For example, when it comes to using a submachine gun, the henchmen use mp5s and uzis. On handguns, they typically use the Sig Sauer P226. I can understand that bad guys use the AK platform because of its affiliation with communism and terrorism.
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It’s actually more simple than that – In general productions don’t think too hard about the guns being used by unnamed characters, they just get whatever the armourers they hire have on hand.
There was one prop company that had a bunch of lookalike MP5s (that actually were cut down HK93s, not real MP5s) which were used by a LOT of studios in the 90s. Heroes tend to get a bit more thought, and there’s an assumption that because they have some exotic rifle festooned with gear that they are obviously more capable combatants.
Because nothing says “I’m the bad guy” like a stereotypical villain gun. It’s all about the aesthetics and intimidation factor!
You mean they’re not just choosing their favorite replica action figures, trying to match the color of their overall aesthetic and trying to keep it internally consistent with their villain sidekicks?
In addition to that, some companies might be protective of thier IP.
For some specific guns, gun owner owns “likeness rights” and can sue/demand to not give bad reputation to their guns. That’s why you might see that some games change names or models slightly.
For example P90 in Stargate were used on condition that they will be used by good guys in positive light, and Apple is famously forbids usage of iPhones by bad guys.
It’s all about the “evil aesthetic.” The directors want villains with guns that look as menacing as their intentions!
Because that’s what the prop company had on hand.
You can try to fit the main characters with a specific signature firearm but for the goons, availability in bulk is what matters.
Why would you go through the hassle to fit an entire squad of henchmen with FAMAS when the prop company you’re already working with has 20 lookalike MP5 for cheap ? Would it really add something to the movie ? And as a prop company is there really a demand to have an entire and diverse fake gun armory ?
In general the good guys want to shoot only the bad guys so use more accurate weapons, not ones which are able to spray an area with bullets in a few seconds and frighten or kill everyone, combine this with the ability to conceal the weapon and certain gun manufacturers wanting to be seen being used by the good guys, so foreign guns tend to be used by the bad guys.
“Oh, well if they’re using mp5s and uzis, it’s obviously because they’re total drama queens and want the world to know they’ve only ever watched Action Movies 101!”
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