Why don't the TMNT use guns? Like, often?

[Andrew NDB]

https://i.ibb.co/w7QqQmf/tcvr.jpg

I'm really only talking in terms of the TMNT universes in which they have no qualms about killing their opponents/enemies (which is... just the one), but we can talk about why they wouldn't use guns elsewhere, too.

I mean... what is it? We've seen them very sparingly use guns, but why not at least pack a pistol sidearm, just in case? Not stealthy enough? Are we to think that they have some strange aversion to guns in general? Don't say it's "honor," because that's dumb for a variety of reasons.

I know the Archie series has the ongoing thing with the Turtles, Leonardo largely, going around saying, "I hate guns!" but that's just the Archie series.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

If they are true ninjas, guns are just like any other tool; they will use them when a situation calls for it. The lack of gun usage from the turtles is probably from the western stereotype that ninjas only use feudal-era weapons that the writers inject into the stories.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

I've always assumed because stealth. Donnie used the gun to save Karai in City at War, of course, and was disgusted by himself for using it after. Except... it's just a tool, Don? And you've killed plenty of other people without guns?

And Raph got to gun down plenty of mobsters in Image, and... he also felt pretty disgusted with himself afterwards. (I won't bother discussing Bodycount. Silly stuff there.)

I dunno. Probably just writers trying to lean into the "heroes don't use guns" stereotype from Batman et al.

I'd love to see an "Elseworlds" TMNT story with guns. Maybe the Turtles gunning down some hapless ninja who brought knives to a gunfight.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

There is absolutely no reason for the tmnt not to use guns (or laser weapons, if its a non violent universe), when they have the chance.

Why they don't use guns at times I would pin down to guns not being readily available to them or bad writing.
Even when using stealth, it is best to have a gun with you, just in case.

[turtle1237]

Because we all know historically, Ninjas never used guns. :lol:

[newfan]

Wouldn't be the same watching them shoot from hiding places instead of watching their fighting skills. (obviously you meant where necessary rather than solely)

Cutting out the toons cause they can't have real guns (and massive fingers, though it didn't stop them using everything else) Maybe in the comics or an adult show that fans wait in hope for.

I'd say not much, their art preferred? kinda like how the Jedi like to use a lightsaber and skills rather than blasters.

[Candy Kappa]

Cause (usually western) Pop-Culture depicts Ninjas using East Asian medieval weapons with a sprinkle of South Asian melee weaponry.

It's not like Shinobi had techniques with barrel cleaning bullets, double shot techniques with flintlock guns, land mines, rocket launchers, fire bombs or grenades...

Better stick with fantasy swords and bladed Sai :lol:

[IndigoErth]

I dunno, it's just not really their thing. Some people who are really into guns seem to think everyone should be. Push come to shove, if it was the only thing in front of them and they had to act immediately, then sure, the Turtles would probably pick it up. But not everyone feels the same way about them or share the interest in them, and if it isn't really their thing, so be it.

Though the opinions seem to vary among them.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

One exception to not actively using guns that I would accept is the turtles having some sort of superior superhuman capability which makes guns obsolete, such as the Rise turtles having magic weapons (even though I don't think there have been guns on that show?), or even the PD ones being able to block bullets with their shells.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

We need a Punisher Turtle. Forget Slash or Venus, give us Kirby... :tgrin:

[CyberCubed]

Good guys tend not to use guns in comics in general with rare exceptions. You might as well ask why Spiderman doesn't use a gun, or Batman (lol), etc.

[Andrew NDB]

Good guys tend not to use guns in comics

There plenty of "good guys" who use guns in comics. Less so people who we would consider "heroes" or "superheroes"... but the TMNT are really neither heroes or superheroes, they're killer ninja assassins.

[neatoman]

Simple, their fingers don't fit through the trigger hook.
OqjF7HKSaaI

[Andrew NDB]

Simple, their fingers don't fit through the trigger hook.
OqjF7HKSaaI

That's a good point. They'd have to customize (as in break the trigger guard off) any gun they'd ever pick up.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I know the Archie series has the ongoing thing with the Turtles, Leonardo largely, going around saying, "I hate guns!" but that's just the Archie series.

