Maarkhoor
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When assembling a list of top ten military pistols throughout history, a number of combinations could be compiled based on design, cartridge, performance, reliability and/or practicality. Since so many aspects can be taken into account, a definitive top ten list is difficult; however, a number of the pistols listed below would appear on just about anyone’s top ten list of military pistols.
10. H & K UPS – Heckler & Koch’s UPS (Universal Self-loading Pistol) made this top ten list because of its accuracy and reliability. The pistol’s design was influenced by the Model 1911 pistol. The H&K UPS has a modified Browning-type action and a patented recoil reduction system, which not only lowers the recoil effects on the pistol but also the forces experienced by the shooter.
The control level function on the USP can be moved so either a left or right handed shooter can use the pistol. The trigger firing mode can be easily converted from double-action and single-action modes and double action only mode.
A number of features such as a fiber-reinforced polymer frame, conversion capability to nine trigger firing modes, oversized trigger guard for use with gloves and patented lock-out safety device add to the weapon’s overall appeal.
Specifications
Weight
Without magazine:
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Effective firing range 50 m (9×19mm Parabellum), 30 m (.45 ACP)
Maximum firing range 60 m
Feed system
Detachable box magazine; capacities:
USP:
9. Colt Single Action – The Colt Single Action was in-service from 1873 to 1892. This pistol is a single action revolver designed for the US Government service revolver trials in 1872.
This particular revolver was available in over 30 different calibers and several barrel lengths. The overall appearance of the Colt, however, has remained consistent. Production on this revolver was halted twice, but brought back to meet demands. Though popular with ranchers, lawmen, outlaws, etc., today the models are mainly sought after by collectors and re-enactors.
After three generations and several variants, the Colt Single Action has more than earned its place on the list of top ten pistols.
Production history
Designer William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff Richards
Designed 1872
Manufacturer Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Produced 1873–1941, 1956–1974, 1976–present
Specifications
Weight 1,048 g (with 7½" barrel)
Length 11" (279 mm – with 5½" barrel); 12.5" (318 mm – with 7½" barrel)
Cartridge .45 Colt, .44-40 WCF, .38-40 WCF,.32-20 WCF, .38 Colt and many others, including .22 LR, .38 Special,.357 Magnum and .44 Special
Action Single-action revolver
Feed system 6-shot Cylinder
8. C96 Mauser Broomhandle – The C96 Mauser Broomhandle is a weapon that proved the viability of the semi-automatic pistol in both commercial and military use. The C96 has an integral box magazine located in front of the pistol’s trigger and other design features include its long barrel, the wooden shoulder stock – which can also double as a holster – and its broom handle shaped grip, which is how the pistol earned its nickname ‘Broomhandle’. The C96 had a high-velocity cartridge (7.63 x 25mm) which, when combined with its long barrel and shoulder stock, aided in in the Mauser’s superior range and penetration. The C96 Mauser was produced from 1896 to 1937 and remained in service from 1899 through 1961. After its introduction, the C96 quickly became a favorite among British officers and was used as a military sidearm in a number of conflicts. A number of variants have evolved from the C96, and they have been used in over a dozen countries.
Specifications
Weight 1,130 g (40 oz)
Length 312 mm (12.3 in) (pre-Bolo)
271 mm (10.7 in) (post-Bolo)
Barrel length 140 mm (5.5 in) (pre-Bolo)
99 mm (3.9 in) (post-Bolo)
Cartridge 7.63×25mm Mauser
9×19mm Parabellum
.45 ACP (China)
9 mm Mauser Export (rare)
8.15mm Mauser (experimental)[2]
8mm Gasser
Action Short recoil
Muzzle velocity 425 m/s (1,394 ft/s)
Effective firing range 150–200m[3]
Feed system 10-round internal magazine fed by stripper clip or removablemagazine
Sights V-notch rear tangent sight adjustable up to 1000 meters, inverted V front sight
7. Luger 9 mm – A semi-automatic pistol, the Luger 9mm was produced from 1900 to 1945. The Luger’s patented toggle-lock re-coil operation that was widely utilized by the Germans in both WWI and WWII. Though originally introduced with a 7.65 x 21mm Parabellum, the Luger is most noted as being the pistol for which the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge – aka: the 9mm Luger – was developed. The Luger 9mm is still highly prized and sought after by collectors who admire it for its design and its known accuracy. Many of the Lugers from WWI and WWII were taken home by the Allied soldiers and remain in circulation to this day.
