“FUBAR” with Arnold Schwarzenegger: Silly, Explosive, and Surprisingly Entertaining

Just finished FUBAR on Netflix, and if you’re wondering whether it’s worth a watch—let me put it this way: it’s Arnold doing spy work with a straight face while the world around him acts like a sitcom. And it works. Barely. The show leans heavy into comedy, complete with mid-mission bickering, workplace crushes, and operatives who somehow save the day while forgetting to secure their exits. But buried under all the wisecracks and chaos, there’s a respectable lineup of firearms that make it worth paying attention for gun folks like us.

The action jumps from one international setting to another—drug raids, yacht extractions, CIA safe houses—each scene louder and more ridiculous than the last. And while the tactics wouldn’t hold up to a weekend training course, the hardware mostly does.

Arnold’s character, Luke Brunner, runs a SIG-Sauer P226, which honestly feels like the perfect match. Full-sized, all-metal, no-nonsense. The P226 has a legacy with special forces and law enforcement, and in FUBAR, it’s portrayed as a serious tool in the hands of a man who’s maybe past his prime but still deadly. No optics, no gimmicks—just pure function.

In contrast, there’s a moment where a smaller SIG-Sauer P232 makes a quiet but stylish appearance. Chambered in .380 ACP and known for its slick profile, the P232 is a classic deep-carry piece. Seeing it tucked into the waistband of a character who’s clearly better at deception than destruction fits perfectly. It’s not a gun meant for a drawn-out firefight—but it’ll do just fine if the mission is subtle and up close.

The 1911 crowd gets their moment too. One of the more refined antagonists—because FUBAR has a surprising number of suit-wearing villains—flashes a Smith & Wesson SW1911SC. This is a lightweight, Scandium-framed .45 that blends modern materials with old-school design. It’s sleek, serious, and makes sense for someone who wants the stopping power of a .45 without the weight of a government brick on their hip.

Of course, no spy parody would be complete without something to break the tension, and FUBAR delivers with the return of the Charter Arms Pink Lady. Played for laughs, sure—but it’s still a real .38 Special, and the fact that it’s used confidently in a shootout reminds you that you don’t need a rail system and a red dot to defend yourself. You just need something that works—and maybe a little personality.

Later in the season, things escalate with heavier firepower. There’s a tense warehouse standoff where a Kel-Tec KSG shows up, its unmistakable dual tube-magazine and bullpup design taking center stage. It’s an unconventional choice, but one that makes a statement: compact, intimidating, and built to clear rooms fast. If a CIA op showed up at my door with one, I’d take him seriously—assuming he didn’t fumble the reload.

The villains bring their own heat, including an old-school HK G3 that appears in a jungle extraction scene. This 7.62 NATO battle rifle isn’t something you see often in modern shows, and it’s a treat for anyone who appreciates Cold War firepower. It’s heavy, loud, and overkill for most missions—which is probably why it fits FUBAR’s tone so well.

And then there’s Barry—swinging from a helicopter, screaming his head off, and somehow managing to fire a FN SCAR midair like it’s just another day at the office. It’s one of the most ridiculous moments in FUBAR, and somehow also one of the most fun. Watching Barry—usually the comic relief—suddenly go full action hero while dangling from a rope, mag-dumping a SCAR into the jungle below, is exactly the kind of scene that defines the show’s tone: part parody, part wish fulfillment, all chaos.

The SCAR itself is no joke. Chambered in 7.62 NATO, it’s the kind of rifle you hand to someone who actually knows what they’re doing—which makes it even funnier that Barry’s the one using it. But the rifle still looks great in the scene: tan finish, folding stock, distinctive recoil impulse. You barely notice how insane the situation is because you’re too busy thinking, Is that a SCAR? Why does Barry have a SCAR?

It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the gun makes the moment. Even in a show where logic is optional and tactics are loose, the right firearm in the right (or hilariously wrong) hands still hits.

In the end, FUBAR knows it’s a joke—but it still respects the tools. The show doesn’t try to teach tactics or honor realism, but it never treats the guns as toys either. Each one, whether played for drama or laughs, is still grounded in the real world, which is more than I can say for some of the plot points.

If any of these models caught your eye—or reminded you of something you used to own but sold and now regret—swing by Brown & Son Guns. We’ve got several of these in stock, or we can help you find something close. You might not be gearing up for a CIA op, but it doesn’t hurt to look the part.

Until next time—stay safe, stay sharp, and remember: even in a comedy, the guy with the SCAR usually means business.