Perhaps they were using pellet pistols. There are many pellet pistols on the market that are visually difficult to tell apart from real ones. They are CO2 powered and limited to 400fps, which is considered a non-lethal energy level. Here is one by Beretta that is made to look like their semi-automatic 9mm pistol.
http://www.berettausa.com/products/beretta-px4-storm-full-size/
Al_in_Ottawa
Hi Al and thanks. I did wonder about that since the guy managed to stay on his feet and still had mobility. And if nothing else, at that range I’d have thought he would have flash burn too.