Freezing Pistol Test (Desert Eagle, Glock, M&P, CZ, Staccato, 1911)

Published on April 24, 2022
Duration: 29:06

This extreme test evaluated pistol reliability in sub-zero conditions by freezing them after drenching. Striker-fired pistols with hinged triggers, like the M&P 2.0 and Sig M18, performed best. Exposed hammers and external safeties proved to be significant liabilities, causing failures in many hammer-fired and 1911 platforms.

Quick Summary

Striker-fired pistols with hinged triggers, like the S&W M&P 2.0 and Sig M18, performed best in an extreme freezing test. Exposed hammers and external safeties, such as on 1911s, were major liabilities, often freezing solid or preventing trigger function.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Skinwalker Scenario
  2. 02:11Test Methodology: Dry Ice Freezing
  3. 03:00Baseline Function Check: All Pistols
  4. 05:25The Freezing Process: Drenching and Cooling
  5. 08:06Post-Freeze: Hammer-Fired Failures (M9, Hi-Power)
  6. 11:07Post-Freeze: Sig M18 Success
  7. 11:38Post-Freeze: Glock & CZ Failures
  8. 13:21Post-Freeze: M&P 2.0 Success
  9. 13:35Post-Freeze: High-End Pistols Fail (1911, USP)
  10. 16:18Post-Freeze: Revolver & Desert Eagle
  11. 18:09Conclusion: Best & Worst for Cold

Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of pistols performed best in the freezing test?

Striker-fired pistols with hinged triggers, such as the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 and the Sig M18, performed best. Their internal mechanisms and trigger leverage allowed them to overcome ice buildup more effectively than other designs.

Why did hammer-fired pistols like the Beretta M9 and Browning Hi-Power fail in the freezing test?

These hammer-fired pistols failed immediately because their exposed hammers and firing pin channels froze solid. The exposed nature of these components makes them highly susceptible to freezing and binding in extreme cold and wet conditions.

What role did external safeties play in the freezing pistol test failures?

External safeties, particularly the grip safety on 1911-style pistols, proved to be a significant liability. These safeties could freeze in the 'safe' position, preventing the trigger from being pulled and rendering the firearm inoperable.

How was the extreme cold simulated for the pistol test?

Since ambient temperatures in the Pacific Northwest weren't low enough, the test used dry ice (-78°F) to simulate extreme conditions. Pistols were drenched in water to ensure moisture entered the actions before being placed in a cooler with dry ice.

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