| |||||
The Draconian pistol is neither a laser pistol nor blaster, but a directed-energy weapon capable of stunning or killing its target.
In its use, it is capable of stunning a subject, freezing them in a stance; William "Buck" Rogers uses Tigerman's pistol thusly upon Tigerman himself, not realizing the effect it would have. In this instance the weapon, when fired, reverberates instead of unleashing a stereotypical "blaster bolt" or beam discharge (BR25: Film, "Awakening").
It is carried in an ornate multi-strap cradle holster on a Draconian soldier's uniform when not in use (BR25: Film, "Awakening"), although a "Swiss cheese" variant holster exists.
Draconian pistols are acquired for use by Kaleel's followers and guards for use in 2491 CE (BR25: "Planet of the Slave Girls").
Notes
- While it is entirely likely that the use of the Draconian pistol in "Planet of the Slave Girls" by Kaleel's followers (e.g. Stella Warden and Julio) is due to production convenience and cost savings, the existence of a black market where Draconians acquire their wares is directly established in the subsequent episode, "Vegas in Space" (e.g. Amos Armat and Morgan Velosi). Weapons merchants also exist in the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century universe, as noted by the presence of Cmdr. Corliss and Roxanne Trent in "Return of the Fighting 69th."
Prop
One hero prop from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, featuring electronics consisting of four flash tubes built into the muzzle (seen from the muzzle, as well as left and right side openings) and a wire for an external power source coming from the bottom of the pistol's handle, is known to have survived.[1] It was auctioned on 25 August 2018 by ScreenUsed,[1] photos of which are provided below:
Related Imagery
References