10th May : Colt Anaconda

Name     :     Colt Anaconda


AKA       :     The Big Snake

Calibers     :     .44 Magnum and .45 Long Colt


Capacity    :     6 Rounds


Weight      :     53oz or 1503g (6 inch barrel model)


Length      :      11.5in or 295mm


Action       :      Double Action, revolving cylinder, repeater


Origin       :      U.S.A.


It wasn't until 1990 that colt produced its first .44 Magnum, The Anaconda.  Upon its release there was a large surge of interest from the firearm community as to how well it would stack up against its considerable competition from both Ruger and Smith and Wesson, not to mention Colt's own famous Python.  Early Anacondas had accuracy issues relating to a tight throat that wore down projectiles, once past the throat rounds were not properly engaging in the riffling.  These issues once raised with Colt were rectified with new barrels.  There was a 4, 6 and 8 inch barrel length versions available and all anacondas had the stainless steel finish, unlike other brands Colt did not offer a blued model.  1993 saw an addition to the line up with the introduction of the .45 Long Colt version, a caliber that was no stranger to many avid Colt fans.  


The Anaconda has a large ventilated rib above the barrel, reminiscent of the Python .357 magnum revolver offered by Colt.  The revolver came tapped ready for and in some cases with a scope for those who wanted to utilize this revolver for handgun hunting.  The Anacondas construction is tough, made from all stainless steel it is a hand-full to hold but this allowed recoil to be managed easily.  The Cylinder stop cuts were made between the chambers to allow the cylinder more strength, thus making the use of powerful rounds not an issue.  Shipped as standard with a large rubber grip with finger groves the large Colt is comfortable to hold even considering its weight.  The Anaconda comes furnished with adjustable B notch sights as standard, these sights produce a clean and crisp sight picture with white outlines on the rear and a red insert on the front sight.  Some Anacondas were also available with ported barrels to reduce muzzle climb when firing powerful loads.


Colt claimed that the Anaconda was the most accurate .44 magnum, though this will always be up for debate, to Colt's credit the Anaconda is an accurate revolver, but that title may have been a little ambitious.  Sadly during the large restructure at Colt in 2000, the Anaconda was dropped from Colts production line, though some were still available to order through the Custom shop until 2003.  Still popular with sports shooters and revolver enthusiasts through second hand channels, many wonder if Colt will re-release this big revolver at some point in the future, and speculation and rumor still rise every now and again, but as of 2012, seeing a brand new Anaconda filling gun shop shelves again seems bleak.


INTERESTING FACT : In the secondhand market .45 Long Colt versions of the Anaconda tend to fetch more than the .44 magnum variety.


PRO's   :   Accurate, beautifully designed, strong construction, nice grips, 


CON's   :   Early models had accuracy issues, no longer available 


COOL FACTOR : 9/10

1st May : Sphinx AT-2000

Name     :     Sphinx AT-2000


AKA       :     The Improved CZ-75, The Swiss Block

AT-2000PS model shown

Caliber     :     9x21mm, 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 Smith & Wesson


Capacity   :     15 Rounds (9mm), 11 Rounds (.40)


Weight     :     36.25oz or 1030g (S Model)


Length     :     8in or 204mm (S Model)


Action      :     Browning Cam Locking, Double Action Semi Automatic


Origin       :     Switzerland


Introduced in 1992, the Sphinx AT-2000 is a service / sport pistol manufactured in Switzerland.  It originates from the model AT84 and AT88 pistols which were licensed copies of the CZ-75 pistol, they were made under the company name of ITM.  ITM went out of business in 1990 and in 1991 the company was renamed Sphinx Systems Ltd, which went on to try and improve the CZ-75 design with a focus on tight tolerances and high quality workmanship.  The resulting design was the model AT-2000S, a full sized pistol with an all steel construction making it somewhat indestructible.  


The model AT-2000 has three main variants, the 'S' model which is the full sized pistol, the model 'P' standing for police with a compact slide and frame, the model 'PS' which has the shortened slide and barrel with the full sized model 'S' frame.  All of these models have double action trigger systems and have a very precise and predicable trigger break.  For anyone who is familiar with the CZ-75 a very notable difference found when handling the AT-2000 is the shape, the AT-2000 is very square and flat, neglecting the rounding and curve found on the Czech pistol.  Also different from the CZ is the guide rod used in this design, it has a small bulge at the end of it that slots perfectly into the slide to ensure the side locks back firmly in the same position before the next shot to provide constancy.  The controls of this pistol are often ambidextrous making the pistol compatible for left handed shooters or weak hand shooting.


