QMX Malcolm Reynolds Metal-Plated Pistol Replica
- Thread starter Serenity
- Start date
Please tell me this was a joke? Surely you don't expect them to make a moving trigger for an $80 replica...
Yeah, and they make hundred's of thousands of them (if not millions) of poor quality with plastic injection molds. They're also hollow, lightweight and break if you look at them the wrong way. They screw together, either by machine or cheap chinese labor. They also don't have to pay any license fees, and come in a plastic film sleeve.
Not even close to the same category.
I think this is the reason QMX makes more consumer type products than prop collector items, because every one seems to want a museum quality piece for $19.99. It just doesn't work that way.
Any complaint about the finish not 'feeling' like metal is lost in the production advertising on the QMx site. The website is very clear...
The body is cast in polystone and composed of several parts, each of which is metal-plated using the same process as our critically acclaimed Phaser replica. The pistol is THEN painted and weathered to match the antique brass color (not the accuracy in shape or detail) of the original hero prop, prior to final assembly.
It clearly states that the metal finish is covered. It's a smoke and mirror trick of advertising to compare it to the 'critically acclaimed Phaser' as that replica has the exposed metal finish, but that's what advertising is all about. Snake oil maybe, but it's hard to get mad at QMx for repackaging and reselling 'the wheel'.
The body is cast in polystone and composed of several parts, each of which is metal-plated using the same process as our critically acclaimed Phaser replica. The pistol is THEN painted and weathered to match the antique brass color (not the accuracy in shape or detail) of the original hero prop, prior to final assembly.
It clearly states that the metal finish is covered. It's a smoke and mirror trick of advertising to compare it to the 'critically acclaimed Phaser' as that replica has the exposed metal finish, but that's what advertising is all about. Snake oil maybe, but it's hard to get mad at QMx for repackaging and reselling 'the wheel'.
Kerr Avon
Master Member
With a vac plated base material, you can paint on top of it and still let the 'shiny' through though. So the painting method used could have been different to give a better look with the metallic plating.
anyone know how to strip the paint off without removing the metal? I'm willing to try it on mine.
Kerr Avon
Master Member
Depends on the paint. Acetone certainly, but not sure if that will take the metal off. Some paints can be alcohol based and take it off with that. Depends if there's a clear coat too.
Mara Jade's Father
Master Member
You "might" want to try Testors paint thinner. Maybe try a little mixed with water at first. I used it straight on my Solo ANH MR blaster to remove the paint pen detailing they did to replicate weathering on the scope mount. It worked great, no damage to the black layer underneath.
It could have been, but we have to consider the source and complaints with paint and presentation on the last polystone replicas.
Trust me, I don't defend QMx. I'm just pointing out that the complaints outside of the quality control issues are weak at best. QMx already sold many of us on the 'Stunt Replica', and for much more money. This is them selling the 'Screen-used Stunt Replica' again for less. The quality was not going to go up for less.
Filandrius
Sr Member
All of this is quite disappointing. Yeah for that price we couldn't expect a whole lot more than that, but... :rolleyes
Mara Jade's Father
Master Member
I appreciate QMX doing these price point prop replica. I usually like metal when the item dictates it but realistically, most of my props sit on display and get looked at and not handled so appearance in primary. I think the items are great for those on a budget or for people who like a prop just enough that they are willing to pay that price.
With that being said, I think for $80 we should expect a quality resin product. After all, Efx offers stunt sabers for $90 and I do not think I have heard any such quality issues about those (I could be wrong... maybe I just not seeing the complaints). Furthermore, I think if QMX is going to market and push the metalized finish, it should meet the expectations they implied during pre-order. Honestly, after all the related complaints about the quality issues of the stunt phaser, you would think they would try be more proactive to ensure it did not repeat. I do not mean to be insulting because I have nothing against QMX as they have produced some great items.
With that being said, I think for $80 we should expect a quality resin product. After all, Efx offers stunt sabers for $90 and I do not think I have heard any such quality issues about those (I could be wrong... maybe I just not seeing the complaints). Furthermore, I think if QMX is going to market and push the metalized finish, it should meet the expectations they implied during pre-order. Honestly, after all the related complaints about the quality issues of the stunt phaser, you would think they would try be more proactive to ensure it did not repeat. I do not mean to be insulting because I have nothing against QMX as they have produced some great items.
Ok, here is mine. (I'm so sorry for the awful flash photography. I really do have a lot going on right now, and this is the best I could do with the time and gear I have on hand at this time.)
The following pics show some of the grip issues.
