FN - Browning M 1903 pistol cross-section drawing.
Characteristics
Type: Single Action, Semi-automatic pistol Chamber: 9x20mm SR Browning Long, 7.65x17mm SR Browning (.32ACP) Weight unloaded: 930 g Length: 205 mm Barrel length: 127 mm Capacity: 7 rounds (9mm) or 8 rounds (7.65mm)
The M1903 was the second production blowback-operated pistol, designed by famous American arms designer John Browning by 1902 and patented in 1903. Also known as the Browning No.2 pistol, this design was a serious improvement over the older No.1 (FN - Browning M1900) pistol. At the same time Browning developed the recoil-operated M1900 for Colt. This design also was manufactured by the Colt Firearms Co of USA as the Colt M1903 pocket pistol, chambered in .32ACP (7.65mm). Both FN and Colt produced this design until 1930s. In Europe, The FN M1903 became a favorite police pistol, and also was adopted by several armies, included Belgian, Dutch, Turkish and Swedish ones, as well as by Imperial Russian police. It was manufactured in Sweden under license at Husqvarna Vapenfabriks from 1917 and until 1942, as the 9mm M/1907. In the USA, the Colt m1903 became popular as a civilian self-defense pistol, and also was issued to the senior army officers and generals as a standard self-defense weapon. FN built slightly less than 60 000 M1903 pistols, plus Husqvarna built another 94 000 pistols.
This pistol can be called as a forerunner of most semi-automatic pistols in the world, in one or another respect. Significantly underpowered by modern standards, it was, however, reliable, accurate and comfortable to carry and fire. It also offered much faster reloading procedure than any of contemporary military revolvers.
Technical description. The Browning M1903 (does not matter, if it was made by FN in Belgium or by Colt in USA), is a blowback operated, semi-automatic pistol. The recoil spring was located under the barrel, as in most modern pistols. The single action trigger unit has a concealed hammer (Colt also produced similar models with open hammers). The non-pivoting trigger is somewhat similar to the latter Colt/Browning M1911 trigger. Manual safety switch is located at the left side of the frame, above the grip panel. When engaged, it locks the sear and the slide. It also locks the slide in the open position for disassembly. Additional automatic grip safety locked the sear unless the gun is properly held in the palm. Barrel is locked to the frame by several radial ribs. To disassemble the pistol, one must retract the slide, lock it open with the safety, then rotate barrel out of engagement with the frame, and then remove barrel and slide. Automatic slide stop (hold open) device was also incorporated, with the visible lever located at the right side of the frame, above the triggerguard. Single stack magazine is inserted in to the butt and locked by the lever at the heel of the grip. Military issue pistols also had lanyard ring on the left side of the grip.
Sectional view drawing of the FN - Browning 1900 pistol.
Characteristics
Type: Single Action, semi-automatic pistol Chamber: 7.62x17mm SR (.32ACP) Weight unloaded: 625 g Length: 172 mm Barrel length: 102 mm Capacity: 7 rounds
The FN / Browning model 1900 pistol was a first of a long and extremely successful series of the Belgian-made pistols, designed by the American firearms genius John Moses Browning. The first semi-automatic, blowback operated pistol was designed by J. M. Browning circa 1896 and latter improved by the 1897. He offered his design to Belgian company FN Herstal circa 1898, and production began in 1899, as the Modele 1899. in 1900, this pistol, in slightly modified form (with barrel shortened from 122 to 102 mm), was adopted by Belgium as Mle.1900. Relatively simple and well designed, this pistol is also known as the Browning Number 1 pistol (Browning No.1). Widely used across Europe as a civilian and police sidearm, this was chambered for a new smokeless round, 7.62x17mm SR, which is also known in Americas as the .32ACP (.32 Colt Automatic). FN - Browning M1900 was widely copied in many countries, especially in S-E Asia. It was manufactured until the 1911 or so, with more than 700 000 pistols made.
Technical description.