The AT-2000 is well known for exceptional accuracy, and an all over pleasant pistol to shoot with its clean single action break of 1.5kg.  Fitted by hand by master gunsmiths the slides are cut from solid steel as are most of the frames.  CZ-75 magazines do work in the AT-2000S and 'PS' models though they do not lock the slide to the rear when empty, as the follower is different.


INTERESTING FACT : Almost never seen in films, most likely due to the significant cost of this pistol it was prominently shown in the movie "Mission Impossible 2" carried by the villain Sean Ambrose.  


PRO's :   Accurate, Beautiful trigger, Top Quality, Top notch heritage, 


CON's :   Price tag


COOL FACTOR : 9/10

27th April : Walther P99

Name     :     Walther P99


AKA       :     Walther's Tupperware Wonder

Caliber     :     9x19mm Parabellum, .40 Smith and Wesson


Capacity   :     16 Rounds (9mm) 12 (.40) 10 round magazines are common too.


Weight     :     22.5oz or 630g (9mm) 23.1oz or 655g (.40)


Length     :     7in or 180mm (9mm) 7.25in or 184mm


Action      :     Double Action Semi Automatic, Browning-Petter Locking Block


Origin      :     Germany


Horst Wesp started designing the P99 pistol for Walther in 1994, Wesp who had previously worked for the two largest firearms producers in his native land of Austria, namely Glock and Steyr, finished design and testing in 1996 when the P99 hit the market.  The P99 was primarily produced for the Law Enforcement community but has found widespread acceptance in sporting and personal protection circles, and the latter two are by far its largest consumers.  Some have speculated that the P99 came too late and at a too higher premium to compete with the likes of Glock, in spite of this some German Law Enforcement have chosen to adopt it.


As with all Walther products it is produced to a very high standard, incorporating some very desirable features into an aesthetically pleasing package.  The pistol is of double action design, where by the pistol can be de-cocked, removing spring tension on the firing pin, creating a long first shot trigger pull which cocks the firing pin, all subsequent shots are in a lighter trigger pull single action mode.  The decocker is nicely positioned on the top right hand side of the slide, all that is required is a reasonable pressure to depress the button.  The trigger pull on the P99 is 8.25 pounds in double action and 4.5 pounds in single action.  Locking on this pistol is an improved browning type where by the chamber port locks into the ejection cut out in the slide instead of lugs around the barrel.  The frame of the P99 is made from polymer which reduces weight and allow for very ergonomic designs, the grips were designed by Italian Cesare Morini who produced specialty grips for pistols used in the Olympic shooting section. These grips are very comfortable with three replaceable backstraps that come supplied with the pistol. The magazine release is of European type built into the trigger guard and is ambidextrous.   


Variants of the P99 are :


P99 Military    - Standard P99 with a green polymer frame 
P990             - Double Action Only
SW99            - As above but only the slide is made in the U.S. by Smith & Wesson
P99C             - Compact model with standard action
P99 Duder      - Standard P99, Engraved Slide, Wooden Backstrap
P99QA           - The firing is always half cocked, this would be the start point the PPQ
P99RAD         - Made by Radom in poland, as above with inner trigger safety


As with most pistols these days the P99 comes in "generations" of production evolution, of which the P99 has three.  The second generation had a revised trigger guard that became rounded at the front and removed the triangle protrusion from the bottom of the guard.  The original accessory rail in front of the trigger guard was of a type exclusive to Walther, in the second generation it was changed to be of a standard weaver type.  The third generation had minor internal changes to aid overall smoothness of the action and a squarer trigger guard, longer magazine release and revised slide serrations.


INTERESTING FACT :  Walther pistols are synonymous with Ian Flemmings character James Bond, in the 007 Movie "Tommorow Never Dies" James bond trades his Walther PPK for a P99 and continues to use it even with the change of the man playing Bond.  To celebrate this change to the P99 Walther produced a limited edition "M.I.6." version of this pistol with the Coat of Arms engraved on the slide.  However as of "Quantum of Solace" James Bond has gone back to his PPK. 


