High Standard's Prototype World War One .45 ACP Pistol

Published on March 2, 2020
Duration: 9:29

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the rare High Standard .45 Prototype pistol, a World War I era design evolved from the Grant Hammond .45. The process involves a specific disassembly lever and is crucial for understanding its unique mechanical features. The video highlights the pistol's robust construction and its historical context within US military trials.

Quick Summary

The High Standard .45 Prototype is a rare WWI-era .45 ACP pistol, an evolution of the Grant Hammond .45. It features a short recoil, pivoting locking wedge action and dual recoil springs. Field stripping requires a specific disassembly lever. Only two are known to exist, making it a significant piece of firearms history.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to High Standard .45 Prototype
  2. 01:54Physical Overview and Comparison
  3. 03:04Barrel Markings and Patent Status
  4. 03:29Mechanical Evolution from Grant Hammond
  5. 04:13Disassembly and Internal Mechanism
  6. 06:55Sights, Trigger, and Frame Details
  7. 08:37Conclusion and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the High Standard .45 Prototype pistol?

The High Standard .45 Prototype is a rare semi-automatic pistol developed from the Grant Hammond .45 design for US military trials during World War I. It features a unique short recoil, pivoting locking wedge action and dual recoil springs.

How is the High Standard .45 Prototype disassembled?

Field stripping involves ensuring the firearm is unloaded, removing the magazine, rotating a specific disassembly lever, and then sliding the upper assembly off the frame. This process reveals its internal mechanisms.

What makes the High Standard .45 Prototype historically significant?

It represents a unique evolutionary step in .45 ACP pistol design during a critical period of US military arms development, showcasing High Standard's involvement beyond their more common .22 caliber offerings.

What are the key mechanical features of the High Standard .45 Prototype?

This pistol employs a short recoil operation with a pivoting locking wedge for breech security, dual recoil springs for cycling, and a single-action, external hammer-fired mechanism.

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