user16974: I am recording a scene in which a "gun" is involved, but I do not have the budget for a realistic gun, so I am using a nerf gun. I am wondering how I would make the nerf gun look real

user5546: You could create one with parts from a hobby store or craft store, and paint them the correct color of gray.  Model your gun replica off of a specific existing gun that you find photos of online. Figure out ways to shoot the scene so the viewers don't see the gun too much:

keep it in shadow
only have it on screen for 1/2 second at a time
keep it moving, especially if this is an action or chase sequence
show it from a distance
keep it out of focus (while something "more important" is in focus, like a person saying a line of dialog)
train the camera on the face of the person with the gun and the reactions of the potential victim

Also use visual effects (as suggested by bret7600 in his answer) and sound effects. A Foley artist once said he uses a door deadbolt to simulate the sound of a cocking handgun.

16974: <p>I am recording a scene in which a "gun" is involved, but I do not have the budget for a realistic gun, so I am using a nerf gun. I am wondering how I would make the nerf gun look real</p>
 5546: <p>You could create one with parts from a hobby store or craft store, and paint them the correct color of gray.  Model your gun replica off of a specific existing gun that you find photos of online. Figure out ways to shoot the scene so the viewers don't see the gun too much:</p>

<ul>
<li>keep it in shadow</li>
<li>only have it on screen for 1/2 second at a time</li>
<li>keep it moving, especially if this is an action or chase sequence</li>
<li>show it from a distance</li>
<li>keep it out of focus (while something "more important" is in focus, like a person saying a line of dialog)</li>
<li>train the camera on the face of the person with the gun and the reactions of the potential victim</li>
</ul>

<p>Also use visual effects (as suggested by bret7600 in his answer) and sound effects. A Foley artist once said he uses a door deadbolt to simulate the sound of a cocking handgun.</p>
