Serenity Firefly Malcolm Reynolds pistol

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Malcolm Reynolds Pistol Prop Replica
Quantum Mechanix

Serenity Firefly Malcolm Reynolds replica pistol by Qmx

Tonight I'm reviewing the Malcolm Reynolds prop replica pistol from Quantum Mechanix. But Michael, you've already reviewed that very thing, and five years ago no less! Yes, loyal reader, you're right, but Qmx has re-issued this prop, complete with a new display base and a metal body. And with the improvements, they didn't raise the price - they cut it in HALF! Yep, you can find this guy for around $75 at most, maybe even a little less.

Packaging - ****
First time around, the package was a bit dull. Utilitarian, but dull. This time, we get a box designed like an old fashioned crate. It's very cool looking, and holds the gun and stand safely inside. It's a huge improvement from the original, and makes a nice display item itself. Of course, if it was actually wood it would be even better, but that's a bit much to ask.

Sculpting - ****
I loved the first pistol, but I went another half star this time because of the metal content. While the sculpt is almost identical, the metal allows for sharper cuts and cleaner lines, and gives a nice heft to the weapon.

All the best features are still here, especially the cool plastic grips that look very much like wood.

I did say 'almost identical'. It's clearly the same sculpt, but because of the change in material, it's slightly thinner and shorter.

Paint - ***1/2
I didn't love the paint job quite as much as the sculpt first time around, and it's pretty much the same this time in terms of weathering and tarnishing. But with the switch of materials, they also got a deeper, more metallic look to the gun, improving it enough to snag another half star.

Click on the photo below for a life size version

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Serenity Firefly Malcolm Reynolds replica pistol by Qmx

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Articulation - N/A
This won't effect my overall - it's an FYI category here, in case you expected any sort of working mechanism. There isn't any.

Accessories - ***
Prop replicas don't always get an Accessory score, but this time they added in a nifty little display stand. It's a nice touch, and the acrylic legs and metal name plate add a touch of class.

Fun Factor - ****
If you're into cosplay, and want to be Captain Reynolds, you're going to have a whole lot of fun with this gun. It's rare to get such a good prop replica that is sturdy enough (and cheap enough) that it can actually be carried.

Value - ****
Let's see - improved materials, included stand, and better box...and it's HALF as expensive as it was 5 years ago? Yea, now THAT'S a deal.

Things to Watch Out For -
Not a thing!

Overall - ****
I can't get over the price on this guy - prop replicas, especially weapons, have gotten ridiculous over the last couple years. And yet Qmx has found a way to re-issue this gun in a much improved material, with better balance and paint, and do it for half the price. To get any replica for $75 is a surprise - to get one this nice is amazing.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ****
Sculpting - ****
Paint - ***
Articulation - N/A
Accessories - ***
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ****
Overall - ****

Where to Buy -
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Mike's Comics N Stuff has it for just $70.

- Alter Ego Comics has it at $75.

- Urban Collector has it for $75.

- Entertainment Earth also has it at $75.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
Other Serenity goodies include:

- of course, there was the first release of this same gun.

- DST did some little Serenity PVC's.

- DT also action figures, better off forgotten.

- and there were mini-busts as well.

Discussion:
Want to chat about this review? Try out one of these terrific forums where I'll be discussing it!

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This product was provided free for the review by the manufacturer. Photos and text by Michael Crawford.