Future Donatello in the Archie Comics had no problems with guns (even if it was a laser).

[Shark_Blade]

Good guys tend not to use guns in comics in general with rare exceptions. You might as well ask why Spiderman doesn't use a gun, or Batman (lol), etc.

Batman did use guns. A LOT.

https://www.newsarama.com/26211-the-history-of-gun-toting-batman.html

Even in Batman v Superman he killed enemies with guns. :tlove: He ain’t no wuss like some people made him out to be.

Frighten of bat? He uses the bat as his symbol.
Traumatized by guns because it killed his parents? ****ing use those guns to kill people!

So simple.

——————-


As for the turtles, it’s not their MO or default weapon. But if they’re in battle and the opportunity rises for them to use guns, of course they would. No doubt about it.

[youhavemysupport]

Too noisy. I would've loved this though:

https://tcrf.net/images/9/95/TMNTArcZappyFire.gif

[Utrommaniac]

I mean, gonna agree on the "fingers too big", but I think some of it also stems from the "Bruce Lee Ninja" roots from Mirage.
Now, I'm not entirely sure myself if they used guns at all, but there's probably a reason why people don't usually assume "historical ninjas" (which of course didn't exist) did in fact use guns.


A lot of it just comes down the the turtles being "Hollywood ninjas" and not "historically inspired shinobi".
(Honestly, people keep talking about "accurate depictions of ninja" for them, but in all honesty, they wouldn't be "ninja" at all. More like a martial arts-based street gang that maybe uses "ninja" as a name only)


I would also argue "Doctor Who Logic", wherein the Doctor outright refuses to use guns across most versions.

[pferreira]

I guess being ninjas they prefer using their ninja weapons as Splinter taught them to?

[DarkFell]

That's a good question - those Turtle fingers were dexterous when it came to holding their weapons, but it was rare whenever it came to firearm usage.

I hardly thought about that, but, it would appear that TPTB also thought the same way.

I suppose that 'True Ninjas' don't use guns - they use skill and improvisation whenever skill backfires.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I'd love to see an "Elseworlds" TMNT story with guns..

The Evil Turtles in the Fleetway Comics are seen robbing banks with rifles

http://tmntentity.blogspot.com/2017/08/turtles-of-terror.html

[Egon1982]

Perhaps in elseworlds stories they might.

[Icebot]

It’s kinda pretty much covered in the ot season 9 episode “The New Mutations”:

Raphael asks “why can’t you two geniuses whip up a couple of sci fi blasters?”
Leonardo says “We’re ninjas, we don’t use blasters.”
Raphael “Aw come on, who wrote that rule?”

Then Splinter gives advice that virtue assures victory, not weapons and strength, and that their valor will defeat Dregg, not brute force.

[Prowler]

There is absolutely no reason for the tmnt not to use guns (or laser weapons, if its a non violent universe), when they have the chance.

Why they don't use guns at times I would pin down to guns not being readily available to them or bad writing.
Even when using stealth, it is best to have a gun with you, just in case.

There's even a red sky episode where Raphael(I think) suggested them to use laser blasters to fight Dregg, but he never learned to aim and shoot properly.

[AquaParade]

It’s a good question with no real suitable answer within the fiction. But the truth lies in the fact that we really like sword fights.

[Prowler]

It’s a good question with no real suitable answer within the fiction. But the truth lies in the fact that we really like sword fights.

Yes. I don't know about you guys, but part of the appeal of the TMNT to me was that they didn't needs guns to beat the bad guys and just used their ninja weapons and fists and feet instead. Ofc it's not particularly realistic for someone without a gun to survive in a battle against dozens of bad guys shooting their laser guns at you, but it looks cool in fiction. Just like people love anime like DBZ and One Piece where characters shoot fireballs and use other special powers to beat up each other.

Shootings in movies aren't that interesting unless it's a military movie or battle.