Specifications
Weight 871 grams (1.92 pounds)
Length 222 mm (8.74 in)
Barrel length 95–200 mm
(3.74–7.87 in)
Cartridge 7.65×21mm Parabellum
9×19mm Parabellum
.32 ACP (very rare)
Action Toggle-locked, short recoil
Rate of fire 20 RPM
Muzzle velocity 350–400 m/s (1148–1312 f/s; 9mm, 100 mm barrel)
Effective firing range 50 m (9mm, 100 mm barrel; short barrel)
Feed system 8-round detachable box magazine, 32-round detachable drum
Sights Iron sights
6. SIG P226 – This semi-automatic pistol is manufactured in Switzerland and can be chambered for a 9 x 19mm Parabellum, a .40 S&W, .357 SIG and a .22 Long Rifle. It utilizes John Browning’s locked breech, short recoil. A safety design feature of the P226 prevents the firing pin from making contact with a loaded round until the trigger is pulled. This pistol also features a double-action, firing mode which can be attained by simply pulling back the trigger. The P226 also utilizes a higher capacity magazine. The SIG P226 is used by many special operation units throughout the world.
Specifications
Weight 964 g (34.0 oz) (w/ magazine)[1]
Length 196 mm (7.7 in)[2]
Barrel length 112 mm (4.4 in)[2]
Width 38.1 mm (1.50 in)[1]
Height 140 mm (5.5 in)[1]
Cartridge 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .22 Long Rifle (Classic 22 model only)
Action Mechanically locked, recoil operated(DA/SA or DAO)
Feed system 10-, 12-, 13-, or 15-round magazine(.40 S&W, .357 SIG);
10-, 15-, 17-, 18-, or 20-round magazine (9mm Parabellum);
10-round polymer magazine (Classic 22 only)
Sights Iron sights
5. Beretta 92F – This Italian designed semi-automatic pistol fires a 9 x 19mm Parabellum. Manufacturing began in 1975 and continues to present day. The original model was produced from 1975 to 1976, but current day production consists of four different designs using four different calibers: 9 x 19mm Parabellum (92 Series), .40 S&W (96 series), 9 x 21mm IMI (98 series) and 7.65mm Luger (98 and 99 series).
The Beretta 92F has been the primary side pistol for the American forces for the past 25 years. This pistol has low recoil, an open slide design - which permits even feeding and discharge of bullets - and is easy to use.
Specifications
Weight
Muzzle velocity 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s)
Effective firing range 50 m (160 ft)
Feed system
Detachable box magazine:
4. Browning Hi-Power – The Browning Hi-Power first went into production in 1935, but manufacturing of this single-action, 9mm semi-automatic pistol continues to present day. This pistol is one of the most widely used military pistols in history. The pistol was based on a design vision of the infamous John M. Browning, who passed away before it was finalized. The Hi-Power is considered by many to be the best single-action 9mm pistol. The Browning Hi-Power is still being used today by many military forces throughout the world. In all, it has been used in over 50 countries.
Specifications
Weight 1 kg (2.2 lb)[1]
Length 197 mm (7.8 in)[1]
Barrel length 119 mm (4.7 in)[1]
Cartridge
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity 335 m/s (1,100 ft/s) (9mm)[1]
Effective firing range 50 m (54.7 yd)
Feed system
Detachable box magazine; capacities:
10. H & K UPS – Heckler & Koch’s UPS (Universal Self-loading Pistol) made this top ten list because of its accuracy and reliability. The pistol’s design was influenced by the Model 1911 pistol. The H&K UPS has a modified Browning-type action and a patented recoil reduction system, which not only lowers the recoil effects on the pistol but also the forces experienced by the shooter.
The control level function on the USP can be moved so either a left or right handed shooter can use the pistol. The trigger firing mode can be easily converted from double-action and single-action modes and double action only mode.
A number of features such as a fiber-reinforced polymer frame, conversion capability to nine trigger firing modes, oversized trigger guard for use with gloves and patented lock-out safety device add to the weapon’s overall appeal.
