This is the fifth installment of a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense. Here are the next five.
21. Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver. This beauty was the first widespread belt revolver. The design descended from the magnificent Colt Dragoon, scaled to .36 Caliber. The 1851 Navy is still one of the best balanced and best pointing revolvers ever made. Used by Wild Bill Hickok and other shootists of the old west, the legend of the 1851 Navy is immense.
22. The FN FAL Rifle. The FAL used in over 90 countries, then unceremoniously dumped in favor of 5.56 weapons. Their loss was our gain. The FAL performed brilliantly on the battlefield, especially in the Falklands. This success was duplicated in thousands of surplus parts kits and rifles built on semi auto receivers that put inexpensive FALs in the sights of American shooters. The FAL is a 1950s-60s classic that has put excellent performance in our hands today.
23. British Lee Enfield Rifle. From Queen Victoria to the Mau-Mau insurgents, this rifle defended the empire. It has continued to soldier on in India, Pakistan, Africa, and against the Soviets in Afghanistan. On our shores, 40+ years of surplus sales have made the SMLE and its variants classics. AS game getters, the SMLE has taken for every type of North American game, it can also operate in the harshest climate and conditions.
24. U.S. Model 1917 Rifle. The rifle nobody wanted, over and over again. When it was apparent to the “Brass’ that there were not nearly enough 1903 Springfield rifles for WWI, this British design was modified for the 30-06 round and put into service. It equipped 75% if the American troops in France in 1918. The M1917 put into war reserve and called out again in WWII. Mainly used for training in the U.S. a few got overseas with our troops. Mostly, though, it fought with our allies, British, French, Chinese, and Fillipino. After the war it was used in Denmark.
25. Ruger Blackhawk Revolver. This was the first real update of the classic Colt 1873 Peacemaker. Coil springs, adjustable sights, and a beefy frame made the Blackhawk capable of high pressure loads and incredible durability. Blackhawks made in the late 1950s are still banging away with few if any problems, these guns just do not wear out.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The next 5!
This is the nextinstallment of a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense.
26. The Desert Eagle Pistol. This is the king of auto pistols. The most powerful and the most visually striking auto pistol ever made. It’s been featured in more movies and TV shows than I can count. The great thing about the Desert Eagle is that it works and that it is deadly accurate and powerful. All of that performance comes with a price of weight and exclusive use of jacketed bullets for its gas system and polygon rifling. It is the auto pistol for hand gun hunters. The DE is rugged and simple to operate and maintain. Over the years it’s been offered in a variety of calibers, most famously, the 50 Action Express. The 50 AE was the first commercial mass produced 50 Caliber handgun cartridge. Finishes come from a stealthy black oxide to a wild gold titanium tiger stripe.
27. The CZ-75 Pistol. The Cz-75 sent shivers up peoples spines in the 1970s. How could a bunch of communists come up with such a simple, robust, and effective design? They were smart, that’s how. By taking some great design elements from the Browning Hi Power, the Sig 210, and the Walther P.38 , they created one the best pistol designs of the late 20th century. Pistol legends such as Jeff Cooper and Chuck Taylor extolled it virtues. The CZ-75 is still considered excellent and agree.
28. The Walther P.38 Pistol. The Walther P.38 was the first large double action service pistol adopted for military use. It has set the trend for all modern pistols that are carried with a round in the chamber. The P.38 is also a movie star, being seen in nearly every WWII movie. It functioned well with blanks and has a modern, sinister appearance. So many were brought back by returning servicemen at the end of WW II, that for years the P.38 could be had inexpensively on the used gun market. The post war versions of the P.38 were used by the German Government until the early 1990s, and have since been on the U.S. civilian gun market.
29. The Walther PP & PPK Pistols. These pistols introduced the shooting public to practical, sleek and concealable double action pocket pistols. They a just exude coolness and sophistication, even James Bond used one. The German police and military used them until the 1980s. Discriminating shooters and undercover law enforcement agents have carried the PPK and PPK/s (stateside version) for decades. The PP and PPK are the pocket pistols by which all others are judged.
