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PISTOLS GALLERY

Pistols are issued to a wide variety of soldiers. Many personnel need a small and handy means of self defence. Special Forces need a pistol as a back-up weapon - or sometimes as their only weapon during covert operations.

Heckler & Koch P9
The P9 uses the famous Heckler & Koch roller-locked delayed blowback system originally developed for the G3 rifle. The P9 is single action, but the later P9S is double action. The gun is produced in .45 ACP for the American market and was briefly produced in 7.65-mm Parabellum. It is used br German and many other police forces and military units.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum or .45 ACP
Weight: 880 g (31 oz) (magazine empty)
length: 192 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 102 mm (4 in)
Magazine capacity: 9-round box (.45 ACP, 7 rounds)

Makarov
The standard Russian service pistol since the 1950's, the small and handy Makarov is essentially a copy of the pre-war Walther PP. It fires the Russian 9-mmx18 pistol cartridge, which is less powerful than the 9-mm Parabellum. The trigger pull is usually awful, but on the other hand the weapons are well made and use high-quality steel. Makarovs have been supplied to most Russian allies and can be encountered all over the world. The Makarov is a very basic weapon, not comparable to a Browning, let alone a SIG. The Russian army has never considered the pistol to be a practical weapon.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mmx 18
Muzzle velocity: 315 m (1030 ft) per second
Weight: 663 g (23 oz) (unloaded)
Overall gun length: 160 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 91 mm (4 in)
Magazine: 8

Glock 17
In 1983 an Austrian company that made entrenching tools was the surprise winner of the Austrian army's pistols trials. The innovative Glock pistols has since become a market leader in less than 10 years. With just 33 parts, it is astonishingly simple to maintain, and its pioneering use of a high-impact polymer frame raised a few eyebrows. Press reports that it was X-ray proof and thus a terrorist's dream were nonsense: it has a steel barrel and slide. Although it uses a conventional tilt-locking system, the Glock has a unique self-cocking mechanism that incorporates three internal safeties. There is no external safety catch. The trigger safety, firing-pin lock and trigger bar safeties keep the weapon safe until the trigger is pulled.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 620 g (34 oz)
length: 188 mm (7 in)
Barrel length: 114 mm (4 in)
Magazine capacity: 9-round detachable box

CZ52
The USSR never adopted the 9-mm Parabellum round, preferring instead the 7.63-mmx25 cartridge fired by the TT-33 Tokarev. After World War II the USSR imposed it's standard calibres on the Warsaw Pact in much the same way that the USA dominated NATO's formative years. The Czech army was provided with Tokarevs, which it regarded as crude and unsatisfactory, unworthy of the proud Czechoslovakian arms industry. Eska Zbrojovka promptly developed a new pistol chambered for the Soviet cartridge but offering much better performance. The result was the CZ52: a well balanced and comfortable pistol that employs an intricate system of recoil operation derived from the MG42 GPMG.
Specification:
Cartridge: 7.62-mm Tokarev
Weight: 960 g (34 oz)
length: 209 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 120 mm (5 in)
Magazine capacity: 8-round detachable box

SACM Mle 35A
This was the French army's service pistol from 1935, and the design was modified in 1950 to take 9-mm Parabellum. The Mle 35 was a sound-enough pistol, spoiled by the choice of cartridge, 7.65-mm Longue. This weak round was unique to the French army. Using a version of the Browning swinging-link locking system, the Mle 35 was manufactured in several versions. The Mle 50 redesign entered service in 1951 and can still be encountered.
Specification:
Cartridge: 7.65-mm Longue
Weight: 730 g (26 oz)
length: 189 mm (7 in)
Barrel length: 109 mm (4 in)
Magazine capacity: 8-round box

Walther P38
One of the most influential military hand-guns of the 20^th century, the P38 replaced the Luger just before World War II. The P38 was more tolerant of poor ammunition and harsh conditions than the Luger, and is still manufactured today under the designation P1. The Walther's double-action trigger mechanism allowed a fast, if relatively inaccurate, shot. This feature has become very popular since, and most modern service pistols have followed suit.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 950 g (33 oz)
length: 219 mm (9 in)
Barrel length: 124 mm (5 in)
Magazine: 8-round box

Radom wz 35
Developed in 1935 - a good year for pistols - the Polish Radom ranks as one of the best 9-mm handguns. A single-action pistol that locks up like a Browning High Power, the Radom soaks up recoil very well and is a pleasant weapon to shoot. The grip safety is the only safety device. The hammer can be lowered onto a loaded chamber and then subsequently thumb-cocked. German forces used the Radom during World War II.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 1020 g (36 oz)
length: 197 mm (5 in)
Barrel length: 121 mm (5 in)
Magazine: 8-round box

