5-in-1 blank cartridge

Five-in-One Blanks or 5-in-1 Blanks are blank cartridges which can be used in a variety of firearms. They are specifically made for theatrical use and are commonly used in real firearms for dramatic effect. Since the loud report and flash of ignition, and not the projection of a bullet, is the goal of the cartridge, it can be used in firearms with different sizes of bore.

5-in-1 Blanks can be used in firearms chambered for the .38-40 Winchester, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt because, although the bores of the firearms differ in diameter, the chambers (which hold the cartridge in place) are of similar shape. They were called a 5-in-1 Blanks because, when they were originally introduced, there were no .45 Colt rifles, as such they could be fired in five different firearms commonly used in Hollywood Westerns: .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester rifles and .38-40, .44-40 and .45 Colt revolvers.

The cartridges could be loaded with different charges ranging from lower powered to indoor scenes and scenes around animals up to full charges for outdoor shooting.^[1]

5-in-1 blanks are also called a 3-in-1 blanks for the three calibers .38-40, .44-40 and .45 Colt that they are fired from.

The 5-in-1 blanks in use today have been redesigned and are made with plastic cases which can be used not only in .38-40, .44-40 and .45 Colt calibers, but also .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .410 Gauge firearms. They are available in Crimped and Open Ended/Balloon blank varieties and are made using Black Powder, Smokeless Powder and Half Load types. The Black Powder blanks produce not only a loud report and flash, but also a cloud of white smoke.

Notes

Sources

• Glossary at the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI)