<P> Blanks are commonly used when the sound and flash of gunfire is needed, but a projectile would not be safe, such as in military training manoeuvrers or funeral honours, in movies that require gun fights, in starter pistols to signal the beginning of races and in the equestrian sport of cowboy mounted shooting . </P> <P> For military applications, blanks are typically used with a special blank - firing adaptor in the firearm that constricts the barrel, keeping chamber pressures from the blank high enough and for long enough of a duration to cycle the firearm's action . In the case of non-crimped blanks, it also serves to pulverise the plug to prevent it leaving as a projectile . </P> <P> For movie use, specially designed blank - firing firearms are often used, which increases the margin of safety as they cannot be loaded with live ammunition . 5 - in - 1 blanks are specifically made for theatrical use and are commonly used in real firearms for dramatic effect . 5 - in - 1 blanks can function in a variety of different calibres, hence the name . </P> <P> Special blank cartridges are also used when the explosive power of a cartridge is needed, but a projectile is not . Blank cartridges were commonly used for launching tear - gas or rifle grenades, though some types of grenades are capable of trapping the bullet of a live round . Larger blanks are also used for line launching guns, such as the line launching kit for the Mossberg 500 shotgun . </P>

Can i fire blanks in a real gun