Magnum, p.i.'s Colt Pistol

by
posted on August 11, 2009
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2009811144313-magpi_f.jpg

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.

Latest

Weatherby 307 New Models F
Weatherby 307 New Models F

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.