Handguns > Semi-Auto

Magnum, p.i.'s Colt Pistol

The 9 mm chambering for this prop gun was selected due to better functioning with easily obtainable 9 mm blank cartridges.

By NRA Staff (RSS)

August 11, 2009

On Sept. 30, 1982, the first episode of the third season of "Magnum P.I" aired. For many long-time fans of this show, this compelling two-hour episode came to be one of their favorites, revealing a side of Thomas Magnum not previously seen with its many flashbacks to Vietnam, and its powerful ending with a single pistol shot. Throughout this episode, there are many references to sunrises following the death of Mac, one of Magnum's military intelligence friends killed in a car bomb intended for Magnum.


As depicted onscreen as a private detective in Hawaii, Thomas Magnum relied on a military pattern Colt pistol. The National Firearms Museum is now in possession of this Colt pistol. Prop gun aficionados enjoy the nuances of unusual pieces and this Magnum p.i. handgun is actually a 9 mm Parabellum pistol, rather than the expected U.S. Army issue .45 acp caliber. The 9 mm chambering for this prop gun was selected due to better functioning with easily obtainable 9 mm blank cartridges-ideal for a propmaster responsible for reliable operation of prop guns on set.


Tags:  9mm pistols,  colt,  colt military pistol,  colt pistols,  handguns,  magnum p.i,  semi-auto,  semi-auto handguns

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4 Responses to Magnum, p.i.'s Colt Pistol

Douglas Johnson wrote:
January 20, 2013

What I liked most about the gun was the cannon-like sound it made. They often would shoot the outside of the building in which Magnum was in a gun fight. You always knew who was shooting because only Magnum's gun sounded like that. That sound was whatever the sound guy decided to use. My question is, what gun most closely replicates that bassy, cannon-like sound? Most 9mm are more high pitched and ear-piercing.

Mateo Headrick wrote:
August 19, 2012

Also... It was Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV. Sorry to be a stickler.

Mateo Headrick wrote:
August 19, 2012

Well done folks! All over many other cites, they claim Magnum's weapon is a .45. In the season finale of season 7, 'Limbo'. The camera zeros in on Magnum dumping his magazine and checking his ammo. In this moment, we clearly see the 9mm cartridges. Few realize that the Colt 1911 A1 also came in a 9mm chambering. On behalf of all Magnum fans, thanks for keeping it real.

Gerhard Frenz wrote:
April 01, 2012

Seen Magnums colt 45, and movie dogtags marked Thomas S Magnum. Tom Selleck is very generous with the museum. Good NRA member!!