One of the Spanish drug dealers shoots Serpico in the face with a .22 caliber Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Target, with the doctors later telling Serpico's parents that the low caliber of the bullet most likely saved his life. The actual shooting took place on February 3, 1971. Frank Serpico described the scene as a very accurate recreation of the event.
Towards the end of the film, Serpico (Al Pacino) purchases for himself a Browning Hi-Power with target sights from the famous John Jovino gun shop in New York City. The salesman incorrectly tells him it "takes a 14-shot clip". Although a Hi-Power can have a maximum capacity of fourteen 9 mm rounds, the magazine (not clip!) itself can only carry thirteen. Serpico tries in vain to draw his Hi-Power during the fake drug buy, but is unable to get a shot off. The Hi-Power from this movie was eventually sold by Heritage Auction in a 2018 listing.
Flintlock Pistol
A Flintlock Pistol is visible on the fireplace in Serpico's apartment.
Many of the NYPD officers and detectives throughout the film use Smith & Wesson Model 36 snubnose revolvers. Officer Frank Serpico (Al Pacino) carries a white-gripped model when he becomes a plainclothes officer, Bob Blair (Tony Roberts) carries one on his belt, and Chief Sidney Green (John Randolph) has one by his nightstand in the opening scene.