30. Remington 870 Shotgun. This was the shotgun for the 2nd half of the 20th century. Both police and civilian flocked to this gun and made it exceedingly popular. It may be the most produced American shotgun. The 870 has a unique blend of quality, reliability and affordability that makes it a classic.
26. The Desert Eagle Pistol. This is the king of auto pistols. The most powerful and the most visually striking auto pistol ever made. It’s been featured in more movies and TV shows than I can count. The great thing about the Desert Eagle is that it works and that it is deadly accurate and powerful. All of that performance comes with a price of weight and exclusive use of jacketed bullets for its gas system and polygon rifling. It is the auto pistol for hand gun hunters. The DE is rugged and simple to operate and maintain. Over the years it’s been offered in a variety of calibers, most famously, the 50 Action Express. The 50 AE was the first commercial mass produced 50 Caliber handgun cartridge. Finishes come from a stealthy black oxide to a wild gold titanium tiger stripe.
27. The CZ-75 Pistol. The Cz-75 sent shivers up peoples spines in the 1970s. How could a bunch of communists come up with such a simple, robust, and effective design? They were smart, that’s how. By taking some great design elements from the Browning Hi Power, the Sig 210, and the Walther P.38 , they created one the best pistol designs of the late 20th century. Pistol legends such as Jeff Cooper and Chuck Taylor extolled it virtues. The CZ-75 is still considered excellent and agree.
28. The Walther P.38 Pistol. The Walther P.38 was the first large double action service pistol adopted for military use. It has set the trend for all modern pistols that are carried with a round in the chamber. The P.38 is also a movie star, being seen in nearly every WWII movie. It functioned well with blanks and has a modern, sinister appearance. So many were brought back by returning servicemen at the end of WW II, that for years the P.38 could be had inexpensively on the used gun market. The post war versions of the P.38 were used by the German Government until the early 1990s, and have since been on the U.S. civilian gun market.
29. The Walther PP & PPK Pistols. These pistols introduced the shooting public to practical, sleek and concealable double action pocket pistols. They a just exude coolness and sophistication, even James Bond used one. The German police and military used them until the 1980s. Discriminating shooters and undercover law enforcement agents have carried the PPK and PPK/s (stateside version) for decades. The PP and PPK are the pocket pistols by which all others are judged.
30. Remington 870 Shotgun. This was the shotgun for the 2nd half of the 20th century. Both police and civilian flocked to this gun and made it exceedingly popular. It may be the most produced American shotgun. The 870 has a unique blend of quality, reliability and affordability that makes it a classic.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The next 5 of the 50.
This is the fourth installment of a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense. Here are the next five.
31. Winchester Model 1897 Shotgun. This was the first modern pump action shotgun. A refinement of the model 1893 pump shotgun, the ‘97 has achieved legendary status among civilians, police, and the military. It has served with distinction in two World Wars. The ’97 set the standards for durability and reliability for all subsequent pump shotguns.
32. The Browning Automatic Rifle. This is not the military BAR, but a civilian rifle of the same name. The civilian BAR was a very successful chambered in magnum calibers such as 300 Winchester magnum and 338 Winchester magnum. A first for a hunting style semi automatic rifle. In addition, the BAR is uncommonly accurate for a semi automatic rifle.
33. Springfield Model 1922 Rifle. This was the first modern and a great .22 LR bolt action target rifle. It still feels better than anything made since (at least to me). The rifle was superbly accurate and it’s just a joy to shoot. Unknown thousands were introduced to target shooting by this sleek rifle. Since it comes from an age of quality and craftsmanship, the Springfield M1922 is very well made masterpiece.
34. High Standard .22 Pistol. This Series which evolved into the Hi Standard Citation, Victor and Olympic models were America’s true world class .22 target pistols in the 1950s and 1960s. They are highly accurate, and excellent trigger pulls, and great Iron sights. They were mainstays during the hay day of bulls eye pistol shooting. The Hi Standard has withstood the test of time and is still competitive in bulls eye shooting today.
35. Kentucky Rifle. This distinctly American weapon actually evolved in Pennsylvania but gained fame on the frontier as the Kentucky rifle. Its large caliber, robust construction, and outstanding accuracy made it a natural for hunting and defense in North America. It’s the gun that gave us the title “A nation of riflemen”.
