9. Motorbike Parts And Steadicams Were Used To Make The Smart Guns
You don't have to be a Guns And Ammo-subscribing weapons aficionado to appreciate that the guns in Aliens are pretty damn cool. From the distinct sound they make to their chunky, almost retro appearance, they're some of the most visually striking weapons to have appeared in a movie. The real stand-out weapon of choice used by these futuristic Marines is hands down the smart gun. Wielded by Vasquez and Drake, the smart gun takes the MG42 as its basis then, with a little (okay, a lot) of help from a talented props department is transformed into the mother of all guns. Steadicam gear was used to allow the actors to wield such cumbersome weapons, and then the props department went to town enhancing it even more with whatever they could use to make it look even cooler. They ended up stripping down Kawasaki motorbikes, using back supports, handlebars and other parts to tool up the weapon. The end result is one of the best-looking guns in movie history.
