What is Blank (cartridge)?
[[File:Buffalo_Blanks_Mounted_Shooting_Blanks.jpg|thumb|Handgun blanks]] When shooting with [[Handgun|handguns]], [[ammunition]] is needed. This ammunition is usually called [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]. When [[Gun|guns]] are used in [[Movie|movies]], or [[theatre]] performances, special cartridges are used. These cartridges are called '''blanks'''. Blanks will produce a muzzle flash, and a sound like a real cartridge. They will however not fire a protectile (called [[bullet]], or shot). Blanks are also used in historical reenactments, [[Special effect|special effects]] for [[theatre]], [[movie]] and [[Television program|television productions]], and combat training. Blanks are less dangerous than real ammunition. There is still a danger in using blanks: Firing a shot will release hot [[Gas|gases]]. Any object in the cartridge will be propelled outward and may cause [[injury]] and perhaps death at close range. There is a difference between a blank cartridge, and fake ammunition: Fake ammunition does not contain [[gunpowder]], and will produce neither a sound, nor flash. Fake ammunition is used for the testing if a firearm works as it should. Blanks are also different from [[percussion caps]], used in cap guns. Percussion caps contain only enough gunpower to ignite: as a result, they sound much softer. [[Category:Ammunition]]