PRO's   :   Accuracy, Reliability, Quality Manufacturer, High Capacity, Best Grips
CON's   :   Some magazines were dubious, 


COOL FACTOR : 9/10

23rd April : Smith and Wesson Model 10

Name :     Smith and Wesson Model 10


AKA   :     Military & Police, M&P, The No Frills Revolver, Victory Model

Caliber     :     .38 Smith and Wesson Special


Capacity   :     6 Rounds


Weight     :     36oz or 1020g (4in Model)


Length     :     8.875in or 225mm

Action      :     Double Action Repeater


Origin       :     U.S.A.


One of Smith and Wesson's best selling revolvers of all time, since 1899 Smith and Wesson have offered the Model 10 'Military and Police' in a wide range of configurations from the snubnose 2 inch barrel round butt model through to the Target 6 inch square butt model.  The appeal of the model 10 stems from its simplicity, quality construction and universal acceptance of the .38 Special cartridge, add to this the variety of configurations, all for a fair price and it is not surprising that more than 6 million have been made.


During the Philippine War of Independence, the U.S. Army had grave concerns about the effectiveness of the .38 Long Colt cartridge of there Model 1889 revolver, relayed field reports back to the United States indicated a change was immediately necessary, the answer in the form of the new cartridge .38 Smith and Wesson Special a heavier bullet in a longer case and the new Model 1899 to fire it. This revolver known as Military and Police would go on to have several changes to eventually become the Model 10 in 1942.


The Model 10's 'K frame' Smith and Wesson's medium frame is very strong, in many ways stronger than it needs to be, this advantage means that the model 10 can consume a steady diet of +P ammunition.  The fixed sights on this revolver are of snag free design and are very unlikely to knocked or bumped out of alignment unlike Smith and Wesson's adjustable sights.  A good double and single action pull that are crisp and break at predictable points making the revolver inherently easy to shoot, especially with the mild recoil of the .38 special cartridge.  


This no-nonsense, reliable arm will never be a match for today's "Polymer Wonder Guns" in the military world, but still serves a purpose for home defense and sports shooting.  For use as a personal protection arm the .38 special is at the lower end of the spectrum as a manstopper but, with regular practice, shooting quality defensive loads you are by no means 'unarmed'. 


INTERESTING FACT : The model 10 was used by over 20 countries world wide as a defensive arm for either military, police or both.


PRO's   :   Reliable, Easy to shoot, quality construction, utilitarian 


CON's   :   Low in the energy range, but still very acceptable. 


COOL FACTOR : 7/10

April 19th : Beretta 3032 Tomcat

Name     :     Beretta Model 3032


AKA       :     Tomcat, The Flip Top

Caliber     :   .32ACP (7.65x17mm Browning)


Capacity   :   7 Rounds


Weight     :   14.5oz or 410g


Length     :    4.9in or 125mm


Action      :    Blowback operated, Double Action, Semi Automatic


Origin      :    Italy 


The Beretta 3032 finds it origins in the Model 950 "Jetfire" first created in 1952, a single action pistol that originally had no safety lever.  The success of the little Jetfire which was available in .22LR and .25ACP (6.35mm) spanned until 2003 when production ceased.  With the need for a more powerful chambering and/or incorporation of improvements the 3032 "Tomcat" was born.  The main changes from the model 950 lay in the caliber of .32ACP and the implementation of a double action mechanism.


The little Tomcat features a tilting barrel, not fixed like most blowback pistols,  the barrel is released by pressing forward on a lever located above the rear of the trigger guard on the left hand side of the frame.  This allows the user to inspect that the pistol has no round chambered.  Though some people "top off" the pistol in this fashion by inserting a full magazine of seven rounds, releasing the barrel to tip up and manually loading a round into the barrel to give the pistol one extra round.  The Tomcat has a rather long double action pull, then every subsequent shot is double action. The double action mechanism in this pistol can be seen as an advantage over double action only (DAO) pistols when it comes to getting some reach, with the lighter single action pull available for those longer range shots can improve accuracy.  The lack of a decocker is unusual however, implying that the double action feature of this pistol could be just a double strike capability if the round fails to fire after the first pull of the trigger.  Releasing the magazine is an interesting process for those who have never handled a Tomcat or jetfire, the release button is found on the left hand grip just above the bottom grip screw, though it does need a positive push to release the magazine, preventing an unwanted magazine departure.