Specifications
Weight
Without magazine:
- 748 g (1.65 lb) (USP 9 mm/.40)
- 789 g (1.74 lb) (USP .45)
- 667 g (1.47 lb) (Compact 9 mm)
- 694 g (1.53 lb) (Compact .40)
- 726 g (1.60 lb) (Compact .45)
- 771 g (1.70 lb) (Tactical 9 mm)
- 861 g (1.90 lb) (Tactical .40/.45)
- 875 g (1.93 lb) (Expert .40)
- 848 g (1.87 lb) (Expert .45)
- 1180 g (2.6 lb) (Match 9mm/.40/.45)
- 194 mm (7.64 in) (USP 9 mm/.40)
- 201 mm (7.87 in) (USP .45)
- 173 mm (6.81 in) (Compact 9 mm/.40)
- 219 mm (8.64 in) (Tactical .40/.45)
- 224 mm (8.81 in) (Expert .40)
- 240 mm (9.45 in) (Match)
- 108 mm (4.25 in) (USP 9 mm/.40)
- 112 mm (4.41 in) (USP .45)
- 91 mm (3.58 in) (Compact 9 mm/.40)
- 97 mm (3.80 in) (Compact .45)
- 121 mm (4.78 in) (Tactical 9 mm/.40)
- 132 mm (5.19 in) (Expert .40/.45)
- 153 mm (6.02 in) (Elite) [2]
- 153 mm (6.02 in) (Match)
- 9×19mm Parabellum
- .357 SIG (Compact only)
- .40 S&W
- .45 ACP
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Effective firing range 50 m (9×19mm Parabellum), 30 m (.45 ACP)
Maximum firing range 60 m
Feed system
Detachable box magazine; capacities:
USP:
- 15 rounds (9×19mm)
- 13 rounds (.40 S&W)
- 12 rounds (.45 ACP)
- 18 rounds (9×19mm)
- 16 rounds (.40 S&W)
- 12 rounds (.45 ACP)
- 13 rounds (9×19mm)
- 12 rounds (.357, .40 S&W)
- 8 or 10 rounds (.45 ACP)
- Patridge, "3-dot" type; adjustable rear onTactical, Match and Expert
9. Colt Single Action – The Colt Single Action was in-service from 1873 to 1892. This pistol is a single action revolver designed for the US Government service revolver trials in 1872.
This particular revolver was available in over 30 different calibers and several barrel lengths. The overall appearance of the Colt, however, has remained consistent. Production on this revolver was halted twice, but brought back to meet demands. Though popular with ranchers, lawmen, outlaws, etc., today the models are mainly sought after by collectors and re-enactors.
After three generations and several variants, the Colt Single Action has more than earned its place on the list of top ten pistols.
Production history
Designer William Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff Richards
Designed 1872
Manufacturer Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Produced 1873–1941, 1956–1974, 1976–present
Specifications
Weight 1,048 g (with 7½" barrel)
Length 11" (279 mm – with 5½" barrel); 12.5" (318 mm – with 7½" barrel)
Cartridge .45 Colt, .44-40 WCF, .38-40 WCF,.32-20 WCF, .38 Colt and many others, including .22 LR, .38 Special,.357 Magnum and .44 Special
Action Single-action revolver
Feed system 6-shot Cylinder
8. C96 Mauser Broomhandle – The C96 Mauser Broomhandle is a weapon that proved the viability of the semi-automatic pistol in both commercial and military use. The C96 has an integral box magazine located in front of the pistol’s trigger and other design features include its long barrel, the wooden shoulder stock – which can also double as a holster – and its broom handle shaped grip, which is how the pistol earned its nickname ‘Broomhandle’. The C96 had a high-velocity cartridge (7.63 x 25mm) which, when combined with its long barrel and shoulder stock, aided in in the Mauser’s superior range and penetration. The C96 Mauser was produced from 1896 to 1937 and remained in service from 1899 through 1961. After its introduction, the C96 quickly became a favorite among British officers and was used as a military sidearm in a number of conflicts. A number of variants have evolved from the C96, and they have been used in over a dozen countries.
Specifications
Weight 1,130 g (40 oz)
Length 312 mm (12.3 in) (pre-Bolo)
271 mm (10.7 in) (post-Bolo)
Barrel length 140 mm (5.5 in) (pre-Bolo)
99 mm (3.9 in) (post-Bolo)
Cartridge 7.63×25mm Mauser
9×19mm Parabellum
.45 ACP (China)
9 mm Mauser Export (rare)
8.15mm Mauser (experimental)[2]
8mm Gasser
Action Short recoil
Muzzle velocity 425 m/s (1,394 ft/s)
Effective firing range 150–200m[3]
Feed system 10-round internal magazine fed by stripper clip or removablemagazine
Sights V-notch rear tangent sight adjustable up to 1000 meters, inverted V front sight
7. Luger 9 mm – A semi-automatic pistol, the Luger 9mm was produced from 1900 to 1945. The Luger’s patented toggle-lock re-coil operation that was widely utilized by the Germans in both WWI and WWII. Though originally introduced with a 7.65 x 21mm Parabellum, the Luger is most noted as being the pistol for which the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge – aka: the 9mm Luger – was developed. The Luger 9mm is still highly prized and sought after by collectors who admire it for its design and its known accuracy. Many of the Lugers from WWI and WWII were taken home by the Allied soldiers and remain in circulation to this day.
