Classic Handguns of the 20th Century. David Arnold

tion>

      

       CLASSIC HANDGUNS

       of the 20th Century

       David W. Arnold

      ©2004 David W. Arnold

       Published by

       700 East State Street • Iola, WI 54990-0001 715-445-2214 • 888-457-2873www.krause.com

      Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain

      a free catalog is [phone].

      All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio or television.

      Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2004100739

       ISBN: 0-87349-576-4

      eISBN: 978-1-44022-411-9

      Designed by Brian Brogaard

       Edited by Joel Marvin

      Printed in the United States of America

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      The idea for compiling this book originated several years ago when I was editor of G&A HANDGUNS, a Primedia magazine. It was decided to run a short series called “CLASSIC HANDGUNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY” that would examine some of the more notable handguns of that period.

      After compiling the first few articles of the series, I quickly realized I was just scratching the surface and that the only way to do full justice to the subject was to write a book. I am grateful for being allowed to use some of the material previously used in the original HANDGUNS magazine series.

      A number of people have helped in the compilation of this book. First is my lovely wife, Patricia, who has devoted many long hours creating the color renditions of all the handguns covered in this study.

      I am grateful to Frank James for his assistance in compiling the chapter on the Glock pistol. Glen Barnes gave valuable assistance in researching the Walther P38.

      Providing photographs to illustrate the various chapters proved to be quite a challenge and would not have been possible without the kind assistance of the following people.

      Garry James was kind enough to allow me to photograph a number of handguns from his personal collection. Glen Barnes also helped by providing photographs from his extensive handgun collection.

      Others who loaned me guns to photograph were Jeff John, Marty Kovacs, Jan Libourel, Jerry Lee, Lou Page, George Pedersen and Jerry Usher.

      I am also indebted to my good friend Jan Libourel, editor of Gun World magazine, who kindly reviewed the text for accuracy. He offered a number of useful corrections and suggestions.

      Finally, I must thank Don Gulbrandsen of Krause publications for his assistance and encouragement. To all the above mentioned and anyone I may have omitted, I tender my heartfelt thanks.

      David W. Arnold

      Canyon Country, California

       CONTENTS

       Acknowledgments

       Introduction

       Chapter 1 The Colt Single-Action Army Revolver

       Chapter 2 The German P08 Luger

       Chapter 3 The Colt 45 Government Model of 1911

       Chapter 4 The Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model 10 Revolver

       Chapter 5 The Colt Detective Special Revolver

       Chapter 6 The Walther PP, PPK and PPK/S Double-Action Auto Pocket Pistol

       Chapter 7 The Walther P38 Double-Action Auto Pistol

       Chapter 8 The Browning P-35 High Power

       Chapter 9 The Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum (Model 27) Revolver

       Chapter 10 The Ruger Standard 22 Pistol

       Chapter 11 The Smith & Wesson Model 39 Double-Action Pistol

       Chapter 12 The Colt Python 357 Magnum Revolver

       Chapter 13 The Ruger Blackhawk 357 Magnum Single-Action Revolver

       Chapter 14 The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum

       Chapter 15 The Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum (Model 29) Revolver

       Chapter 16 The Smith & Wesson Model 60 Revolver

       Chapter 17 The Beretta Model 92

       Chapter 18 The Heckler & Koch P7 Squeeze-Cocking Auto Pistol

       Chapter 19 The Sig-Sauer P226 De-Cocking Double-Action Auto Pistol

       Chapter 20 The Glock 17 “Safe Action” Pistol

       Chapter 21