31. Winchester Model 1897 Shotgun. This was the first modern pump action shotgun. A refinement of the model 1893 pump shotgun, the ‘97 has achieved legendary status among civilians, police, and the military. It has served with distinction in two World Wars. The ’97 set the standards for durability and reliability for all subsequent pump shotguns.
32. The Browning Automatic Rifle. This is not the military BAR, but a civilian rifle of the same name. The civilian BAR was a very successful chambered in magnum calibers such as 300 Winchester magnum and 338 Winchester magnum. A first for a hunting style semi automatic rifle. In addition, the BAR is uncommonly accurate for a semi automatic rifle.
33. Springfield Model 1922 Rifle. This was the first modern and a great .22 LR bolt action target rifle. It still feels better than anything made since (at least to me). The rifle was superbly accurate and it’s just a joy to shoot. Unknown thousands were introduced to target shooting by this sleek rifle. Since it comes from an age of quality and craftsmanship, the Springfield M1922 is very well made masterpiece.
34. High Standard .22 Pistol. This Series which evolved into the Hi Standard Citation, Victor and Olympic models were America’s true world class .22 target pistols in the 1950s and 1960s. They are highly accurate, and excellent trigger pulls, and great Iron sights. They were mainstays during the hay day of bulls eye pistol shooting. The Hi Standard has withstood the test of time and is still competitive in bulls eye shooting today.
35. Kentucky Rifle. This distinctly American weapon actually evolved in Pennsylvania but gained fame on the frontier as the Kentucky rifle. Its large caliber, robust construction, and outstanding accuracy made it a natural for hunting and defense in North America. It’s the gun that gave us the title “A nation of riflemen”.
Monday, November 15, 2010
3rd installment of the top 50 guns of all time!
This is the third installment of a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense. Here are the next five.
36. U.S. Model 1861 Rifle Musket. This rifle was a stone killer in the civil war. It was used by both sides and set a standard for accuracy and power that following military rifles were forced to live up to. Although it was time consuming and dangerous to load (the loader had to stand up to seat the powder and ball. It was supremely reliable and durable. I had become an icon in American history.
37. Henry rifle. The Henry was the first practical lever action rifle. Had the North used it in large numbers during the Civil War, it might have changed history. The Henry did, however, set the pattern for subsequent lever guns like the Winchester 1866 and 1873. For 1860 technology, it was simply a marvel.
38. M1 Carbine. This handy little rifle has held a special place in shooters hearts for years. Designed as a replacement for the pistol, the M1 carbine was lightweight and reliable. The M1 carbine’s service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, has made it a sought after collectable. It’s detractors point out the weakness and lack of stopping power of the .30 M1 carbine cartridge. But to many Americans, its flaws are forgivable. The M1 carbine introduced shooters to military style semi automatic firearms with detachable magazines. The M1 carbine set the standard for intermediate cartridge self defense rifles.
39. Mosin Nagant M 91 rifle. The long obsolete Mosin Nagant can still be found on distant battlefields today. Not as a primary battle rifle, but as a sniper rifle, militia or police rifle. Tens of millions were produced by Tzarist Russia, the Soviet Union, Red China, and even a number under contract in the United States during World War I. Thousands have been sold to American sportsmen and civilian shooters at very attractive prices over the last two decades. To people on a budget, the Mosin Nagant 1891 series of rifles and carbines has opened the door to high power rifle shooting.
40. Remington Rolling block rifle. The Rolling Block was the perennial “2nd place” rifle of the 19th century. It was second to the legendary Sharps in fame during the great era of buffalo hunting. The Rolling Block also placed second to the Trapdoor Springfield series of rifles in U.S. service. However, the Rolling Block accrued a very respectable number of foreign military contracts and it was used all over the world in latter half of the 19th century. The rolling block also did something that the Sharps and Trapdoor could not do, it was successfully adapted to smokeless powder cartridges. In 7mm Spanish Mauser, it was sold in numbers to Mexico and in Central America. As late as World War I, the French purchased Rolling Blocks in 8mm Lebel for rear echelon troops. Not bad for an 1868 Black Powder design.