Yes, it has it's issues, and is far from perfect. However, it is way, WAY, better then 90% of the junk I have bout off the RPF. I love that, unlike Master Replicas, this company has not marred the appearance of their prop with a butt load, or copy right info, all over it. (not that they haven't done so, in the past, on other items) I also like that it does not have the orange barrel plug that so many replicas have. So, I will not be sending mine back, or asking for a refund. I love the show version way more, and i have 2 very nice replicas of that version, so I just wanted this one to fill a spot I had on a shelf, and it does that nicely.
The following pics show some of the grip issues.
Yes, it has it's issues, and is far from perfect. However, it is way, WAY, better then 90% of the junk I have bout off the RPF. I love that, unlike Master Replicas, this company has not marred the appearance of their prop with a butt load, or copy right info, all over it. (not that they haven't done so, in the past, on other items) I also like that it does not have the orange barrel plug that so many replicas have. So, I will not be sending mine back, or asking for a refund. I love the show version way more, and i have 2 very nice replicas of that version, so I just wanted this one to fill a spot I had on a shelf, and it does that nicely.
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Exactly.
Now a days, if some company, did a "toy" version of this gun, made of cheep plastic, parts that brake after pulling the trigger a few times, and with awful seems, and such, they would probably ask $40. to $60. for it. This is exactly what I expected for the price. (though I have to say, if there ever was a toy version of any of the Firefly props I would buy them. :lol)
I have a hard time finding a raw, junk, kit, of almost any prop for $80. these days. I'm very happy to get a finished prop, with a stand for that price.
MightyTank
New Member
Great find, thanks!
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Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
WarPig
Master Member
UPS Online says mine will be here Monday. My expectations are the same as when I ordered it: a decent prop for the money. If the barrel is straight and the finish is without major defects, I can certainly live with the stock if it's a bit off (I won't be using it for gunslinging). If looks like Jason's, I will be satisfied. 
robstyle
Master Member
I posted this over on the FFPB:
Inaccuracies aside, im stumped as to how something can be so warped. Its not just the barrel but look at every circular hole for a screw and the upper rear slide circular areas. Its as if the parts were pulled from a mold by opening it tied to a truck while the uncured and pliable parts are left beside the road to cure in Death Valley.
As much as I would like to see QMX be successful, this is a huge failure all around. Its not even nice enough for a display piece for a casual fan much less the discerning perfectionist.
The surface on the original live fire hero guns is not perfect. There are pits and pots, texture and scratches but not like what im seeing in the posted photos. Same with the grips but they were not that ill fitting and sized as these are. Double for the thumbscrews. There are tells on the original molded "stunt" version that are missing from the posted pictures. The modifications to the trigger guard and rear concealed hammer of the real Taurus are most notable as are the grips and as mentioned the thumbscrews. Its not the fact the wrong thumbscrews are in place, they are just completely off accuracy regardless. Assembly lines on the real deal are missing here to boot. In regards to the trigger guard, im not talking about how the original molding process used sheet wax to thicken it but its been totally resized on this model.
Kellhauler posted a picture looking down onto the front barrel where you can see the hexagon shape attaching to the main frame/body. There is some filled in void around the barrel to main frame thats not there on the real deal. I know, I have one in my hands as I type for comparison. That barrel insert is also way off.
Something is amiss here on this offering and its a shame.
Inaccuracies aside, im stumped as to how something can be so warped. Its not just the barrel but look at every circular hole for a screw and the upper rear slide circular areas. Its as if the parts were pulled from a mold by opening it tied to a truck while the uncured and pliable parts are left beside the road to cure in Death Valley.
As much as I would like to see QMX be successful, this is a huge failure all around. Its not even nice enough for a display piece for a casual fan much less the discerning perfectionist.
The surface on the original live fire hero guns is not perfect. There are pits and pots, texture and scratches but not like what im seeing in the posted photos. Same with the grips but they were not that ill fitting and sized as these are. Double for the thumbscrews. There are tells on the original molded "stunt" version that are missing from the posted pictures. The modifications to the trigger guard and rear concealed hammer of the real Taurus are most notable as are the grips and as mentioned the thumbscrews. Its not the fact the wrong thumbscrews are in place, they are just completely off accuracy regardless. Assembly lines on the real deal are missing here to boot. In regards to the trigger guard, im not talking about how the original molding process used sheet wax to thicken it but its been totally resized on this model.
Kellhauler posted a picture looking down onto the front barrel where you can see the hexagon shape attaching to the main frame/body. There is some filled in void around the barrel to main frame thats not there on the real deal. I know, I have one in my hands as I type for comparison. That barrel insert is also way off.
Something is amiss here on this offering and its a shame.
greatzombiehunt
New Member
This is a gun that almost makes me want to learn gunsmithing just so i can make a nice all metal one fully functional or non firing dosent mater. Mal's gun rocks.
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