US Military Handguns since 1776

This video explores the history of US Military sidearms from 1899 to 2025, featuring iconic firearms that have served the armed forces. The presenter highlights four key models as primary sidearms: the Smith and Wesson Military and Police .38 Special (also known as the .38 Hand Ejector or Model 10), the Auto Ordnance 1911 A1, the Beretta 92FS (designated M9), and the Sig Sauer P320 M17. The video aims to provide a historical overview by using these representative firearms.

This video details the evolution from the classic 1911 pistol to the modern 2011 platform, highlighting John Moses Browning's original design and its limitations. It covers the transition to higher-capacity, double-stack designs, pioneered by companies like Para-Ordnance and later STI (now Staccato) and SVI. The content emphasizes the 2011's adoption by law enforcement and its current status as a versatile, high-performance handgun.

This video from Legacy Collectibles showcases a remarkable collection of rare World War II pistols acquired during the speaker's absence. The expert highlights specific models like the Walther PPK, Krieghoff Luger, Walther P.38 Zero Series and AC 41, Mauser Banner and 'Black Widow' Lugers, and a Kongsberg M/1914. The detailed examination of markings, serial numbers, and historical context demonstrates a high level of expertise in collectible firearms.

This video delves into the historical evolution of the Beretta 92FS pistol's frame design, specifically highlighting differences in the dust cover (slanted vs. straight) and grip contours (scalloped/radiused vs. non-radiused). It breaks down the variations into 'Modern Frame', 'Old Frame', and 'Transitional Frame' categories, providing a visual comparison and listing specific models associated with each frame type. The content is geared towards firearm enthusiasts interested in the technical and historical aspects of this iconic handgun.

This video details the history and development of the Heckler & Koch USP pistol, highlighting its innovative design features like the modular trigger system and patented recoil reduction. It contrasts the USP with its predecessor, the Mark 23, and discusses its adoption challenges in law enforcement due to pricing. The review emphasizes the USP's durability and adaptability for various roles.

This video provides a review of Edward Ezell's "Handguns of the World" book. The reviewer, initially skeptical of its "coffee table" nature, was pleasantly surprised by the book's detailed historical and technical information on military handguns. The 704-page, black and white publication features numerous drawings, diagrams, and photographs, exploring the development of pistol families like the 1911 and Beretta automatics, as well as military revolvers from the Colt Paterson era. The reviewer highlights the extensive research evident in Ezell's work.

This short showcases the historical 1855 Springfield rifle musket firing a .58 caliber Minie ball. It demonstrates the traditional muzzle-loading process with black powder and a percussion cap. The video highlights the satisfying impact on a gong, offering a glimpse into historical ballistics and firearm handling.

This review covers the Uberti reproduction of the 1860 Henry Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first successful lever-action. It details the unique loading mechanism, design flaws like the open magazine, and its evolution from Volcanic Arms to the Winchester 1866. The video demonstrates its rapid-fire capability and discusses its legacy as a precursor to modern lever-action firearms.

The 500 S&W Magnum, built on the X-frame, is a handgun designed for extreme power, dwarfing the .44 Magnum. It demonstrates significant recoil and impressive penetration capabilities, capable of passing through over 2,100 pages of a medical textbook. While not ideal for precision shooting due to blast and recoil, it serves as a powerful novelty or specialized hunting tool.

This video features a detailed look at a Mauser Kar 98K BYF 43, showcasing its historical significance and practical performance. Hickok45 demonstrates its accuracy on steel targets, discusses its all-matching condition, and explains the functionality of stripper clips for reloading. The review also touches on the rifle's historical context, the Mauser bolt-action design's influence, and the 8mm Mauser caliber's characteristics.