Astra Constable
The Spanish company Astra produces several small automatics. This weapon is closely based on the classic Walther PP and is available in either .22 LR or .380ACP. Like the Walther, it is a double-action blowback semi-automatic which shoots and handles very well. The pistol is easily concealed and can be carried hammer down to fire double action for the first shot, although it cannot be carried cocked and locked. A good little gun for the money.
Specification:
Cartridge: .380 ACP or .22 LR
Weight: 1048 g (37 oz) (.380); 793 g (28 oz) (.22 LR)
length: 168 mm (7 in)
Barrel length: 89 mm (3 in)
Magazine: 7-rounds in .380; 10 rounds in .32

Walther P5
Designed to meet the exacting safety requirement demanded by the German police, the P5 is a very handy weapon widely exported to the USA and South America and employed by German and Dutch police forces. You can fire it single action by cocking the hammer with your thumb or double action after releasing the de-cocking lever on the side.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 795 g (28 oz)
length: 180 mm (7 in)
Barrel length: 90 mm (4 in)
Magazine: 8-round box

Walther P88
The P88 looks radically different to previous Walther pistols because employs a modified Colt-Browning locking system as opposed to the locking wedge used on the P38. It retains the double-action mechanism and de-cocking lever of the P5 and various safety features ensure that the firing pin cannot be pushed forwards by an accidental blow. The chunky grip is filled with a large capacity magazine which may give it more appeal to anyone anticipating a protracted firefight.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 900 g (32 oz)
length: 187 mm (7 in)
Barrel length: 102 mm (4 in)
Magazine: 15-round box

Walther PPK
This well-made double-action blowback pistol appeared in 1931 and is available in several different calibres, all distinguished by a lack of stopping power. It had a reputation for reliability, which was badly dented in the UK when a police officer guarding Princess Anne had a stoppage on the first round during a kidnap attempt in the 1970's. This put the Metropolitan Police off automatic pistols for over 10 years. However, no-one else has had any complaints and the PPK will be around for some time to come.
Specification:
Cartridge: .22 LR, 6.35-mm, 7.65-mm or 9-mm Short (.380 ACP)
Weight: 568 g (20 oz)
length: 155 mm (6 in)
Barrel length: 86 mm (3 in)
Magazine: 7 rounds

Detonics Pocket 9
Detonics have specialised in producing small automatics in .380 ACP, 9-mm and .45. The Pocket 9 is a six-shot 9-mm auto that will fit in your pocket. Like several of the Detonics range it has no real sights since it is intended for point-blank range only. Very carefully put together, it has features that you would only usually find on larger pistols, such as double and single action, locked breech mechanism, ambidextrous safety catch and all-stainless-steel construction.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 738 g (26 oz)
length: 150 mm (6 in)
Barrel length: 76 mm (3 in)
Magazine: 15 rounds

CZ75
Produced in Czechoslovakia before the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, this well-made and well-designed handgun soon caught on with sports shooters in Europe and the USA. Unfortunately for the Czechs, they did not patent the weapon, and key features have been copied by weapons that have since achieved major commercial success. A sound combat pistol, the CZ75 has a surprisingly smooth double action and the improved CZ85 has ambidextrous controls and a better finish. The CZ75 is clear proof that Eastern European manufacture need not mean dodgy quality and the price tag is very attractive.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Muzzle velocity: 340 m (1115 ft) per second
Weight: 980 g (34 oz) (unloaded)
Overall gun length: 203 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 120 mm (5 in)
Magazine: 15 rounds

Tokarev TT-33
Designed in the 1920's, this was the service pistol of the Soviet army from 1933 until the 1950's when it was replaced by the Makarov. Using Beowning's swinging-link locking system, the Tokarev is chambered for the Soviet 7.62 mmx25 cartridge, which is their designation of the old 7.63 Mauser Export round. The Tokarev is a typically robust Soviet design, able to take hard knocks but still keep functioning. It has no safety catch.
Specification:
Cartridge: 7.62mmx25 Tokarev
Weight: 850 g (30 oz) (unloaded)
length: 195 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 116 mm (4 in)
Magazine: 8 round box