A Model 3032 with the barrel tilted

.32ACP is at the low end in terms of a self defense caliber, though interestingly that is what it was designed for, European police and even some military's around the world used this caliber for some time up until the 1980's.  Invented in 1899 the round has been around for a long time and in full metal jacket form is unsuitable for someone wanting to carry this pistol for personal protection, but with good jacketed hollowpoint rounds such as Winchester Silvertips it can have potential with good shot placement (shot placement is important with any caliber).  The Tomcat is capable of consuming large amounts of ammunition due to it's quality construction though it must be noted that it is not rated or recommended for +P rounds.


Available in stainless type finish Beretta calls INOX and a two tone finish, the Beretta Tomcat is a fun little shooter, and when it comes to self protection : A tomcat in hand is better than a .45 left at home.


INTERESTING FACT : NO EXTRACTOR, this pistol has no extractor to remove rounds, racking the slide will not remove chambered rounds, so use that tilt lever.


PRO's : Compact, Reliable, fun, quality, surprisingly accurate, windage on sights 


CON's : No extractor, unusual magazine release, no decocker, 


COOL FACTOR : 7 / 10
  

April 18th : Smith and Wesson Model 469

Name     :     Smith and Wesson Model 469


AKA       :     Chopped 459

Caliber     :   9x19mm Parabellum


Capacity   :   12 Rounds


Weight     :   27oz or 765g


Length     :    6.88in or 175mm


Action      :    Browning Type cam Locking, Semi Automatic, Double Action


Origin       :    U.S.A.


The Smith and Wesson model 469's origins lay in the model 39 created in 1970, this pistol was a key stepping stone for U.S. law enforcement for moving out of the revolver era into the new world of semi automatics.  The model 39 did however have some short comings namely the capacity of eight rounds, Smith and Wesson responded with the 14 round revision known as the model 59 in 1971.  Production of the 39 and 59 was stopped in 1981, and newer revised versions were launched as the 439, 459, 539 and 559, the 4 prefix indicated an alloy frame and the 5 a steel frame.  The other main revisions between the old and new were the a new extractor, addition of an automatic firing pin safety and improved feed ramps.  


The 459 was very popular with the public as well as law enforcement but there was a trend amoungst some to have gunsmiths cut down a full sized 459 into a compact pistol, in 1983 Smith and Wesson joined this trend and bought into the market the model 469 a 12 shot compact 9mm with bobbed hammer, lightweight alloy frame and slimline grips to remove bulk found in grip of the 459.


The 469 was designed for concealment, featuring a bobbed hammer that has no facility to manually retract it as it slips into the slide cut out relatively flush.  The pistol's decocking lever is located on the left side of the slide at the rear, rotating a steel disc in front of firing pin when engaged also lowering the hammer. The trigger system is essentially the same as earlier Smith & Wesson pistols, it would be expected that it would be carried with a round in the chamber with the hammer lowered, and the first shot would be in double action mode and every subsequent shot would be fired in single action.  Due to the size of the grip the standard magazine features a spur to aid the shooters grip, though in reality one should put a flush magazine plate on instead and learn to shoot well without the spur as the spur may lead to snagging at the most inconvenient moment.


The model 469 is a very well made pistol, and many have been tested on bench rests and pistol vices and have proven the great accuracy potential of this little gun.   


In 1988 with the introduction of the third generation of the Smith and Wesson pistol range the 469 was superseded by the model 6904 (pictured below).

Smith and Wesson Model 6904, note the new sights, grips and revised trigger guard.

INTERESTING FACT : The 469 will accept its parent the 459's 14 round magazines.


