We use starter pistols, they are really cheap as is the ammo and they sound very realistic.
just be sure to NOT point it in the face of anyone, hold it high in the air or down at the ground as far away from your body as possible.
The only problem with them is they are not the most reliable guns. they tend to jam and misfire, so we always make sure they are FULLY loaded, even if we need to shoot only one shot from the gun.

A similar question was asked on this board back in April called firearms props. I will include my complete reply here, but I would suggest you check back on that discussion. It probably warrants an article, when I get a chance to write one.

"NEVER use a real weapon on stage! If you must use a firing prop, spend the money to get one that is designed to fire blanks and CANNOT chamber a live round. If the weapon does not need to fire, invest in a non-firing replica.

Obviously, I have very strong feelings on this subject, but it is a major safety issue. Blank firing props are not toys and must be treated with the utmost respect.

As for handling prop firearms, blank guns should be treated as if they were real, following all gun safety rules: never point the weapon at anyone, always treat it as if it is loaded, lock it up when not in use, never leave it loaded. We always asign the stage manager to control, load, unload and store blank firing stage props. He or she is the ONLY ONE who should do this chore... it should not be delegated. The prop should be kept clean and in good working order at all times.

The actor using the prop on stage should be given a serious lecture on safety. And the prop should NEVER be fired AT another actor... always aim away from the actor, just in case. Even blank guns are dangerous as burned powder will escape. Because of this, NEVER fire the prop against an actor or any solid object. Actors have been injured, and in at least one case, killed by misused blank guns.

I would strongly recommend bringing in a member with experience handling firearms to help write your policy, specifically someone who is qualified to teach firearms safety. If you do not have a member so qualified, consider reaching out to your area hunter education program and borrow someone qualified."

Most of the stage pistols you can get will release the gunpowder from the sides of the chamber rather than the barrell. But as has been said already, you still have to be careful. I fired one and my hand was too close to the chamber but it still didn't burn or harm me. However, it did hurt like hell.

I know a guy that was in a show where someone pointed a rifle loaded with blanks and some dummy pointed it right at him and the gunpowder caused some serious damage to his chest. Of course, the show had to be stopped and he was rushed to the hospital. No real permanent damage but he'll have the gunpowder scars for the rest of his life.

I don't know what the exact circumstances were but it sure sounds like they were using a real firearm rather than one designed for the stage. Starter pistols are generally okay. The barrel is plugged and the blanks can vary in size. It depends on the size of your performing space as to which blank to use.

Hire a qualified instructor! You can find them at your local police station or gun shops. Alternatively, hire a certified stage combat instructor.

My view is, if you do not have the money to hire someone that is licensed to know what he or she is doing, then get a fake gun and use a starter’s pistol correctly offstage.

I do not trust guns that have been altered with a plug. I have heard too many times how the plug in the gun dislodged and was actually shot into a victim. I much prefer fake guns from rental companies that have a solid core barrel.

You can pretty much get any fake gun at a toy store, have your properties person weight the gun down, and repaint it to look real.

There is always someone that is going to argue with you that a fake gun looks fake, but consider how many audience members actually like to see a gun that looks fake. Consider that many audience members do not like to see guns onstage simply because their common sense kicks in and they go into safety mode and are mentally pulled right out of the production

PLEASE NOTE: in many states, it is illegal to have a gun on stage. You run the risk of being ticketed or jailed for brandishing a weapon in public. Once again, check with your local police station.

Here is a great book on the subject:
Stage Fright: Health and Safety in the Theatre by Monona Rossol

As it says on Barnes and Noble's website: "This informative, first-of-its-kind publication discusses how to deal with the hazards of solvents, paints, pigments, and dyes; plastics; woodworking; theatrical makeup; welding; and fog and other special effects. Nearly 40 charts, diagrams, and cartoons illustrate the unique problems that threaten health and safety in the theater and their solutions. This is a guide practical for everyone in the performing arts."