The M1900 is a blowback operated, semi-automatic (self-loading) pistol. The barrel is fixed to the frame. The recoil spring is located within the slide and above the barrel. This spring, via special lever, also acts as a firing pin spring. M1900 is a striker fired, single action weapon. Unlike all latter designs, the ejection port is cut in the frame, and not in the slide. Safety switch is located at the left side, above the grip panel. Magazine is removable, is inserted into the pistol handle and holds 7 rounds. Magazine catch lever is located at the heel of the grip. Sights are fixed.
Bergmann "Mars" model 1903 pistol, made in Germany.
Bergmann Bayard model 1908 pistol, made in Belgium by Pieper.
Bergmann Bayard model 1910 pistol, made in Belgium by Pieper.
data for Bergmann Bayard model 1910 pistol
Type
Single Action semiautomatic
Caliber(s)
9x23 Bergmann (9mm Largo)
Weight unloaded
1020 g
Length
254 mm
Barrel length
102 mm
Magazine capacity
6 or 10 rounds
Theodor Bergmann was a German businessman, who eventually got himself involved in the development of the automatic arms early in the process. As early as in 1894 he brought up a semi-automatic pistol, designed for him by designer Louis Schmeisser. This pistol, along with a number of subsequent models, meet little success, but in around 1903 Bergmann brought to the market a completely new pistol, with recoil-operated action based on the machine gun, designed by the same Louis Schmeisser. The Bergmann Model 1903 pistol, also known as Bergmann "Mars", was chambered for a potent (by the standards of the time) cartridge, known as 9x23 Bergmann. Spanish military tested this pistol and ordered several thousands in 1905. In Spanish service the new 9x23 Bergmann cartridge became known as 9mm Largo, and the name stuck. Due to the very limited production capabilities of the Bergmann's own company, he subcontracted production to the Belgian company Societe Anonyme Anciens Establissments Pieper (AEP), which sold its guns under trade mark "Bayard". In 1908, Pieper produced an updated version of the pistol, known as Bergmann Bayard model 1908 pistol, and in 1910 came the definitive version of this gun, known as Bergmann Bayard model 1910. The Model 1910 pistol was adopted by Danish government, and several thousands of these pistols were built by Pieper for Danish army prior to the outbreak of the WW1. After the start of WW1, production of this pistol has stopped due to the occupation of Belgium, and it was never resumed later there. After the war, Danish government ordered several thousands of these guns to be built at state arsenals, and in 1921 all Danish pistols still in service were updated to the Model 1910/21 standard, and served in this modification until 1946.
Bergmann Bayard model 1910 pistol is a short recoil operated weapon. It uses short recoil system in which the separate bolt rides inside the rectangular barrel extension. The bolt protrudes from the barrel extension at the rear, and has two round knobs for manual retraction. Bolt locking is achieved by a vertically sliding block, which is located in the barrel extension. In the forward position of the moving parts, the locking block is forced upwards by the step in the frame, and engages the cut made on the underside of the bolt, securely locking it to the barrel extension. Upon recoil, the slope in the frame allows the block to fall down slightly and to leave the recess in the bolt, thus unlocking the bolt. The feed is from detachable box magazines, which hold cartridges in two vertical staggered rows. Magazines can be reloaded either when detached from the gun, or while in-place, using the charger clips through the ejection opening at the top (with the bolt locked back). Magazine housing is located in front of the trigger guard. Magazine release is located inside the trigger guard, at its front. Trigger is of single action type, with exposed hammer and a manual safety lever, which is located to the left of the hammer. To engage the safety, this lever must be turned up and forward.
Steyr M, the original version, which is no longer in production.
Steyr M-1A in .40SW caliber, version without manual safety.
Steyr M-1A in 9mm caliber, version with manual safety. Safety is in "ON" position (push-button with white dot immediately ahead of the trigger)
Steyr M-1A in 9mm caliber, version with manual safety. Safety is in "OFF" position (ready to fire; push-button is depressed up and into the frame). The pistol is also fitted with laser pointer.