[newfan]

Yep, agreed with the two posts above.
If we can believe they aren't seen and filmed in today's age then we can accept they would dodge bullets successfully too.

[Mr Salk]

They're not the Teenage Mutant Cowboy Turtles.

[cammy85]

Watch the OT episode "New Mutations" to understand why. Though they did well in "Invasion of the Krangazoids", the line from Michaelangelo: "With all this artillery, we could've finally caught those creepazoids!!" is a close second.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

If the TMNT used guns often, it would ruin the ninja myth they play on.

[Avenger]

They always use their own weapons and I can't remember them fighting with any other weapons.

I can't recall Raphael fighting with a sword, or Donatello fighting with a nunchaku. Yes, it takes time to master these weapons but sometime they have to improvise in the fire of action...

So using guns... My point being they won't have the reflex to use something else because they are so used to their own weapon.

But, personnaly, I would like to see them in more fist fights to demonstrate their martial art abilities.

[IndigoErth]

I suppose one pro of sticking to their normal weapons, even if not consciously intended, is, where kid's role play drive is concerned, just the simple fact that the Turtles' typical weapons are also a whole lot less common in the typical household. The less temptation to go secretly grab it to show off the better. (Yes, yes, the parent's responsibility. Even still, far too many are lax on it and, lets be honest, even the most well behaved of us as kids might sometimes get into things you know you're not supposed to.)


In future media aimed at adults... eh, whatever. It would just be dumb to throw guns into all of their hands just because the real world thinks guns are cool and best. At least take into consideration the individual Turtle and his own existing or likely views and preferences.

Raph does definitely seem the most likely to want to have one with him and seems the most suitable for him out of the group. BUT. If it's a hot headed, short tempered, "act now, think later" depiction of him, is that even wise.


They're not the Teenage Mutant Cowboy Turtles.
:D:tlol:

Although now I most definitely need to see this in animation, so long as it's a "Wild West" time travel thing and they're dressed to look the part :)

[Prowler]

How many superhero like characters are known for using guns anyway? Do Batman, Spider-Man, Superman and others ever use them? batman doesn't have superpowers, so clearly a gun in some situations would come in handy for him, right?

Also, if the turtles began using guns sometimes in adult-geared comics you'd still not see them using them in their kid version cartoons and movies. Aren't guns in cartoons and children properties in general a no-no in the American media? Especially nowadays after all of those mass shootings the US had in the last few years.

[Mr Salk]

Most importantly, even though they wear belts, holsters wouldn't sit properly against their turtle anatomy.

[Andrew NDB]

How many superhero like characters are known for using guns anyway?

Punisher, goes without saying. Captain America, at times. Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, of course. Almost every Image character ever, including Spawn and Savage Dragon. Rocket Raccoon. Wild Dog. Jonah Hex. Judge Dredd. Green Lantern Simon Baz. Star-Lord. Black Widow. Cable. Bishop.

And so on and so on.

[Mr Salk]

Punisher, goes without saying. Captain America, at times. Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, of course. Almost every Image character ever, including Spawn and Savage Dragon. Rocket Raccoon. Wild Dog. Jonah Hex. Judge Dredd. Green Lantern Simon Baz. Star-Lord. Black Widow. Cable. Bishop.

And so on and so on.

Guns are for heroes without decent powers.

[Prowler]

Punisher, goes without saying. Captain America, at times. Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, of course. Almost every Image character ever, including Spawn and Savage Dragon. Rocket Raccoon. Wild Dog. Jonah Hex. Judge Dredd. Green Lantern Simon Baz. Star-Lord. Black Widow. Cable. Bishop.

And so on and so on.OKm, I stand corrected, but pretty sure The Punisher is strictly aimed at adults and doesn't have any kid friendly tie in stuff, or does it?

Don't know enough about the others or even know who some of those are. I was referring to the major DC and Marvel ones that everyone knows anyway. Are any of those notable for using guns?

[AquaParade]

I suppose, when trying to adapt the turtles to a somewhat "grounded" setting, the size of their fingers could be a suitable explanation.

