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 Author  Topic: Type of HandGun Used in Movie PT-109
Tom

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Tom   Send Email To Tom Posted on: Nov 26, 2007 - 12:59pm
Can anyone advise on the caliber & type of the revolver used by Cliff Robertson in the movie ?

I believe it's a S&W Victory Model in .38 caliber but, the Military also used .45 ACP revolvers I'm told.

Any help would be appreciated. Tom


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Drew Cook

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Drew Cook  Posted on: Nov 26, 2007 - 5:48pm
Tom,

I think you're right about the the gun used by Cliff Robertson as JFK in "PT 109" being a S&W .38 Special - don't know if it was the Victory model or not.

JFK was reportedly issued a .38 Special (again, don't know what exact model) as a sidearm while in transit to the South Pacific aboard the transport ship Rochambeau.

Robert J. Donovan writes in "PT 109 - John F. Kennedy in World War II,"
"On board the Navy issued the transient officers complete combat gear, including sheath knives and .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers."

It's reasonable to assume JFK had the .38 from the time it was issued until at least after the 109 crew was rescued, as he used it (along with the coastwatcher's captured Japanese rifle) to signal PT 157 to pick them up.


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Tom

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Tom   Send Email To Tom Posted on: Nov 26, 2007 - 6:49pm
Thanks Drew for your note, I appreciate the backround history.

The gun he's using in the movie appears to be a Model 10 Smith & Wesson.

I know the Military used .45 revolvers with moon clips during the war but don't know how extensive they were.

Tom


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Drew Cook

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Drew Cook  Posted on: Nov 27, 2007 - 7:50am
Tom,

Having just closely examined a lobby still from "PT 109" in which Robertson is holding the pistol, it appears it does have the heavy barrel and oval, swiveled lanyard loop of the S&W Victory model .38.


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Tom

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Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of Tom   Send Email To Tom Posted on: Nov 27, 2007 - 9:39am
Thanks Drew.
There's someone here locally who has several & I'll have to take a look at them.

Tom


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