To prepare for his role as the Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger dedicated a month to intense weapons training. During the first two weeks of filming, he practiced stripping and reassembling guns blindfolded until the movements became second nature, mimicking the precision of a machine.
He spent countless hours at the shooting range, honing his skills with various firearms, practicing reloading, cocking, and firing without blinking or looking at the weapons. This rigorous training was essential to portray the character convincingly as a relentless cyborg.
Additionally, Schwarzenegger had to develop ambidexterity to handle weapons seamlessly with both hands, adding to the realism of his performance. His commitment to mastering these skills contributed significantly to the film’s authenticity and helped establish his iconic portrayal of the Terminator.