Browning DA
The Browning Double Action is derived by Fabrique National from the famous FN Browning High Power, and retains many of the characterstics that have made the older pistol a best seller for half a century. The DA is designed to be release catch that can be reversed in seconds. The trigger guard has been reshaped to allow for a two-handed combat grip.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Weight: 920 g (32 oz) (unloaded)
length: 200 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 118 mm (4 in)
Magazine: 14 round, Plus one round chambered

Heckler & Koch HK4
The HK4 is one of the best blowback pistols ever designed. It is basically an updated version of the Mauser Model HSc 7.65-mm double-action auto introduced in 1940. The HK4 was sold as a four-calibre package all in one gun, so the weapon comes complete with barrels and springs for .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP and .380ACP (9-mm Short). The .22 LR round is too small for self-defence, although the USSR makes extensive use of the PSM in 5.45-mm calibre, and Mossad, the Israeli secret service, has used .22 weapons to assassinate terrorist leaders.
Specification:
Cartridge: .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP or .380 ACP
Weight: 480 g (17 oz)
length: 157 mm (6 in)
Barrel length: 85 mm (3 in)
Magazine: 8 rounds in .22 LR, .25 and .32 ACP; 7 rounds in .380 ACP

Steyr GB
The Steyr GB is an unusual pistol because it is gas-operated. The gas-delayed blowback action and its relatively large size absorb recoil excellently. The GB is issued with the now-common three-dot sighting system for rapid sight alignment, and they give a good clear picture. The enormous magazine capacity of the GB makes it a bulky weapon for concealed carry, but it does offer more than double the capacity of some earlier weapons. The Steyr is used by a few European law enforcement agencies.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Muzzle velocity: (depending on cartridge) 360-420 m (1180-1380 ft per second
Weight: 845 g (30 oz) (unloaded)
Overall gun length: 216 mm (9 in)
Barrel length: 136 mm (5 in)
Magazine: 15 rounds

SIG-Sauer P220
The SIG P220 is one of a series of high-quality automatic pistols produced by this Swiss/German company. Manufactured to a very high standard, SIG pistols have becomepo pular with law enforcement organisations in the USA and special Forces units worldwide. It employs the same sort of locking cam as the Browning, but locks into the slide by using the enlarged chamber of the barrel to engage a wide ejection slot in the slide; a simple idea and a robust arrangement. SIG pistols are relatively expensive but they have a good record of safety and reliability.
Specification:
Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum
Muzzle velocity: 345 m (1130 ft) per second
Weight: 730 g (26 oz) (unload)
Overall gun length: 198 mm (8 in)
Barrel length: 112 mm (4 in)
Magazine capacity: 9.

