👉 A test weapon, often referred to as a dummy or mock weapon, is a non-functional object used in the evaluation and testing of firearms and ammunition systems. It serves as a controlled environment to assess the performance, accuracy, range, and reliability of weapons without the risks associated with live ammunition. Test weapons typically mimic the appearance, weight, and firing characteristics of real firearms to provide a realistic yet safe testing ground for manufacturers, regulators, and researchers. This allows them to identify potential flaws, optimize designs, and ensure compliance with safety standards before any actual weapon is produced and deployed.