Specifications
Weight 871 grams (1.92 pounds)
Length 222 mm (8.74 in)
Barrel length 95–200 mm
(3.74–7.87 in)
Cartridge 7.65×21mm Parabellum
9×19mm Parabellum
.32 ACP (very rare)
Action Toggle-locked, short recoil
Rate of fire 20 RPM
Muzzle velocity 350–400 m/s (1148–1312 f/s; 9mm, 100 mm barrel)
Effective firing range 50 m (9mm, 100 mm barrel; short barrel)
Feed system 8-round detachable box magazine, 32-round detachable drum
Sights Iron sights
6. SIG P226 – This semi-automatic pistol is manufactured in Switzerland and can be chambered for a 9 x 19mm Parabellum, a .40 S&W, .357 SIG and a .22 Long Rifle. It utilizes John Browning’s locked breech, short recoil. A safety design feature of the P226 prevents the firing pin from making contact with a loaded round until the trigger is pulled. This pistol also features a double-action, firing mode which can be attained by simply pulling back the trigger. The P226 also utilizes a higher capacity magazine. The SIG P226 is used by many special operation units throughout the world.
Specifications
Weight 964 g (34.0 oz) (w/ magazine)[1]
Length 196 mm (7.7 in)[2]
Barrel length 112 mm (4.4 in)[2]
Width 38.1 mm (1.50 in)[1]
Height 140 mm (5.5 in)[1]
Cartridge 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .22 Long Rifle (Classic 22 model only)
Action Mechanically locked, recoil operated(DA/SA or DAO)
Feed system 10-, 12-, 13-, or 15-round magazine(.40 S&W, .357 SIG);
10-, 15-, 17-, 18-, or 20-round magazine (9mm Parabellum);
10-round polymer magazine (Classic 22 only)
Sights Iron sights
5. Beretta 92F – This Italian designed semi-automatic pistol fires a 9 x 19mm Parabellum. Manufacturing began in 1975 and continues to present day. The original model was produced from 1975 to 1976, but current day production consists of four different designs using four different calibers: 9 x 19mm Parabellum (92 Series), .40 S&W (96 series), 9 x 21mm IMI (98 series) and 7.65mm Luger (98 and 99 series).
The Beretta 92F has been the primary side pistol for the American forces for the past 25 years. This pistol has low recoil, an open slide design - which permits even feeding and discharge of bullets - and is easy to use.
Specifications
Weight
- 950 grams (34 oz) (92)
- 970 grams (34 oz)(92S/SB/F/G)
- 920 grams (32 oz) (92D)
- 900 grams (32 oz)(Compact/Vertec)
- 217 millimetres (8.5 in)
- 211 millimetres (8.3 in)(Vertec)
- 197 millimetres (7.8 in)(Compact/Centurion)
- 125 millimetres (4.9 in)
- 119 millimetres (4.7 in)(Vertec/Elites/Border Marshal/Combo)
- 109 millimetres (4.3 in)(Compact/Centurion)
- 9×19mm Parabellum (92 series)
- .40 S&W (96 series)
- 9×21mm IMI (98 series)
- 7.65mm Luger (98 series)
Muzzle velocity 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s)
Effective firing range 50 m (160 ft)
Feed system
Detachable box magazine:
- 10, 15, 17, 18, 20, 30, 32 rounds (92, 98 series)
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 rounds(96 series)
- 10, 13 rounds (Compact L)
- 8 rounds (Compact Type M)
4. Browning Hi-Power – The Browning Hi-Power first went into production in 1935, but manufacturing of this single-action, 9mm semi-automatic pistol continues to present day. This pistol is one of the most widely used military pistols in history. The pistol was based on a design vision of the infamous John M. Browning, who passed away before it was finalized. The Hi-Power is considered by many to be the best single-action 9mm pistol. The Browning Hi-Power is still being used today by many military forces throughout the world. In all, it has been used in over 50 countries.
Specifications
Weight 1 kg (2.2 lb)[1]
Length 197 mm (7.8 in)[1]
Barrel length 119 mm (4.7 in)[1]
Cartridge
- 9×19mm Parabellum[1]
- 7.65×21mm Parabellum
- .40 S&W
Rate of fire Semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity 335 m/s (1,100 ft/s) (9mm)[1]
Effective firing range 50 m (54.7 yd)
Feed system
Detachable box magazine; capacities:
- 13 rounds (9mm)[1]
- 10 rounds (.40 S&W)
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