Faster Than A Speeding Bullet

SpecRacer · Dec 19, 2015

When I was a kid in the 50's, my favorite show was the original Superman series with George Reeves. In the opening scene of every show this revolver was shown being shot to tell us kids that Superman was "Faster than a speeding bullet." Can anyone identify the model of this firearm, approximate year and barrel length. I must now have one. LOL

Muss Muggins · Dec 19, 2015

Looks like an early Model 10 to me . . .

DWalt · Dec 19, 2015

Actually there were two used at different times. Early episodes used a S&W K-frame, the other was a Colt PPS. It was used when Superman switched to color from B&W. The Colt is missing its extractor rod knob.

See: [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1C8d2qZrbA&feature=related[/ame]

Chuck24 · Dec 19, 2015

Internet firearms data base lists it as S&W M&P

Jim Watson · Dec 19, 2015

Or earlier.
But a Military & Police for sure. Much most likely a .38, who would make .32-20 blanks?

SpecRacer · Dec 19, 2015

Does anyone know where you can buy a pretty good one at a decent price? They seem a bit high on the auction sites.

Absalom · Dec 19, 2015

I don't know what a "pretty good one" and a "decent price" mean to you as points of reference. All-original used shooters in a condition that most people would associate with those terms can be found on sites like Gunbroker starting around $300, a bit less if you're patient and are willing to take chances on crappy pictures. You could always get lucky at a LGS, or go with a heavily worn ex-police gun from Bud's for less.

Jack Flash · Dec 19, 2015

It's a little blurry, but you can read "Smith & Wesson" on the barrel. The revolver probably came out of some studio's armory so I think .38 Special is a safe bet for caliber. You will not have any trouble finding one.

I think that one in really tip-top condition will cost more than $300 but it will be worth it. Shop carefully and you will always be able to sell it for about what you paid.

handejector · Dec 19, 2015

That is a 5 Screw, 4 inch, 38 M&P from roughly 1948-1955.
A Pre-10.

Jack Flash · Dec 19, 2015

handejector said:
That is a 5 Screw, 4 inch, 38 M&P from roughly 1948-1955.
A Pre-10.

That figures. The TV series ran from '52 to '58.

chief38 · Dec 19, 2015

They used BOTH a S&W M10 (M&P) AND a Colt Police Positive. Guess one Company got jealous and paid to see their model in the opening of Superman.

Gamecock · Dec 19, 2015

I wanted to argue over whether Superman was really that fast.

chief38 · Dec 19, 2015

Gamecock said:
I wanted to argue over whether Superman was really that fast.

Yes he was! Lois Lane always complained he was "faster than a speeding bullet"!

Chuck24 · Dec 19, 2015

Gamecock said:
I wanted to argue over whether Superman was really that fast.

But was he faster than +p?

chief38 · Dec 19, 2015

You'll just have to ask Lois...........

Warren Sear · Dec 19, 2015

I was never able to understand how the crooks would fire six shots at Superman while he stood there smiling, with the bullets bouncing off his chest, yet when the crook would throw the empty gun at Superman, he would duck. The bullets couldn't hurt him, but the thrown revolver could? Hmmm...

Jack Flash · Dec 19, 2015

Gamecock said:
I wanted to argue over whether Superman was really that fast.

I think when Superman first came out in comic books (1938) he was just really strong and could jump really high.

All that stuff about flying, x-ray vision, time travel, etc. evolved later on.

jmace57 · Dec 19, 2015

I liked that he took 6 shots to the chest - then ducked when the bad guy threw the gun at him. Great minds Warren. Should read all comments.

murphydog · Dec 19, 2015

Warren Sear said:
I was never able to understand how the crooks would fire six shots at Superman while he stood there smiling, with the bullets bouncing off his chest, yet when the crook would throw the empty gun at Superman, he would duck. The bullets couldn't hurt him, but the thrown revolver could? Hmmm...

Maybe he knew the bullets were lead, but couldn't tell if the gun had a Kryptonite alloy frame

.

Geno44 · Dec 19, 2015

jmace57 said:
I liked that he took 6 shots to the chest - then dicked when the bad guy threw the gun at him.

I guess you were watching the "X rated" version!

Faster Than A Speeding Bullet

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