36. U.S. Model 1861 Rifle Musket. This rifle was a stone killer in the civil war. It was used by both sides and set a standard for accuracy and power that following military rifles were forced to live up to. Although it was time consuming and dangerous to load (the loader had to stand up to seat the powder and ball. It was supremely reliable and durable. I had become an icon in American history.
37. Henry rifle. The Henry was the first practical lever action rifle. Had the North used it in large numbers during the Civil War, it might have changed history. The Henry did, however, set the pattern for subsequent lever guns like the Winchester 1866 and 1873. For 1860 technology, it was simply a marvel.
38. M1 Carbine. This handy little rifle has held a special place in shooters hearts for years. Designed as a replacement for the pistol, the M1 carbine was lightweight and reliable. The M1 carbine’s service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, has made it a sought after collectable. It’s detractors point out the weakness and lack of stopping power of the .30 M1 carbine cartridge. But to many Americans, its flaws are forgivable. The M1 carbine introduced shooters to military style semi automatic firearms with detachable magazines. The M1 carbine set the standard for intermediate cartridge self defense rifles.
39. Mosin Nagant M 91 rifle. The long obsolete Mosin Nagant can still be found on distant battlefields today. Not as a primary battle rifle, but as a sniper rifle, militia or police rifle. Tens of millions were produced by Tzarist Russia, the Soviet Union, Red China, and even a number under contract in the United States during World War I. Thousands have been sold to American sportsmen and civilian shooters at very attractive prices over the last two decades. To people on a budget, the Mosin Nagant 1891 series of rifles and carbines has opened the door to high power rifle shooting.
40. Remington Rolling block rifle. The Rolling Block was the perennial “2nd place” rifle of the 19th century. It was second to the legendary Sharps in fame during the great era of buffalo hunting. The Rolling Block also placed second to the Trapdoor Springfield series of rifles in U.S. service. However, the Rolling Block accrued a very respectable number of foreign military contracts and it was used all over the world in latter half of the 19th century. The rolling block also did something that the Sharps and Trapdoor could not do, it was successfully adapted to smokeless powder cartridges. In 7mm Spanish Mauser, it was sold in numbers to Mexico and in Central America. As late as World War I, the French purchased Rolling Blocks in 8mm Lebel for rear echelon troops. Not bad for an 1868 Black Powder design.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
More of the 50!
This is another installment of a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense. Here are the next five.
41. Weatherby Mark V Rifle. This is a Cadillac of big game rifles. The Weatherby tell everyone that its owner is serious, well heeled, and successful. The Weatherby had its own special cartridges, the word Weatherby on the end of a cartridge designation means extra POWER. For years, the Weatherby was standard equipment for top big game hunters. It’s the Rolex of hunting rifles.
42. Ruger .22 Automatic Pistol. This item put Ruger on the map and provided the public with a rugged, reliable, and low cost .22 pistol. It has served as a basis for hunting and target .22 automatics to the present day. The Ruger has become the best in it’s class.
43. Beretta M 92/M9 Pistol. The pistol that finally unseated the Colt Model 1911A1 as a U.S. service arm. The M9 has been derided by 1911 fans since its introduction. However, it’s performance that counts, and the M9 delivers. It’s had a few problems, overblown problem with a few cracked slides in the 1980s, and some bad magazines (not the fault of Beretta!) in Iraq. The pistol is deadly accurate and highly reliable. The Beretta M9 is the quiet professional.
44. U.S. Krag Rifle. The U.S. Army’s first modern smokeless powder bolt action rifle. Although it was quickly obsolete, the Krag acquitted itself well in the Spanish American War and the Boxer Rebellion. The Krag introduced American shooters to the modern bolt action rifle. It is still revered for it quality of manufacture, great cartridge (30-40 Krag), smoothness, and accuracy.
45. Colt Detective Special Revolver. The first and most famous modern snub nose revolver. The Detective Special has it all, power, concealment, and 6 shots. The detective special set the pattern for all “snubbies” to follow. Plus, it has had a great movie career since its introduction in 1927.
41. Weatherby Mark V Rifle. This is a Cadillac of big game rifles. The Weatherby tell everyone that its owner is serious, well heeled, and successful. The Weatherby had its own special cartridges, the word Weatherby on the end of a cartridge designation means extra POWER. For years, the Weatherby was standard equipment for top big game hunters. It’s the Rolex of hunting rifles.