Characteristics
Type: Double Action (Reset Action System) Chamber: .40 S&W, 9x19mm Para, .357 SIG Weight unloaded: 780g Length: 180 mm Barrel Length: 101 mm Capacity: 12 (.40 & .357) or 15 (9mm) rounds
The Steyr M series pistols were first announced in 1999. Steyr M pistols, along with compact version, Steyr S, which were made in Austria by the Steyr-Mannlicher GmbH & Co, are not made any more. Since the January 1st, 2004, the Steyr M and Steyr S pistols have been replaced in production by the slightly redesigned Steyr M-1A pistols. Steyr M1-A pistols feature redesigned grip and frame shape, and Picatinny rail (instead of the proprietary rail) under the barrel. Another change from original M series pistols is that M-1A pistols are now available in two variants, with or without manual safety. There are probably some more minor differences.
The Steyr M and M-1A pistols have probably the most ergonomic grip since the Luger's "Parabellum" pistol. The ideal 111 degrees grip angle, combined with low barrel axis, results in minimum muzzle jump and felt recoil, as well as in good "pointability". The unusual "trapezoid" sights, while uncommon in shape, provide good accuracy and acquisition speed, once shooter gets used to it. Reliability is also very good.
The Steyr M-1A pistols are short recoil operated, locked breech firearms. The barrel is operated by Browning cam system. Barrel locks into slide via large ejection window. The frame is made from high impact-resistant polymer, with integral Picatinny rail under the barrel. The slide stop lever and magazine release button are located on the left side of the frame. The Double Action trigger controls the internal striker. The unusual safety system consists of several separate safeties, including the automatic trigger and firing pin safeties, as well as unusual manual safety and internal lock. When the lock is engaged, it completely blocks the operation of pistol. The safety is controlled with dual buttons, which are located just above the trigger guard on both sides of the frame. When buttons are depressed simultaneously, the safety button springs down from the frame, and the trigger is blocked. To turn the safety off for fire, a shooter must push the safety button up with its index finger. There also is a version of the M-1A pistol which doesn't have a manual safety. The standard sights feature a trapezoid rear sight and a triangle front. Both sights are dovetailed into the slide and can be replaced with variety of the factory or aftermarket sights in various configurations.
can't found a video of Steyr M only M-1A here the video
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Type: Double Action Chamber: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum Weight: 845 g empty; 1285 g loaed Length: 216 mm Barrel length: 136 mm Capacity: 18 rounds
The development of the GB pistol was started by Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG (now Steyr-Mannliher AG), Austria, in the early 1970s, when the Austrian army announced its plans to replace aging P38s and High Powers with the new pistol. Original design, labelled as PI-18, was developed in 1974, and final version, called GB, entered production in 1981. The production of the GB was ceased circa 1988, after some 15.000 to 20.000 pistols had been produced.
The GB is a blowback-operated, gas-retarded blowback semi auto pistol. It uses some of the hot powder gases, feed from the barrel into the front part of the slide, to slow down the retraction of the slide before the bullet leave the barrel. This scheme was developed by German engineer Barnitzke at the end of the WW2. The gas brake is formed by the barrel, its bushing and the slide.
The trigger of the GB is of double action design, with the slide mounted decocker lever. GB also featured firing pin block that unlocks the firing pin only when the trigger is completely depressed.
The frame and the slide is made from carbon steel with special high-strenght finish. Barrel has polygonal rifling and is chrome lined, and solidly attached to the frame.
The sights are fixed and featured white-dot inserts (one in the front sight blade and two - around the rear sights notch).
Some early GBs were manufactured with steel grip panels, with all the rest manufactured with plastic checkered grips.
Thanks to its gas-retarded blowback design and solid weight, that resulted in low felt recoil, and to the barrel with polygonal rifling, that toesn't move when firing, the Steyr GB displayed wery good accuracy. The reliability is also adequate, at least. While the GB failed at the Austrian and USA Army pistol trials (won respectively by Glock 17 and Beretta 92FS-B), it was used by some Law Enforcement and Special Operations forces, and also was sold to civilians in Europe and USA.
family of 9x19mm Glock pistols. .40SW and .357SIG pistols are of same dimensions
family of .45ACP Glock pistols. 10mm Auto pistols are of same dimensions
family of 9x17mm (.380ACP) Glock pistols.