PRO's   :   Very accurate, quality construction, good capacity


CON's   :   Magazine spur, magazine disconnect safety, 


COOL FACTOR : 6/10

13th April : Walther P.38

Name     :     Walther P.38

AKA       :     The Slide Action Luger, P1, Walther HP, 

Caliber   :     9x19mm Parabellum

Capacity :     8 Rounds

Weight   :     2.1lbs or 950g

Length   :     8.34in or 212mm

Action    :     Falling Block Locking, Double Action, Semi Automatic

Origin    :     Nazi Germany

The German military in the 20th century had always considered the role of the pistol as important, and thus companies like Deutsche Waffen und munitionsfabriken (DMW), Walther, Mauser and others spent much time, effort and money to produce new and innovative pistols for lucrative military contracts.   In 1904 DMW won a contract to supply the German Navy and later in 1908 the German Army with the P.08 pistol more commonly known as the Luger.  The Luger was a reasonably reliable weapon, despite the poorly informed claims American gun writers made about it during and after the first and second world war.  The Luger was popular especially because of its ease of use and the 9mm cartridge it fired, a round we all know today.  The Luger however did have some draw backs from the military analysts point of view.  It was expensive and took a considerably long time to produce, interchangeability of parts between different manufacturers in some cases was an issue, complicated maintenance and some concerns about the toggle action.  In short, it was becoming obsolete, especially compared with the likes of Colt 1911A1, Browning High Power and other pistols that were increasing arming nations around the world.  Walther who had already won a contract in 1929/30 to supply the Luftwaffe (German Airforce) with PP Auto pistols was seeking to gain the pistol manufacturers domestic prize.  In 1936 Walther approached the Wehrmacht and put forward their new prototype called the Armee-Pistole or AP.  This pistol had a slide instead of a toggle joint, similar look to the Luger, was chambered in the same caliber and  overall simpler pistol with an internal hammer.  For safety reasons the Wehrmacht rejected it as they wished the pistol to have an external hammer, thus another advantage over the Luger, and a few other minor changes to the design.

In 1937 Walther was at it again, now with the revised pistol called the Heeres-Pistole or HP, now sporting and external hammer as requested.  From there the P.38 was accepted by the Wehrmacht as the official replacement for the P.08 Luger.  In 1939 with the outbreak of war all European Axis forces began to implement production codes for each manufacturer to hide the origins of all weapons to make it difficult for Allied forces to know which factories were producing what arms, Walther made weapons were marked AC and the year of production.  At the same time the German military wanted to increase the manufacturing capability of the arms producers so blue prints were sent to other companies who qualified for contacts, Mauser was one of the major companies that started making the P.38 with the production code BYF marked on the slide of the pistol.  

The P.38 was never as popular with officers as the Luger, even Allied troops who loved to have captured pistols as trophies preferred the P.08 over the P.38.  That aside the P.38 gave excellent service due to its brilliant design.  The Walther pistol utilized a double action mechanism, that allowed a round to chambered and carried safely with the hammer lowered, which was done by the safety switch which moved a blocking bar in front of the firing pin and safely lowered the hammer. So when the pistol was pulled from the holster all the firer needed to do is pull the trigger, a feature that was borrowed from the Walther PP.  The 9mm cartridge used in the P.38 requires the use of a locking device so that when the pistol is fired the pressure being released from the cartridge can drop to a safe level before the chamber is opened.  Walther engineers employed what is called a falling block, a wedge that holds the barrel and slide together as they move back a short distance in the initial recoiling sequence then the wedge cams down releasing the slide so that it may move back to complete the cycle.  This method of locking is also used in the Beretta 92 series of pistols including the M9 the current U.S. Army pistol.

After the World War Two production of the Walther P.38 continued with some minor changes to become the P.1 the standard pistol of the West German Army in 1955, but they were not alone other nations including Chad, Finland, Norway, Macedonia and Portugal also purchased the P.1.  

INTERESTING FACT : Saddam Hussien owned a gold plated Walther P.38, after Saddam's fall from power, the pistol was taken from his palace and who owns it now is anyone's guess. See below

PRO's :  Easy to Maintain, Very Reliable, Double Action, Accurate

CON's :  Some pistols safety devices are prone to breaking with age.

COOL FACTOR : 7/10

8th of April : Makarov PM

Name    :   Makarov PM


AKA      :   Pistolet Makarova, 9mm Maka, 

Caliber    :   9x18mm Makarov


Weight    :   26oz or 730g


Length    :    6.34in or 161mm


Action     :    Blowback Double / Single Action Semi-Automatic


Capacity  :    8 Rounds (though 12 and 13 round version are available)


Origin     :    U.S.S.R. 


The Makarov PM was introduced in 1951 as the standard sidearm for the Russian Armed forces. This 9mm pistol's lineage can be traced back to the German Walther PP, the double action mechanism and disassembly are closely copied. At the end of World War Two after the German defeat, Russia stockpiled large quantities of captured weapons (much like every other nation at the time) for both study and for possible use should the need ever arise. Also whole German factories were taken apart and transported by train back to Russia, as both compensation and to gain knowledge amongst these was what was left of the destroyed Walther Factory, paperwork and drawings of the Walther pistols. Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov a weapons designer at the Tula state arsenal was given the opportunity to compete in a competition to replace the Tokarev TT-33 in military service with a new pistol, Nikolay's design eventually won.