42. Ruger .22 Automatic Pistol. This item put Ruger on the map and provided the public with a rugged, reliable, and low cost .22 pistol. It has served as a basis for hunting and target .22 automatics to the present day. The Ruger has become the best in it’s class.
43. Beretta M 92/M9 Pistol. The pistol that finally unseated the Colt Model 1911A1 as a U.S. service arm. The M9 has been derided by 1911 fans since its introduction. However, it’s performance that counts, and the M9 delivers. It’s had a few problems, overblown problem with a few cracked slides in the 1980s, and some bad magazines (not the fault of Beretta!) in Iraq. The pistol is deadly accurate and highly reliable. The Beretta M9 is the quiet professional.
44. U.S. Krag Rifle. The U.S. Army’s first modern smokeless powder bolt action rifle. Although it was quickly obsolete, the Krag acquitted itself well in the Spanish American War and the Boxer Rebellion. The Krag introduced American shooters to the modern bolt action rifle. It is still revered for it quality of manufacture, great cartridge (30-40 Krag), smoothness, and accuracy.
45. Colt Detective Special Revolver. The first and most famous modern snub nose revolver. The Detective Special has it all, power, concealment, and 6 shots. The detective special set the pattern for all “snubbies” to follow. Plus, it has had a great movie career since its introduction in 1927.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Countdown of the 50 greatest guns.
This is a countdown of the 50 greatest classic firearms of all time. I have eliminated guns that are not generally available to the American public, such as the select fire Soviet AK-47 and World War II German STG-44 assault rifles. To make this list, the firearm in question has to be available to the public, made a significant contribution to the shooting sports or the national defense. From the bottom to the top, here are the first five.
46. S&W Chiefs Special Revolver. For years this small revolver was the gun carried by police chiefs, detectives, undercover operatives, and other armed professionals. The Chief’s Special was also popular with civilians; doctors, lawyers, and businessmen carried the chief’s special. It’s J-frame descendents are still excellent choices for concealed carry.
47. Browning Baby Pistol. This little .25 ACP pistol was the standard for deep concealment for decades. It’s a gun that could be carried concealed when everything else was too big. The Baby Browning was also a great back up gun, the modern equivalent of the derringer. After it could no longer be imported after 1968, several companies tried to copy it, but the quality and reliability of the original were never equaled.
48. Colt Python Revolver. The Python is the finest double action revolver ever made. From 1955 to the end of production in 1999, the Python was essentially hand built and fitted in the Colt factory. This resulted in the smoothest double action ever in a factory gun. Coupled with the best styling (ventilated rib and royal blue finish) and outstanding accuracy, the Python was and is a winner. It’s Colt classiest snake.
49. Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun. The first true pump action ambidextrous design, the Model 37 was the successor to the Winchester Model 97 trench gun and the Model 12 trench gun in the military. It was a regular item in police cars for decades. It’s a rugged and useful design for civilian hunting applications. The Model 37s’ high quality of manufacture gave the Model 37 excellent reputation for durability and reliability.
50. Winchester Model 1895 Rifle. This was a favorite of Theodore Roosevelt. In the potent .405 caliber, it accounted for African Lions and other dangerous game. In 30-40 Krag (.30 Caliber U.S. Government), the Model 1895 served law enforcement and was a private purchase item used by military officers in the Spanish American War. It’s greatest accomplishment, was the nearly 300,000 that served Tzarist Russia in 7.62x54 caliber. This was probably the largest military use of lever action rifles in history. It was the last and the best of the 19th century lever action rifles.
46. S&W Chiefs Special Revolver. For years this small revolver was the gun carried by police chiefs, detectives, undercover operatives, and other armed professionals. The Chief’s Special was also popular with civilians; doctors, lawyers, and businessmen carried the chief’s special. It’s J-frame descendents are still excellent choices for concealed carry.
47. Browning Baby Pistol. This little .25 ACP pistol was the standard for deep concealment for decades. It’s a gun that could be carried concealed when everything else was too big. The Baby Browning was also a great back up gun, the modern equivalent of the derringer. After it could no longer be imported after 1968, several companies tried to copy it, but the quality and reliability of the original were never equaled.