X-ray photo of the typical Glock pistol. Note that most of its construction is made of highly contrast steel, easily detectable by X-ray, magnetic and other sensors
9mm Glock pistols
Glock 17
Glock 19
Glock 26
Glock 34
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
9x19
Weight, empty
625 g
595 g
560 g
650 g
Length
204 mm
187 mm
165 mm
224 mm
Barrel length
114 mm
102 mm
88 mm
135 mm
Capacity
17 rounds
15 rounds
10 rounds
17 rounds
9x17mm / .380ACP Glock pistols
Glock 25
Glock 28
Glock 42
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
9x17mm / .380ACP
Weight, empty
570 g
529 g
390 g
Length
187 mm
165 mm
151 mm
Barrel length
102 mm
88 mm
83 mm
Capacity
15 rounds
10 rounds
6 rounds
.357SIG Glock pistols
Glock 31
Glock 32
Glock 33
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
.357SIG (9x22mm)
Weight, empty
660 g
610 g
560 g
Length
204mm
187mm
165mm
Barrel length
114 mm
102 mm
88 mm
Capacity
15 rounds
13 rounds
9 rounds
.40S&W Glock pistols
Glock 22
Glock 23
Glock 27
Glock 35
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
.40S&W (10x22mm)
Weight, empty
650 g
600 g
560 g
695 g
Length
204mm
187mm
165mm
224mm
Barrel length
114 mm
102 mm
88 mm
135 mm
Capacity
15 rounds
13rounds
9 rounds
15 rounds
10mm Auto Glock pistols
Glock 20
Glock 29
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
10mm Auto (10x25)
Weight, empty
785 g
700 g
Length
209mm
177mm
Barrel length
117 mm
96 mm
Capacity
15rounds
10rounds
.45GAP Glock pistols
Glock 37
Glock 38
Glock 39
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
.45GAP (11.43x19)
Weight, empty
735 g
685 g
548 g
Length
204mm
187mm
165mm
Barrel length
114 mm
102 mm
88 mm
Capacity
10 rounds
8 rounds
6 rounds
.45ACP Glock pistols
Glock 21
Glock 30
Glock 36
Glock 41
Trigger type
Safe action
Caliber
.45ACP
Weight, empty
745 g
680 g
570 g
765 g
Length
209mm
177mm
177mm
226mm
Barrel length
117 mm
96 mm
96 mm
135 mm
Capacity
13 rounds
10 rounds
6 rounds
13 rounds
In 1980, the Austrian army announced trials with the intention of obtaining a new military handgun, to replace the obsolescent Walther P38 pistols.
Participants in the trials included such designs as the Steyr GB, Heckler & Koch P7M13, SIG-Sauer P220 and P225, Beretta 92S, and the previously unheard of Glock model 17. In 1982 the Austrian army officially adopted the brand new Glock 17 as the Pistole 80 (Р80), and starting from 1986 Glock pistols gradually replaced the older P38 in military service. And in the following years, thanks to unorthodox design and aggressive marketing, Glock pistols became one of the most popular combat handguns, being adopted by numerous military and law enforcement forces worldwide.
The creation of the Glock 17 pistol is a very interesting and successful attempt to develop a firearm using the “clean sheet” concept. Instead of adopting an existing design to meet the requirements, Gaston Glock, owner of a relatively small company Glock GmbH, called for the best designers and experts and asked them to create an ideal pistol. It was clear that the Austrian Army wanted a defensive pistol – simple, reliable, lightweight and inexpensive. The Glock team accordingly created what would be called the most utilitarian pistol of recent decades. The low weight was achieved by using a polymer frame – a solution probably borrowed from the Austrian Stg.77 (Steyr AUG) assault rifle, adopted in 1978. Simplicity of operation combined with a minimum number of parts were achieved by using patented “safe action” trigger system, which has no manual safeties.
After initial success with the basic Glock 17 pistol and its smaller counterpart, the Glock 19 (which appeared in 1988), Glock company developed and brought to market a large number of models, based on the same basic design and available in every major caliber from 9x17 Browning up to 10mm Auto and .45ACP and in a variety of configurations, from subcompact concealed carry models to full-size service models and long-slide sport pistols.
