McClane finally meets Gruber one last time . McClane makes friendly conversation and gives Gruber a pistol ; when Gruber attempts to fire the weapon at McClane , however , it is discovered that McClane inserted an empty magazine in the gun and gave him the gun to test his trustworthiness . As this happens , Gruber 's men appear from an elevator and fire at McClane , who is forced to flee , leaving behind the detonators .