Starship Troopers (1997) – Ace Levy’s (Jake Busey) Hero Live-Fire Morita MK I Rifle

Ace Levy’s (Jake Busey) hero live-fire Morita MK I rifle from Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi satire Starship Troopers. Recruited into the Earth Federation’s Mobile Infantry, high schooler Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) goes through the trials of service within the Federation military as war with the alien Arachnids takes him from Earth to the far corners of the galaxy. Ace Levy’s (Jake Busey) wielded his standard-issue Morita MK I in the war against these Arachnids.

This hero Morita MK I rifle is constructed from a real Ruger Mini-14 rifle that has been modified to fire blanks for motion picture use.This hero Morita MK I is housed in two fiberglass clam shells which are secured together with metal screws and each marked “3F,”. Blank-firing rifles were used on set for their realism, especially in close-up by principal actors. Featuring a functional trigger with a black nylon shoulder strap on the left side. Also included is a Letter of Authenticity from the film’s weapons supervisor, Rock Galotti. The this Morita MK I exhibits visible production wear from handling, with some chipped paint throughout, the rifle remains in good overall condition and measures: 40 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ (103 cm x 9 cm x 29.25 cm).