Disassembly of the makarov is easy an easy proceedure, the same as the Walther PP, after safety checking the pistol, the magazine is removed by pushing rearward the magazine release located the base of the pistol grip. The Trigger guard is pulled downward, and pushed to slightly to either side so that it may rest against the outter part of the frame. Then the slide is pulled to the back and the rear of the slide is lifted upward allowing the slide to move along the barrel and pop off. The barrel is fixed to the frame allowing easy maintenance for the operating mechanism and barrel cleaning.



The double action pull of the Makarov's trigger is generally very heavy. The differences between the single and double action pull makes it very difficult to hit with the second shot when starting in double action mode, more so than western double action semi automatics. When using the standard ball rounds the Makarov has been known to produce some respectable combat acceptable groups. When pistols chambered for 9mm Makarov first started to be introduced into the United States ammunition for these pistols wasn't in good supply and many people turned to the 9x18mm Short (.380 ACP) this cartridge could be fired somewhat reliably but unfortuneatly the 9mm Short is slightly smaller in diameter to that of the Russian round therefore accuracy was significantly decreased and Makarov pistols got a bad reception.


More than 60 years after it's introduction the Makarov pistol is still in production and is in wipespread military use around the world. Like the AK-47 the Makarov pistol has a tendency to be discovered in all the worlds hot spots. Enjoyed by many around the world as a curiosity or relic of a different time, or as a recreation piece. Today the Makarov has ventured into a new market, Baikal a quality Russian firearms manufacturer has introduced the MP-654k a gas powered air pistol into the market known affectionately as the "AIR MAK". This 4.5mm (.177) air pistol is made of high quality steel construction.



INTERESTING FACT : Makarovs have been offically replaced by the MP-443 9mm Parabellum pistol in Russian service in 1991 though in 2012 examples are still seeing service.


PRO's : Quality Construction, Somewhat Compact, Simple to maintain


CON's : Low powered round, bad magazine catch location, minimal sights



COOL FACTOR : 6/10

6th of April : Nambu Type 94

Name     :   Nambu Type 94


AKA       :   The most unsafe mass produced pistol

8x22mm Round

Caliber   :  8x22mm 


Weight   :  25.4oz or 720g


Length   :   7.1in or 181mm


Action    :  Locked Breech, Semi-Automatic


Capacity :  6 Rounds


Origin     :  Japan




First put into production in 1934 the Type 94 was intended to be a personal defence arm for those whom the standard Rifle or carbine was too cumbersome and it did indeed full fill that role, though serious design flaws and poor choice of cartridge may hindered the user more often than it saved him.  The original plan for the pistol was to be simple to manufacture and supplement the mediocre Nambu 8mm Type 14 pistol.  As with most Imperial Japanese pistols of the time it has been designed originally by Kijiro Nambu a man who had many previous successful firearms under his belt but in the process of turning out the design was hindered and constantly interrupted by the Japanese Army who wished the pistol to be as cost effective as possible.  Japanese officers were required to purchase their own personal sidearms, many in fact chose European pistols (Lugers and Webleys were popular), but now the Army wanted to issue future officers a standard nationally produced pistol. 


Certainly an eye catching pistol (at least in not in a good way) the Type 94 was generally furnished with plastic grips instead of wood like earlier pistols.  The front sight is very minimal as it the rear sight.  The milled 'ears' at the rear of the pistol are for gripping the slide to initially cock the pistol.  The safety resides on the left side of the frame at the rear.  To remove the 6 round magazine the release can be found on the left side of the frame behind the trigger guard.  


The 8x22mm cartridge used in the majority of Nambu's pistols just scrapes through as a self protection round.  The small rimless, bottleneck cartridge is of 8.18mm (.322 in) with a 102 grain projectile is on par with an equivalent projectile in .380 ACP (9x18mm Short) for power.  The original design of this round coming from studies around the .30 Luger.  