There are four generations of production Glock pistols.
First generation lasted between 1986 and 1990, and included only the Glock 17 and 19 pistols.
Second generation pistols, which also included pistols chambered for .357SIG, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto and .45 ACP, had slightly different frames with textured grips.
Third generation entered production in 1998, when pistols received integral accessory rails below the barrel, finger-grooved grips and improved extractors which also serve as a loaded chamber indicators.
Fourth generation, introduced in 2010, offered grips with replacement backstraps, enlarged magazine release buttons which can be installed on either side of the gun, and some minor internal improvements.
It must be noted that while many experts describe Glock pistols as having a “revolutionary design”, in fact it was the result of carefully considered evolution, incorporating previously-known solutions into one extremely practical, rugged package. For example, polymer pistol frames had been known for ten years before the introduction of the Glock 17 (i.e. Heckler-Koch VP70 pistol); automated safeties built into the trigger were known from the 1930s (Sauer Model 30 pistol), and pre-cocked firing pins from the first decade of the 20th Century (Roth-Steyr M1907).
While extreme ruggedness, affordable price and ease of use made Glock pistols top sellers for three decades, they also had few issues. The first was ergonomics – the Glock pistol was originally designed for Army use, and was intended to be an “one size fits all” proposition. In fact, the square-shaped grip of the typical full-size Glock is of less than ideal shape, at least for many shooters, the author included. This issue was corrected recently with introduction of the 4th Generation Glock pistols.
The second issue is the famed “safe-action” trigger. There have been quite a few accidental and negligent discharges with Glock pistols, because of the lack of any manual safeties combined with a relatively low trigger pull weight. Upgrades such as the “New York trigger pack”, which included heavier springs, did helped a little, but in this configuration there were few advantages over the other pistols with DAO triggers, which were as safe to fire as upgraded Glocks, but allowed a rapid second strike in the case of a misfire. Of course, the basic reason for these accidents was insufficient training of the users involved, but it is customary for most people to blame tools for operator errors.
Glock pistols are short recoil operated, locked breech weapons, except for two models (Glock 25 and 28), which are chambered for low-power 9x17 Browning (.380ACP) ammunition, and use a blowback action. The barrel is locked into the slide by a single large lug, which engages the ejection window in the top of the slide. Unlocking upon recoil is achieved by a single cam-shaped lug, which interacts with the steel insert, molded into the polymer frame. The same insert also holds the slide rails, which cannot be replaced in the frame in the case of wear or damage. The patented “safe-action” trigger system has a firing pin, with the mainspring being preloaded during the reloading cycle. The full cocking of the striker is achieved only by the pull of the trigger. There are no manual safeties on Glock pistols. Automated safeties include the trigger safety, which blocks the trigger if it is not pulled properly, the firing pin block, and the out-of-battery disconnector, which does not permit fire if the barrel is not fully locked to the slide. Double-stack, single feed magazines are made from polymer, the standard magazine capacity for the Glock 17 being 17 9mm rounds, with extended magazines available in 19 and 33 round capacity. Compact and most sub-compact models normally are supplied with shorter magazines, but can accept longer magazines of the same caliber (i.e. Glock 19 would accept magazines from Glock 17). Some sub-compact “Slim line” Glock pistols, such as Model 36 or Model 42, use single stack magazines which are not interchangeable with other models. The standard sights are fixed, with the rear sight dovetailed to the frame. Latest generation pistols also feature integral accessory rails on the frame, below the barrel.
Glock 18 pistols, which are about the only full-auto capable pistols currently made in the world, have slightly different dimensions of slide to frame rails, so the Glock 18 slide with its fire selector mechanism cannot be installed on any other 9mm frame. However, several companies now offer add-on modules, which can convert any Glock pistol to selective fire. Such modules are usually installed at the rear of the slide, replacing the rear slide plate, while original Glock 18 pistols have a fire mode selector mounted on the left side of the slide.