48. Colt Python Revolver. The Python is the finest double action revolver ever made. From 1955 to the end of production in 1999, the Python was essentially hand built and fitted in the Colt factory. This resulted in the smoothest double action ever in a factory gun. Coupled with the best styling (ventilated rib and royal blue finish) and outstanding accuracy, the Python was and is a winner. It’s Colt classiest snake.
49. Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun. The first true pump action ambidextrous design, the Model 37 was the successor to the Winchester Model 97 trench gun and the Model 12 trench gun in the military. It was a regular item in police cars for decades. It’s a rugged and useful design for civilian hunting applications. The Model 37s’ high quality of manufacture gave the Model 37 excellent reputation for durability and reliability.
50. Winchester Model 1895 Rifle. This was a favorite of Theodore Roosevelt. In the potent .405 caliber, it accounted for African Lions and other dangerous game. In 30-40 Krag (.30 Caliber U.S. Government), the Model 1895 served law enforcement and was a private purchase item used by military officers in the Spanish American War. It’s greatest accomplishment, was the nearly 300,000 that served Tzarist Russia in 7.62x54 caliber. This was probably the largest military use of lever action rifles in history. It was the last and the best of the 19th century lever action rifles.
Friday, November 5, 2010
45 Auto Rim: The unloved lovely.
It’s ironic that one of the best revolver cartridges is descended from an auto pistol. It’s also ironic that it’s one of the least known and least popular revolver cartridges. But that’s the way it is with the .45 Auto Rim (.45 AR). Even the cartridge development was backwards. Usually revolvers introduce new cartridges or and are redesigned for existing ones , in this case the revolver existed for 4 years before the cartridge was introduced.
This happened, because the in 1917, the United States declared war on the Central Powers. We were short of weapons of all types. We had the best combat handgun in the world, the Model 1911 .45 Automatic, but we did not have enough, nor could enough be made in time. Smith & Wesson chambered their large N frame revolver for the 45 ACP cartridge used in the Model 1911 pistol. Since the .45 ACP does not have a rim, it did not extract from double action swing out cylinder revolvers. A spring steel half moon clip was developed to hold the cartridges and engage the extractor. A collateral benefit was ease in loading or speed loading in combat situations. Both Colt and Smith & Wesson chambered their revolvers for the war effort and thousands served in the trenches with distinction.
After the war, a number of surplus Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 were available, as well as post war production from Smith & Wesson. The .45 Auto rim cartridge was introduced in 1921 as a way to lead the revolvers with a conventional cartridge without the using the half moon clips. The .45 Auto Rim is exactly that a 45 ACP with a large thick rim. It can be hand loaded using .45 ACP data but it can handle 250 gr. bullets as well as full wad cutter designs.
Handguns chambered in .45 Auto Rim usually possess uncommon accuracy, easy to hand load, shoot well with cast bullets, have mild recoil. It may be unloved, but it’s a winner.
This happened, because the in 1917, the United States declared war on the Central Powers. We were short of weapons of all types. We had the best combat handgun in the world, the Model 1911 .45 Automatic, but we did not have enough, nor could enough be made in time. Smith & Wesson chambered their large N frame revolver for the 45 ACP cartridge used in the Model 1911 pistol. Since the .45 ACP does not have a rim, it did not extract from double action swing out cylinder revolvers. A spring steel half moon clip was developed to hold the cartridges and engage the extractor. A collateral benefit was ease in loading or speed loading in combat situations. Both Colt and Smith & Wesson chambered their revolvers for the war effort and thousands served in the trenches with distinction.
After the war, a number of surplus Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 were available, as well as post war production from Smith & Wesson. The .45 Auto rim cartridge was introduced in 1921 as a way to lead the revolvers with a conventional cartridge without the using the half moon clips. The .45 Auto Rim is exactly that a 45 ACP with a large thick rim. It can be hand loaded using .45 ACP data but it can handle 250 gr. bullets as well as full wad cutter designs.
Handguns chambered in .45 Auto Rim usually possess uncommon accuracy, easy to hand load, shoot well with cast bullets, have mild recoil. It may be unloved, but it’s a winner.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The AZSA link to us.