The pistols exposed sear being it's largest flaw making the pistol very dangerous to carry with a round chambered.  Most officers were advised to carry the pistol with no round in the chamber until they intended to shoot.  Carrying the pistol with a round chambered it was possible to discharge the pistol from simple tasks such as placing the pistol in a holster or knocking the left side of the frame.  Some officers discharged the weapon whilst trying to engage the safety.


INTERESTING FACT :  It was possible to fire the Type 94 out of battery. Meaning a round could go off even though it wasn't completely chambered.


PRO's  :  Great paperweight provided ammo is at least 1km away at all times


CON's  : Poor construction and  design, dangerous, 


COOL FACTOR : 2/10 (it gets 2 points for collect-ability) 

5th of April : Smith and Wesson Model 66 2.5in

Name   :   Smith and Wesson Model 66 2.5in (2.5in barrel specifically) 


AKA     :   Snubbie, Snub 66, Combat Magnum, 

Caliber   :  .357 Magnum (can also use .38 special)

.357 Magnum Defense Ammo

Weight   :  31oz or 880g


Length   :   7.5in or 190mm


Capacity  :  6 Rounds


Action     : Double / Single Action


Origin     :  U.S.A.


The Model 66 first appeared in 1972,
a stainless steel version of the much loved Model 19.  In 1974 the 2.5 inch barrel version arrived on the scene, and that is what we will look at here.  From the time it was introduced to until the time it was discontinued in 2005, the '66' went through a variety of changes that were common to most Smith and Wesson revolvers in these production years, such as the deletion of pinning the barrel and recessed cylinders.


The '66' 2.5in version was intended as a personal defense revolver or as a back-up gun (BUG) for law enforcement, Strangely though the '66' is in fact quite large, for comparison of size it is longer than a Smith and Wesson 639 Semi-Automatic, and heavier than a Beretta Model 84.


Though chambered in .357 magnum, common practice with this pistol is to use .38 Special rounds for the majority of shooting, as the cylinder walls in this revolver as well as frame (S&W designation 'K' frame) are not strong enough to handle the pressure from constant firing of factory .357 magnum rounds. The extractor on this revolver isn't quite long enough to be able to fully extract empty cases but gives the shooter a good start, and with a healthy smack the cases should fall clear.  


Felt recoil in this revolver is higher than its longer barreled counterpart, but is still manageable.  The sights supplied with this revolver are of standard Smith and Wesson fashion.  The rear sight is adjustable for windage and has matt black base rib along the top of the frame to prevent glare, whilst the front sight has a red/orange insert giving the pistol a nice sight picture especially when compared to other snubbies on the market.  This pistol having been made from stainless steel offers great corrosion resistance coupled with Smith and Wesson's world renowned quality, makes this revolver worth consideration for personal or home defense.  Like any snub nosed revolver time must be taken to master the increased muzzle climb and blast during firing.  The '66' is capable of very good accuracy.


INTERESTING FACT :  The heritage and lines of this type of revolver can be traced all the way back to the first S&W Military and Police revolvers of the beginning of the 20th Century


PRO's   :  Stainless Steel, Good Accuracy, Stylish, Great Pachmayr grips were  available  


CON's   :   A little on the large side, A .357 that needs to be fed .38s


COOL FACTOR :  6/10  

3rd of April : Manurhin MR-73

Name     :   Manurhin MR-73


AKA       :  The French Rolls Royce

Caliber   :   .357 Magnum / .38 Special / 9x19mm Parabellum


Weight   :   36.96oz or 1040g


Length   :   10.39in or 264mm


Capacity :   6 Rounds


Action    :  Double Action / Single Action


Origin    :   France




Introduced in 1973 this revolver is the premium French target and law enforcement revolver.  Popular with Law enforcement agencies throughout Europe it has even been seen in the hands of Special Forces and Counter Terrorism units.  When Manurhin went about designing this revolver the emphasis was undoubtedly on quality, the cylinder on its own is made of such high strength steel that it can handle twice the pressure of the .357 magnum cartridge.  


Manurhin early on saw the need to diversify the revolver to meet the needs of the market, thus producing three distinct main variants: G-3 Gendarmerie - 3 inch barrel, G-4 Gendarmerie - 4 inch barrel, S-6 Sport - 6 inch barrel.  Though other calibers such as a .22 long rifle, .32 Smith and Wesson long versions and barrel lengths out to 8 inches.


