{"product_id":"tanaka-colt-aircrewman-r-model-heavyweight-model-gun","title":"Tanaka Colt Aircrewman 'R-model' Heavyweight Model Gun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eAbout Real Colt Aircrewmen Revolver\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Colt M13 Aircrewmen Revolver was a unique firearm that prioritized lightweight construction over safety. It was commissioned by the United States Air Force, specifically the Strategic Air Command, to provide their airmen with a compact and lightweight emergency sidearm. Both Colt and Smith \u0026amp; Wesson were contracted to produce the M13 Aircrewmen revolver with identical specifications, but the parts between the Colt and S\u0026amp;W versions were not interchangeable. This created two distinct variants of the M13 with the same name.\u003cbr\u003eThe need for a lightweight emergency sidearm arose in the 1950s when the US Air Force had to keep nuclear-capable bombers airborne at all times as a deterrent against the Soviets. The risk of being shot down over hostile territory was a genuine concern. The M13 Aircrewmen was officially adopted by US Air Force servicemen in 1951.\u003cbr\u003eRemarkably lightweight, the Colt M13 Aircrewmen weighed only 11 ounces when fully loaded with six rounds of M41 .38 Special ammunition. The M41 round was specifically developed for this revolver and featured a low-pressure load with a 130-grain FMJ projectile. It is important to note that firing regular .38 Special ammunition was not recommended due to the aluminum construction of the frame and cylinder. Regular .38 Special ammo was too powerful for the aluminum components, posing a significant safety risk.\u003cbr\u003eFinding authentic Colt M13 Aircrewmen revolvers today is extremely challenging as Colt produced a limited number of them. The risk associated with attempting to fire regular .38 Special ammunition ultimately led to the Air Force recalling the guns. Most of the recalled revolvers were recovered and subsequently destroyed in 1959. To learn more about this fascinating piece of Cold War history, I recommend watching the Forgotten Weapons YouTube video where Ian McCollum discusses the Colt M13 Aircrewmen revolver in detail.\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eAbout Toy Model Gun\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe\r\n Tanaka Colt Aircrewman 'R-model' Heavyweight Model Gun serves as a \r\nhighly accurate replica of the original Cold War-era antique. Tanaka has\r\n gone above and beyond in providing this particular revolver with the \r\nintricate details it deserves. Every feature found on the authentic gun \r\nhas been faithfully reproduced on this model, including the correct \r\nmarkings in their respective locations. Additionally, the model gun \r\ncomes with real wood grips adorned with US Air Force shield grip \r\nmedallions. Its craftsmanship is so exceptional that, at first glance, \r\nit could easily be mistaken for a real metal firearm. However, despite \r\nbeing made of high-quality heavyweight plastic, this model gun is far \r\nfrom \"cheap.\" It carries a substantial weight and, when combined with \r\nvarious metal components, provides a realistic feel akin to that of a \r\nmetal gun. Components such as the hammer, trigger, and cylinder \r\ncontribute to the pistol's lifelike appearance, making it an excellent \r\nchoice for both collectors and film enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003eOperating this model gun is a delightful experience. The \r\ndouble-action mechanism operates smoothly and directly, while pulling \r\nthe trigger slowly offers a buttery-smooth sensation without any gritty \r\nfeeling. The trigger breaks cleanly, and its reset is crisp and \r\npositive, accompanied by the satisfying sound of the rotating cylinder \r\nas the pistol prepares for the next shot. These exceptional \r\ncharacteristics exemplify the effort Tanaka has invested in making this \r\nrevolver truly stand out.\u003cbr\u003eGiven the rarity and difficulty in obtaining the original gun due to \r\nits limited production and subsequent destruction, the Tanaka Colt \r\nAircrewman model gun provides a genuine opportunity to own a piece of \r\nCold War history. It is important to note, however, that this model gun \r\nis non-firing and intended for display purposes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTanaka Colt Aircrewman 'R-model' Heavyweight Model Gun\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeavyweight Colt Aircrewman Revolver Model Gun\u003cbr\u003eHighly detailed with a classic charm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRealistic Bullet Type housing chamber (6 Rds Dummy Bullet Included)\u003cbr\u003eWood Texture Polymer Grip\u003cbr\u003eMetal components include the hammer, trigger, and cylinder\u003cbr\u003eExcellent Craftsmanship with Textured grip and Solid Pistol Frame\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRealistic appearance suitable for collectors, film, or cosplay prop\u003cbr\u003eAuthentic look \u0026amp; finishing by Tanaka Works, Japan \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tanaka Works","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44682634232036,"sku":"TNK-4537212011143","price":277.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/1325\/2580\/files\/TNK-4537212011143-2L.jpg?v=1709708586","url":"https:\/\/www.ehobbyasia.com\/ko\/products\/tanaka-colt-aircrewman-r-model-heavyweight-model-gun","provider":"eHobbyAsia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}