Special thanks to The American Zoot Shooters Association (AZSA) and a hearty welcome to visitors from the AZSA site. The AZSA has added Old School Guns to their links. This is an honor for me and I hope it will generate interest in classic firearms and their use in Zoot Shooting. It’s great to have a shooting sport that focuses on these great pre 1939 guns and a very interesting and romantic era in our history. The 1920s and 1930s had it all, great guns, great cars, great movies, great radio, and great fashion. It also had the Great Depression, which gave rise to some of the most exciting criminals and lawmen in our history. I have a feeling this is going to be great.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thompson Model 1927A1
I always loved the gun that made the 20s roar. I grew up watching “The Untouchables” on TV. Robert Stack as Elliot Ness was my hero. Of course, if I had been of drinking age, I might have had different priorities! A long time ago, the prices for the original full auto Thompsons went way out of sight and my price range. I resigned myself to one on the long barrel semi auto M1927A1. Boy I’m glad I did. When I saw the machining on the finned barrel and the deep blue in the compensator I was very impressed. Overall quality was very high. It was like taking a trip back in time.
That was over 15 years ago, and I’m still crazy about the M1927A1. I have found a few things I would correct, the wood was not as contoured on the vertical grip as are the originals, the butt stock is more like the later M1 Thompson, and the rear sight was not the Lyman adjustable site that was on the original Model 1928 Thompson. So, I bit the bullet and changed out the site for an original Lyman, the butt stock and vertical grip will be addressed at a later date. The Lyman sights can be found for about $200 as of this writing. If you need one, get it now, they won’t be around forever.
There is no felt recoil, and the Model 1927A1 is very accurate. It fires the legendary 45 ACP cartridge and happily, it digests lead round nosed bullets without a problem. The hardest job is loading the magazines. The 50 round drum is a hoot, but it really is heavy. Since the Model 1927A1 fires from the closed bolt position, removing the empty drum is difficult and required the use of an metal “ third hand” device available from Auto Ordnance. The price is $7.00 and here’s the link; http://www.tommygunshop.com/cgi-bin/itemdetail.asp?itmid=295
The Thompson is big, heavy, beautifully made, and a classic in every sense. I can’t think of a gun that is more fun. Kahr Arms, which now owns Auto Ordnance, makes a couple of versions of the Model 1927A1. They include the standard model, a lightweight model with an aluminum receiver, a WW II military model and pa parkerized “Commando” model with black wood. There is also the factory made short barreled rifle(SBR) that can be purchased with additional BATF-E paperwork (in most states). The cost of this SBR is $2,500, a lot less than the conversion cost for a standard Model 1927A1. Very fun!
That was over 15 years ago, and I’m still crazy about the M1927A1. I have found a few things I would correct, the wood was not as contoured on the vertical grip as are the originals, the butt stock is more like the later M1 Thompson, and the rear sight was not the Lyman adjustable site that was on the original Model 1928 Thompson. So, I bit the bullet and changed out the site for an original Lyman, the butt stock and vertical grip will be addressed at a later date. The Lyman sights can be found for about $200 as of this writing. If you need one, get it now, they won’t be around forever.
There is no felt recoil, and the Model 1927A1 is very accurate. It fires the legendary 45 ACP cartridge and happily, it digests lead round nosed bullets without a problem. The hardest job is loading the magazines. The 50 round drum is a hoot, but it really is heavy. Since the Model 1927A1 fires from the closed bolt position, removing the empty drum is difficult and required the use of an metal “ third hand” device available from Auto Ordnance. The price is $7.00 and here’s the link; http://www.tommygunshop.com/cgi-bin/itemdetail.asp?itmid=295
The Thompson is big, heavy, beautifully made, and a classic in every sense. I can’t think of a gun that is more fun. Kahr Arms, which now owns Auto Ordnance, makes a couple of versions of the Model 1927A1. They include the standard model, a lightweight model with an aluminum receiver, a WW II military model and pa parkerized “Commando” model with black wood. There is also the factory made short barreled rifle(SBR) that can be purchased with additional BATF-E paperwork (in most states). The cost of this SBR is $2,500, a lot less than the conversion cost for a standard Model 1927A1. Very fun!
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