The turtles would pick up guns from The Foot and use them, if they could even fit their finger on the trigger. They have to work with what they've got. Done.

[IndigoErth]

Hmm... Raph could technically slip the prong of a sai in there, though that might make for a bit less accurate, albeit interesting-looking, use.

[Mr Salk]

I suppose, when trying to adapt the turtles to a somewhat "grounded" setting, the size of their fingers could be a suitable explanation.

The turtles would pick up guns from The Foot and use them, if they could even fit their finger on the trigger. They have to work with what they've got. Done.

If we want to get technical...I doubt those Turtle paws could wield ninja-weapons either..

[IndigoErth]

I dunno if it would really be all that hard for them compared to us? Number of digits aside, their hands (and wrists) are basically human in form and function; just making up for the lack of fingers by having bigger ones and gaining a larger surface area to grip with instead.


edit: Though it's a reasonable point on the guns however. Even if their fingers did fit the trigger, having only three of them, and one remaining on the trigger, probably would be a less stable grip on a gun. Maybe two-hand use only, though the loss of a free hand might be a negative point.

[mrmaczaps]

https://i.ibb.co/w7QqQmf/tcvr.jpg

I'm really only talking in terms of the TMNT universes in which they have no qualms about killing their opponents/enemies (which is... just the one), but we can talk about why they wouldn't use guns elsewhere, too.

I mean... what is it? We've seen them very sparingly use guns, but why not at least pack a pistol sidearm, just in case? Not stealthy enough? Are we to think that they have some strange aversion to guns in general? Don't say it's "honor," because that's dumb for a variety of reasons.

I know the Archie series has the ongoing thing with the Turtles, Leonardo largely, going around saying, "I hate guns!" but that's just the Archie series.

They live in NYC & can't exactly get finger printed & background checked for permits...🤷*♂️😂

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Equipping their vehicles with guns is not a problem for the turtles.

[Shark_Blade]

Equipping their vehicles with guns is not a problem for the turtles.

True fact.

[Cryomancer]

They live in NYC & can't exactly get finger printed & background checked for permits...🤷*♂️😂

Yeah I was gonna bring this up, kinda. Guns are tracked. You can do things to prevent that, yes, but even Mirage writers might ask themselves if they want to depict the turtles filing serials off a gun. The TMNT are generally depicted as being fairly lawless but that might just be a bit "too far" for the mood, I guess?

Fingers vs trigger guard is a very real answer too, so is a lack of training, even the stealth argument. Guns are loud. and leave behind more trackable evidence. You need to train with them to get good, which would involve...being very loud, a lot. Someone might eventually notice a shooting range being operated in the sewers?

There's also the concern of ammo. They would have to get more fairly often, so there's another thing onto the "where do they get food/power/weapons/etc" argument that already exists. There are probably also issues with storing ammo in a sewer but I don't know that much about it.

Now why they wouldn't keep around some scifi guns from their various space adventures in case...I dunno, maybe they require some kind of charging infrastructure they don't have back on earth.

Donatello could probably rig up some kind of Predator shoulder mounted thing if he wanted to though.

[Dejablue]

If you're going to use guns you might as well use them all the time. It would be easy for them to steal guns and learn gunsmithing.

So the only reason they don't is because that would be ****ing lame. Also what guy above said. Where would they train? Target practice will draw attention. Even if they go to the farm anyone within hearing distance would know that they are there.

And once you start shooting what's even the point of stealth?

[Coola Yagami]

OKm, I stand corrected, but pretty sure The Punisher is strictly aimed at adults and doesn't have any kid friendly tie in stuff, or does it?

Don't know enough about the others or even know who some of those are. I was referring to the major DC and Marvel ones that everyone knows anyway. Are any of those notable for using guns?

You don't consider Captain America and Punisher major?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Captain America?

Why the heck would a Second World War soldier not use firearms?

[snake]

Guns are loud.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Guns are loud.

If the turtles had to stick in the shadows to 100 %, they wouldn't even use any jokes or catchphrases when fighting their enemies.

