Pistols

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Pistols are the most modern form of handgun. They usually hold from 7 15 rounds (some hold 6, some 19) and come in a variety of calibers, from .22LR to .44 Magnum. Usual pistol calibers are .380, 9mm, .45ACP. Pistols are consider to be less trustworthry than a revolver, since they can jam more easily than a revolver, however I think that a pistol jam can be cleared very easily by a well trained user, while I 've seen revolvers jam, in such a way that you needed a gunsmith to unjam it. As you can understand I am a pistol fan.

Colt Government Model 1911A1

The Colt Government is considered to be a top-notch fighting tool, which however requires a lot of practice to master. The gun, in its .45 ACP version, uses a 7 round magazine (during the last years 8-round magazines are produced, by various sources). Even though this is very little compared to some of the modern wonder-nines (9mm pistols holding 13, 15 or 19 rounds in their magazines), most people who know their way around guns, will usually select the old-workhorse, when the going gets rough.

It is true, that some 1911s need some gunsmithing attention as they come out of the box, in order to become the highly effective firearm it can be. However, given the proper treatment (limited please!) it can become a lovely pistol, with excellent trigger pull and very accurate. More shooters in Practical Shooting matches are using this pistol, than all other pistols and revolvers together, which says a lot for the value of the old workhorse.

An excellent fighting instrument, in the properly trained hands.

If you are interested in learning more about this fine pistol, check The M-1911 Pistols Home Page .

Browning Hi-Power

The Browning Hi-Power was also designed by J.M.Browning and it was probably the first wonder-nine (9mm Parabellum) to hit the market. A later design than the Colt, it has fewer shortcomings than it American brethren, its major limitation being that it is using what is consider by some, to be a sub-major caliber round. It carries a 13-round magazine. I never owned one, but I 've fired a friend's one quite extensively. It is an excellent pistol, single action only (like the Colt), so it also needs quite a lot of practice to master to use it safely. I do not like the Browning very much because (a) the hammer bites my hand, as the slide recycles (something the Colt did also, but in the Colt it can be easily fixed, by using a beavertail safety) (b) trigger pull is not the best possible, unless the magazine safety is removed (and it SHOULD be removed) (c) there are better 9mm pistols in the market today.

Glock 19

This pistol has caused more discussions in non-gun-related circles, than any other firearm. Designed by Gaston Glock, it was unique when first introduced, for having a plastic frame. The politicians tried to outlaw the gun claiming that airport security devices would not be able to pick it up (that was when airplane hijacking was popular). Thank God they proved wrong, and Glock is still with us today, with several models, in all popular pistol calibers.

Another unique feature of the Glock is the fact that it is deprived of any safety switch. The only safety device of this pistol is a little lever, which protrudes on the face of its trigger. The gun cannot fire, unless this lever is depressed. Some folks have argued that a pistol with no safety device other than this, is an unsafe pistol. Glock is very safe. The pistol cannot fire, unless the lever is pressed. Safe handling dictates that the shooter's finger, would never be on the trigger, if you are not ready to shoot. If your finger is not on the trigger, Glock will never fire, period.

Today's Glocks are produced in 9mm Para, .40, .45 ACP etc.

I never owned a Glock, although I came very close to it lately. However, trying the Glock of a friend, convinced me that this must be the ugliest gun on earth, so I don't feel that much of it anymore.

Sig Sauer P-226

This is the product of a cooperation between a German and a Swiss company. The result, is a gun beyond expectations. It is a full-size 9mm Parabellum pistol, while P-228 is a smaller version. P-226 was the first gun I owned and it has never let me down. It never jammed, no matter what rounds I fed it with. I even fed it with empty cartridge cases once and the gun didn't even hick up. It comes with a 15-round mag, and there are excellent after-market mags which can hold up to 18 rounds (by Ramline). A pair of tritium sights is all that this pistol needs to become one of the best fighting tools.

One shortcoming is that it is produced only in blue steel (the slide is blue steel, the frame is aluminum), which is somewhat of a problem in warm climates, as it gets stained by sweat if carried on yourself. If Sig was to produce a stainless steel P-226, I would rush to buy it.

If you are more interested at this pistol, check the most extensive link on Sig Sauer pistols .

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