Gerard Butler tries to charm Machine Gun Preacher

Gerard Butler tried to win over the real-life Machine Gun Preacher – while holding a gun.

The sexy actor, who plays Sam Childers in his latest flick, had to handle a loaded gun as part of his charm offensive.

“A crew of us went up there to see him,” explains Gerard.

“He had a toothpick in his mouth and this little cocky smile. I sat down and he was like, ‘Here, take this,’ and he gives me a gun. I’m like, ‘Okay, I know this is a bit of a test,’ so I start playing with the gun.

“Then I thought maybe I should brandish it so everyone would go, ‘Woah, woah!’ and duck with me going, ‘That’s a loaded gun? Why are you giving me a loaded gun in a small room full of 15 people?’ So there went the first test.”