Talk:Black Rain

Ithaca 37 shotgun

Looks more like a Remington to me. But there is a screencap that I located.--Jcordell 17:21, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

I am not sure what this is but it is NOT an Ithaca 37 given the fact that the ejection port is clearly visible on the weapon's right hand side whereas the Ithaca ejects from the bottom. Charon68

The shotgun is a Stevens model 67 (series E). The model on the site here has a different foregrip on it and is not a very good shot of the gun. I can't find a decent picture of one otherwise except on gunbroker. However, I own one that looks just like the one in the film except not cut down, so I will add a good photo soon. -J3

Colt Python Nitpick

It's a nitpick but Det. Conklin should not be carrying a Colt Python nor should his partner be carrying a S&W Model 66. Those models are .357 magnums and at the time that the movie was filmed NYPD officers could only carry 38 special revolvers and were only authorized to purchase the S&W Model 10/64, Ruger Speed Six DAO stainless, S&W Model 36/60. Older officers who were carrying a Colt Detective Special and/or Offical Police were grandfathered in. N.Y.P.D. officers purchase their own handguns and in the late eighties the majority of officers either carried the Model 10/64 or the Ruger Speed-Six stainless.

In the 3rd Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Gun Digest Books; 2006) by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas there is an article about the NYPD Model 64's and 60's by R.M. Vivas. The Model 64 Square Butt 4" was the most common followed by the 4" Round Butt, 3" RB, 2" RB and 3" RB. They were authorized for carry from 1987 - 1993. The Model 60 was authorized for carry from 1987 - 1988. There were issues with that production run so in 1989 S&W offered to replace the Model 60's with a 2" Model 64 RB and a $25.00 gift certificate.

Though the N.Y.P.D. transitioned to 9mm semi-autos in 1993 older officers who wished to stay with their revolvers were grandfathered in. There are still a couple thousand officers on the department carrying revolvers, but their numbers are shrinking every year. I have an article from the New York Times that was printed a few years ago about hese older officers. If you're curious send me a message on my page and I'll e-mail it to you. Or you can go to the forum and look up the thread where I posted the article.

But I understand why the movie had them carrying .357 magnum snubbies. They look better on film. --Jcordell 19:05, 20 October 2009 (UTC)

That's pretty cool that you found all this out. Can I have the URL for the article? -Gunman69 02:15, 21 October 2009 (UTC)

Here you go. http://www.imfdb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=634 I posted the article on the forum. Enjoy. --Jcordell 16:26, 21 October 2009 (UTC)