[uncbob]

Heston cried: “From my cold, dead hands,” as he hoisted a musket into the air.

Notice it was a Musket NOT an M 16 Black Rifle

First thing I noticed and indicates they were hollow words

[JimSEA]

It was a direct challenge to Gore and was hardly hollow. Heston didn’t indulge in hollow words. The musket was a symbol for all guns. At the time, in addition to “assault” rifles, there was considerable pressure on hand guns, gun locks making use virtually impossible in an emergency, ammunition limitations, etc.

[AnAmericanMother]

The first time he said that, the musket had just been presented to him. In 2000, I think.

You're reading too much into this.