Interestingly the MR-73 also has available a interchangeable cylinder that can convert the revolver to fire the 9mm Parabellum, though using rimless automatic pistol rounds in revolvers in nothing new it is by no means common.  Revolver cartridges have a rim at the base of the cartridge so that the round can be dropped into the cylinder and the rim will stop the round falling through.  Most importantly the rim helps with extraction, for when the cartridge is loaded the rim rests on top the cylinder and a extractor when the rounds need to be removed extractor rod is manually operated pushing the spent cases out of the cylinder.  With rimless cartridges the use of a moon clip that can be pushed by the extractor is necessary, but instead the MR-73 has spring loaded catches within the cylinder walls that capture the rounds when inserted.  


The attention to detail during this revolvers construction are unquestionable, internal parts have been finely tuned and polished and the barrels tolerances are extremely tight when using .357 magnum.  With its smooth trigger pull and predictable break of 7.7lbs (3.5kg) in double action and 4.2lbs (1.9kg) in single action, the MR-73 is very pleasant to shoot.  Accuracy of this pistol has been proved over and over again in many reputable bench tests to be one on par with the very expensive Korth revolvers and Colt Python.


INTERESTING FACT :  The interchangeable cylinder in 9mm for this revolver was used as a selling point but in reality 9mm rounds are .354" and do not gain the full advantage of engaging in the riffling during firing causing erratic accuracy.  


PRO's   :   Top Quality, Accurate (.357), Many Variants, ideal sport gun


CON's   :   9mm Cylinder a waste of time, Supply a bit 'iffy'


COOL FACTOR :  8/10

29th March : Beretta 92FS

Name    :   Beretta 92FS

AKA       :   M9 (U.S. Military Designation)

92FS Magazine    

Caliber   :   9mm Parabellum

Weight   :   2.1lbs or 970g

Length   :   8.54in or 217mm

Capacity :   15 rounds (standard)

Locking   :   Walther Falling Block

Action     :   Semi Auto, Double Action

Origin      :   Italy 

The 92FS comes from the well established heritage of Beretta, which is said to be the oldest firearm company still in business.  The beautiful appearance of this fine pistol dates back to the Model 1951 Brigadier a single action pistol with an 8 round magazine.  Like the Brigadier, the slide has a cut out section exposing the barrel, the gripping serrations on the slide are the same and the grip angle show a design simularity.  And with the right kind of eyes you may even see its lineage in the Model 1935 as well.

The 1985 U.S. Military pistol trial chose the 92 pistol  to replace one of the most revered pistols of all time, the Colt M1911A1 with an order for just over 300,000 pistols.  Though choice was controversial, as the 92F's closest rival the SIG P226 was only beaten on price.  Once the decision was made some alterations to the 92F had to be made to satisfy the U.S. Military Brass, one being the squaring of the trigger guard, Chroming of the barrel, interchangeability of parts and a new coating to decrease wear.  

The pistol was not without issue after it was implemented.  Slides on approximately fourteen pistols cracked during firing giving the shooters minor injuries, and some pistols frames had small cracks appearing in them after extended firing sessions.  Both of these faults were the result of poor metallurgy in the construction.  This was rectified by producing the pistol in the U.S. with stricter production standards.

The 92FS has enjoyed popularity in films and popular culture for its stunning lines and styling.  Helped also by the widespread adoption by military's around the world such as France, Italy, U.S. as well as acceptance by many law enforcement agencies.  Beretta once gave L.A.P.D. some pistols free of charge.  

The 92FS is pleasant to shoot, though some may find its large grip a bit too big.  For a 9mm the pistol is a little on the large size.  The 92FS will function with a wide variety of ammunition types and other variants of this pistol come in .40 Smith and Wesson. Accurate and reliable (with decent magazines) the 92FS is a wonderful pistol which I would recommend you  try if at all possible.

INTERESTING FACT :  Mel Gibson carried the 92FS in the movie "Lethal Weapon" but he did in fact own one in real life until he had to hand it over to the police while he was being investigated for domestic violence.  

PROS: STYLISH, DOUBLE ACTION, RESPECTED MANUFACTURER, ACCURATE
......... EATS ALL THE +P AMMO YOU CAN FEED IT


CONS: SOME HAVE MAGAZINE ISSUES, GIANT 9mm, EARLY MODELS HAD                                                                ..........ISSUES AS DISCUSSED

COOL FACTOR : 7/10