The Pistol Pass by Danny Goldsmith

Effect

The Pistol Pass is a coin magic move that creates the illusion of a coin popping into view or changing instantly. The most striking version is the "pistol pop production," where a coin seems to shoot out of the magician’s hand as if fired from a pistol. Other variations include smooth transformations, such as a copper coin visibly changing to silver, or coins appearing to pass through solid objects like glass. The effect is fast, visual, and leaves spectators with the impression of impossible sleight-of-hand.

Full details

The Pistol Pass is a collection of coin productions and changes developed by Danny Goldsmith. Unlike traditional muscle passes, which require extreme finger tension, this move relies on a more intuitive hand motion. The core technique involves a quick flick of the fingers that launches or reveals a coin in a surprising way.

Key elements include:

• Pistol Pop Production: The coin appears to jump from the hand with a sharp motion.
• Glimp Production: A coin is cleanly revealed with minimal hand movement.
• Touch Production: A slower, more controlled appearance of a coin.
• Cash Change & Pluck Change: Visual transformations where one coin changes into another.
• Coin Through Glass: A deceptive method for making a coin penetrate a glass.

The download also includes a full routine called "Bubba," which combines scripting and humor to frame one of the moves in a performance context.

Who should consider the trick

This move is ideal for intermediate to advanced coin magicians who want to expand their repertoire of visual productions and changes. It’s especially useful for performers who enjoy fast, impactful magic rather than slow, methodical routines.

Steve Faulkner notes that while the initial learning curve can be steep, the techniques are more accessible than traditional muscle passes. He says, "It’s not a muscle pass in the way that you use the hand in the same way... there is something more intuitive with this."

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Pistol Pass requires practice, particularly the pistol pop production, which is the most challenging part. Steve compares it to learning to ride a unicycle—frustrating at first but rewarding once mastered. He mentions that some parts of the hand may develop calluses from repetition, so pacing practice is important.

However, other variations, like the touch production and coin through glass, are easier to pick up. Steve emphasizes that persistence pays off: "I went from 'no way' to 'oh yeah' to 'oh yeah, I can do this.'"

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner praises the move for its innovation and teaching quality: "Danny’s stuff always does this for me... my mood just lifted immediately, and I got into that flow of practice." He also highlights the value of the included routine, "Bubba," as an example of Danny’s creativity and commitment to performance.

Other magicians in the comments echo this sentiment, with one noting that while the move is difficult, the learning process is enjoyable. Another mentions that Danny’s explanations are thorough, making even complex techniques feel achievable.

Overall, The Pistol Pass is a well-regarded addition to coin magic, offering fresh takes on classic techniques while maintaining a high standard of instruction.