Heckler & Koch P9 The P9 uses the famous Heckler & Koch roller-locked delayed blowback system originally developed for the G3 rifle. The P9 is single action, but the later P9S is double action. The gun is produced in .45 ACP for the American market and was briefly produced in 7.65-mm Parabellum. It is used br German and many other police forces and military units. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum or .45 ACP Weight: 880 g (31 oz) (magazine empty) length: 192 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 102 mm (4 in) Magazine capacity: 9-round box (.45 ACP, 7 rounds)
	Makarov The standard Russian service pistol since the 1950's, the small and handy Makarov is essentially a copy of the pre-war Walther PP. It fires the Russian 9-mmx18 pistol cartridge, which is less powerful than the 9-mm Parabellum. The trigger pull is usually awful, but on the other hand the weapons are well made and use high-quality steel. Makarovs have been supplied to most Russian allies and can be encountered all over the world. The Makarov is a very basic weapon, not comparable to a Browning, let alone a SIG. The Russian army has never considered the pistol to be a practical weapon. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mmx 18 Muzzle velocity: 315 m (1030 ft) per second Weight: 663 g (23 oz) (unloaded) Overall gun length: 160 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 91 mm (4 in) Magazine: 8
Glock 17 In 1983 an Austrian company that made entrenching tools was the surprise winner of the Austrian army's pistols trials. The innovative Glock pistols has since become a market leader in less than 10 years. With just 33 parts, it is astonishingly simple to maintain, and its pioneering use of a high-impact polymer frame raised a few eyebrows. Press reports that it was X-ray proof and thus a terrorist's dream were nonsense: it has a steel barrel and slide. Although it uses a conventional tilt-locking system, the Glock has a unique self-cocking mechanism that incorporates three internal safeties. There is no external safety catch. The trigger safety, firing-pin lock and trigger bar safeties keep the weapon safe until the trigger is pulled. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 620 g (34 oz) length: 188 mm (7 in) Barrel length: 114 mm (4 in) Magazine capacity: 9-round detachable box
	CZ52 The USSR never adopted the 9-mm Parabellum round, preferring instead the 7.63-mmx25 cartridge fired by the TT-33 Tokarev. After World War II the USSR imposed it's standard calibres on the Warsaw Pact in much the same way that the USA dominated NATO's formative years. The Czech army was provided with Tokarevs, which it regarded as crude and unsatisfactory, unworthy of the proud Czechoslovakian arms industry. Eska Zbrojovka promptly developed a new pistol chambered for the Soviet cartridge but offering much better performance. The result was the CZ52: a well balanced and comfortable pistol that employs an intricate system of recoil operation derived from the MG42 GPMG. Specification: Cartridge: 7.62-mm Tokarev Weight: 960 g (34 oz) length: 209 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 120 mm (5 in) Magazine capacity: 8-round detachable box
SACM Mle 35A This was the French army's service pistol from 1935, and the design was modified in 1950 to take 9-mm Parabellum. The Mle 35 was a sound-enough pistol, spoiled by the choice of cartridge, 7.65-mm Longue. This weak round was unique to the French army. Using a version of the Browning swinging-link locking system, the Mle 35 was manufactured in several versions. The Mle 50 redesign entered service in 1951 and can still be encountered. Specification: Cartridge: 7.65-mm Longue Weight: 730 g (26 oz) length: 189 mm (7 in) Barrel length: 109 mm (4 in) Magazine capacity: 8-round box
	Walther P38 One of the most influential military hand-guns of the 20^th century, the P38 replaced the Luger just before World War II. The P38 was more tolerant of poor ammunition and harsh conditions than the Luger, and is still manufactured today under the designation P1. The Walther's double-action trigger mechanism allowed a fast, if relatively inaccurate, shot. This feature has become very popular since, and most modern service pistols have followed suit. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 950 g (33 oz) length: 219 mm (9 in) Barrel length: 124 mm (5 in) Magazine: 8-round box
Radom wz 35 Developed in 1935 - a good year for pistols - the Polish Radom ranks as one of the best 9-mm handguns. A single-action pistol that locks up like a Browning High Power, the Radom soaks up recoil very well and is a pleasant weapon to shoot. The grip safety is the only safety device. The hammer can be lowered onto a loaded chamber and then subsequently thumb-cocked. German forces used the Radom during World War II. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 1020 g (36 oz) length: 197 mm (5 in) Barrel length: 121 mm (5 in) Magazine: 8-round box
	Astra Constable The Spanish company Astra produces several small automatics. This weapon is closely based on the classic Walther PP and is available in either .22 LR or .380ACP. Like the Walther, it is a double-action blowback semi-automatic which shoots and handles very well. The pistol is easily concealed and can be carried hammer down to fire double action for the first shot, although it cannot be carried cocked and locked. A good little gun for the money. Specification: Cartridge: .380 ACP or .22 LR Weight: 1048 g (37 oz) (.380); 793 g (28 oz) (.22 LR) length: 168 mm (7 in) Barrel length: 89 mm (3 in) Magazine: 7-rounds in .380; 10 rounds in .32
Walther P5 Designed to meet the exacting safety requirement demanded by the German police, the P5 is a very handy weapon widely exported to the USA and South America and employed by German and Dutch police forces. You can fire it single action by cocking the hammer with your thumb or double action after releasing the de-cocking lever on the side. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 795 g (28 oz) length: 180 mm (7 in) Barrel length: 90 mm (4 in) Magazine: 8-round box