[snake]

If the turtles had to stick in the shadows to 100 %, they wouldn't even use any jokes or catchphrases when fighting their enemies.

No sh*t, but even with suspension of disbelief the sound of a conversation is nothing compared to the sound of a gunshot.

[Coola Yagami]

No sh*t, but even with suspension of disbelief the sound of a conversation is nothing compared to the sound of a gunshot.

Though in NYC wouldn't the average joe just shrug and be like 'is it Tuesday already?' and just be on their way?

[snake]

Though in NYC wouldn't the average joe just shrug and be like 'is it Tuesday already?' and just be on their way?

Have you ever actually been to NYC? It’s not the 70s anymore.

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Guns are loud.

They could fit them with silencers.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

They could fit them with silencers.

Silencers aren't like in the movies. They're still audible; they don't just go "pfff." :tsmile:

[Prowler]

You don't consider Captain America and Punisher major?

Well, maybe they are, dunno. When I think of "major" ones, I think of Batman, Superman and Spider-man immediately. Then, afterwards, I guess I think of the X-Men?

How big is The Punisher exactly? And I guess Captain America is famous nowadays because of all those Marvel movies.

I'm not into DC, Marvel, etc. at all so I might be way off here, mind you.

[oldmanwinters]

In many TMNT universes, it seems like "bullets" and other blaster projectiles moves so slow they can be blocked/deflected by swords! So maybe they just aren't worth it.

[Mr Salk]

Silencers aren't like in the movies. They're still audible; they don't just go "pfff." :tsmile:

What are silencers like in comics?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

The shuriken is probably the closest to guns the TMNT will ever use when it comes to standard weapons.

[Dejablue]

If the turtles had to stick in the shadows to 100 %, they wouldn't even use any jokes or catchphrases when fighting their enemies.


Nobody can hear their jokes over the clashing boom of gunfire.

[IndigoErth]

What are silencers like in comics?
Being print, I guess they're totally silent. :trazz:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

In many TMNT universes, it seems like "bullets" and other blaster projectiles moves so slow they can be blocked/deflected by swords! So maybe they just aren't worth it.

They're usually not loaded strong enough. Bebop and Rocksteady probably mess things up. Also, the Technodrome is often stuck and running out of energy, so they probably have to save loading batteries.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

In many TMNT universes, it seems like "bullets" and other blaster projectiles moves so slow they can be blocked/deflected by swords! So maybe they just aren't worth it.

Either that, or the turtles have superhuman reflexes which allow them to dodge and deflect bullets.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Either that, or the turtles have superhuman reflexes which allow them to dodge and deflect bullets.

We're talking about their weapons, not their bodies.

[slingtheory]

I voted they dont like them but I think it's a combination of that and splinter made them not to. In most universes thier training is about teaching them to defend themselves from a world that would be hostile to them based on thier appearance. In those universes thier m.o. is simple protection and defense both for themselves and others/the city (or the world) depending on the story. They dont want to actually have to kill anybody intentionally and that's all guns are good for.
In the context of mirage yeah they were trained to kill but I still think they have an aversion to casually doing it. I actually do think it comes down to honor in a way. It's one thing to be in a fight for your life and ending another as a consequence of straight up superior physical combat skills. Its another to simply point aim and pull a trigger. I imagine that for them of you're going to result to ending someone's existence it should mean something and it should be hard to do. Just look at donnie's reaction in city at war. Dudes seen visceral violence and death before. Why would he be so disgusted if not for both the casual ending of life with the most minimal effort possible and his own shame at having to result to that to save his own.

Punisher, goes without saying. Captain America, at times. Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, of course. Almost every Image character ever, including Spawn and Savage Dragon. Rocket Raccoon. Wild Dog. Jonah Hex. Judge Dredd. Green Lantern Simon Baz. Star-Lord. Black Widow. Cable. Bishop.

