One of the most striking images from The Terminator was the weapon he carried and used in his first attempt on Sarah Connor's life: the .45 Longslide, with laser sighting. The gun was likewise such a striking presence on screen it was used on the film's poster.

Terminator was released in 1984, and while laser sights on weapons are common now, when the film was first shown the red laser was able to communicate something subtle and powerful to the audience: this is a machine, deadly accurate and futuristic. It made the Terminator seem other-worldly and terrifying.

Arstechnica found the true story behind the terminator’s laser-sighted gun. It is a gentleman named Ed Reynolds who created that laser. At the time, he has to use He Ne laser, which needs a high voltage power supply.

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