I thought it debuted during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.
The earliest I've personally seen is Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky's short film of Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers" (1956). Burt Lancaster's film debut was the 1946 version. Don Siegel's 1964 version starred Lee Marvin and Ronald Reagan slapping around Angie Dickinson.
AK shows up @7:00 and later racked the bolt @ 10:28...
("N-word" warning early in the movie, accurate to Hemingway's original text)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jofHN3PTpVg
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