And so on and so on.
Context though. A few of those were soldiers/spies whose training would've unavoidably consisted of learning to use firearms for the defense.
Alot of the others are from the 90's when
comics were going through thier edgy EXTREME phase and a character wasnt cool unless they were a walking armory

Jonah hex is a cowboy

I've heard judge dredd described as a parody of American comics and imagery

Starlords guns dont shoot bullets

What other options does Rocket Racoon have. Bite you and give you rabies?

[Panda_Kahn_fan]

Silencers aren't like in the movies. They're still audible; they don't just go "pfff." :tsmile:

I already know that, but since turtles are Hollywood ninjas, they can use Hollywood silencers. :lol:

[Ninjinister]

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/6/62/Bullseye_nardo.png/revision/latest?cb=20190718074833

[The Turtle Terminator]

Ninjas. How many militarised ninjas do you know?

[Candy Kappa]

One of the more famous ninja gun use is Sugitani Zenjubō a Koga Shinobi, who used 2 Arquebuses in his assination attempt on the daimyo Oda Nobunaga around 1571

Ninjas. How many militarised ninjas do you know?

all of them :lol:

[Coola Yagami]

In many TMNT universes, it seems like "bullets" and other blaster projectiles moves so slow they can be blocked/deflected by swords! So maybe they just aren't worth it.

Most kids cartoons with guns just use 'stun' laser guns. They were the perfect excuse so the few times the turtles actually do get blasted it can just knock them back or temporarily knock them out without the need to having to deal with issues like blood loss and removing bullets.

I like how the big bad guys always had to 'remember to set their guns to stun'.

[newfan]

Most kids cartoons with guns just use 'stun' laser guns. They were the perfect excuse so the few times the turtles actually do get blasted it can just knock them back or temporarily knock them out without the need to having to deal with issues like blood loss and removing bullets.

I like how the big bad guys always had to 'remember to set their guns to stun'.

Actually that's a good point, so far as the toons go, I don't think they aren't allowed to use real guns. (Ciro had said for 2012 anyway when talking about Don Vizioso in his art book)

[Coola Yagami]

Actually that's a good point, so far as the toons go, I don't think they aren't allowed to use real guns. (Ciro had said for 2012 anyway when talking about Don Vizioso in his art book)

Yeah depending on the cartoon, the villains have a better chance of actually hitting their target if they use stun' laser or knockout beans or whatever than if they use actual bullets. I think Bebop and Rocksteady used bullets in season 1 but they never hit their target.

[pferreira]

The Evil Turtles in the Fleetway Comics are seen robbing banks with riflesI miss Fleetway's comics. :cry:

Being print, I guess they're totally silent. :trazz:Apart from the victim going "Ugghh" of course. :D

Yeah depending on the cartoon, the villains have a better chance of actually hitting their target if they use stun' laser or knockout beans or whatever than if they use actual bullets. I think Bebop and Rocksteady used bullets in season 1 but they never hit their target.They obviously took lessons at the Galactic Empire School of Target Practice. :lol:

There's even a red sky episode where Raphael(I think) suggested them to use laser blasters to fight Dregg, but he never learned to aim and shoot properly.Never works y'know. Take it from the Brigadier:

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/4c/2f/144c2f976cc8059a2a99bfb4cd9a3410.jpg

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Yeah depending on the cartoon, the villains have a better chance of actually hitting their target if they use stun' laser or knockout beans or whatever than if they use actual bullets. I think Bebop and Rocksteady used bullets in season 1 but they never hit their target.

I think only Rocksteady did.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

I think only Rocksteady did.

That, and Shredder using a pistol in the Muckman episode are the only instances of real life handguns being used in the Original Cartoon.

If they did hit their targets though as intended, the writers would probably make them only temporarily stunning, like all other laser weapons showcased throughout the series, in order to keep things reasonably consistent, and avoid angry parents.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

That, and Shredder using a pistol in the Muckman episode are the only instances of real life handguns being used in the Original Cartoon..

The bank robbers used them in Mean Machines.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

The bank robbers used them in Mean Machines.

Ah yes, I forgot about that.

There was also a season 3 epiode which showcased some tv show within the show character (one of the turtles in military gear), running around and firing a machine gun.