	Walther P88 The P88 looks radically different to previous Walther pistols because employs a modified Colt-Browning locking system as opposed to the locking wedge used on the P38. It retains the double-action mechanism and de-cocking lever of the P5 and various safety features ensure that the firing pin cannot be pushed forwards by an accidental blow. The chunky grip is filled with a large capacity magazine which may give it more appeal to anyone anticipating a protracted firefight. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 900 g (32 oz) length: 187 mm (7 in) Barrel length: 102 mm (4 in) Magazine: 15-round box
Walther PPK This well-made double-action blowback pistol appeared in 1931 and is available in several different calibres, all distinguished by a lack of stopping power. It had a reputation for reliability, which was badly dented in the UK when a police officer guarding Princess Anne had a stoppage on the first round during a kidnap attempt in the 1970's. This put the Metropolitan Police off automatic pistols for over 10 years. However, no-one else has had any complaints and the PPK will be around for some time to come. Specification: Cartridge: .22 LR, 6.35-mm, 7.65-mm or 9-mm Short (.380 ACP) Weight: 568 g (20 oz) length: 155 mm (6 in) Barrel length: 86 mm (3 in) Magazine: 7 rounds
	Detonics Pocket 9 Detonics have specialised in producing small automatics in .380 ACP, 9-mm and .45. The Pocket 9 is a six-shot 9-mm auto that will fit in your pocket. Like several of the Detonics range it has no real sights since it is intended for point-blank range only. Very carefully put together, it has features that you would only usually find on larger pistols, such as double and single action, locked breech mechanism, ambidextrous safety catch and all-stainless-steel construction. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 738 g (26 oz) length: 150 mm (6 in) Barrel length: 76 mm (3 in) Magazine: 15 rounds
CZ75 Produced in Czechoslovakia before the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, this well-made and well-designed handgun soon caught on with sports shooters in Europe and the USA. Unfortunately for the Czechs, they did not patent the weapon, and key features have been copied by weapons that have since achieved major commercial success. A sound combat pistol, the CZ75 has a surprisingly smooth double action and the improved CZ85 has ambidextrous controls and a better finish. The CZ75 is clear proof that Eastern European manufacture need not mean dodgy quality and the price tag is very attractive. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Muzzle velocity: 340 m (1115 ft) per second Weight: 980 g (34 oz) (unloaded) Overall gun length: 203 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 120 mm (5 in) Magazine: 15 rounds
	Tokarev TT-33 Designed in the 1920's, this was the service pistol of the Soviet army from 1933 until the 1950's when it was replaced by the Makarov. Using Beowning's swinging-link locking system, the Tokarev is chambered for the Soviet 7.62 mmx25 cartridge, which is their designation of the old 7.63 Mauser Export round. The Tokarev is a typically robust Soviet design, able to take hard knocks but still keep functioning. It has no safety catch. Specification: Cartridge: 7.62mmx25 Tokarev Weight: 850 g (30 oz) (unloaded) length: 195 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 116 mm (4 in) Magazine: 8 round box
Browning DA The Browning Double Action is derived by Fabrique National from the famous FN Browning High Power, and retains many of the characterstics that have made the older pistol a best seller for half a century. The DA is designed to be release catch that can be reversed in seconds. The trigger guard has been reshaped to allow for a two-handed combat grip. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Weight: 920 g (32 oz) (unloaded) length: 200 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 118 mm (4 in) Magazine: 14 round, Plus one round chambered
	Heckler & Koch HK4 The HK4 is one of the best blowback pistols ever designed. It is basically an updated version of the Mauser Model HSc 7.65-mm double-action auto introduced in 1940. The HK4 was sold as a four-calibre package all in one gun, so the weapon comes complete with barrels and springs for .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP and .380ACP (9-mm Short). The .22 LR round is too small for self-defence, although the USSR makes extensive use of the PSM in 5.45-mm calibre, and Mossad, the Israeli secret service, has used .22 weapons to assassinate terrorist leaders. Specification: Cartridge: .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP or .380 ACP Weight: 480 g (17 oz) length: 157 mm (6 in) Barrel length: 85 mm (3 in) Magazine: 8 rounds in .22 LR, .25 and .32 ACP; 7 rounds in .380 ACP
Steyr GB The Steyr GB is an unusual pistol because it is gas-operated. The gas-delayed blowback action and its relatively large size absorb recoil excellently. The GB is issued with the now-common three-dot sighting system for rapid sight alignment, and they give a good clear picture. The enormous magazine capacity of the GB makes it a bulky weapon for concealed carry, but it does offer more than double the capacity of some earlier weapons. The Steyr is used by a few European law enforcement agencies. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Muzzle velocity: (depending on cartridge) 360-420 m (1180-1380 ft per second Weight: 845 g (30 oz) (unloaded) Overall gun length: 216 mm (9 in) Barrel length: 136 mm (5 in) Magazine: 15 rounds
	SIG-Sauer P220 The SIG P220 is one of a series of high-quality automatic pistols produced by this Swiss/German company. Manufactured to a very high standard, SIG pistols have becomepo pular with law enforcement organisations in the USA and special Forces units worldwide. It employs the same sort of locking cam as the Browning, but locks into the slide by using the enlarged chamber of the barrel to engage a wide ejection slot in the slide; a simple idea and a robust arrangement. SIG pistols are relatively expensive but they have a good record of safety and reliability. Specification: Cartridge: 9-mm Parabellum Muzzle velocity: 345 m (1130 ft) per second Weight: 730 g (26 oz) (unload) Overall gun length: 198 mm (8 in) Barrel length: 112 mm (4 in) Magazine capacity: 9.