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

Published on April 24, 2022
Duration: 29:06

This guide details an extreme cold weather reliability test for various pistols, including the Sig Sauer M18, Glock 17 Gen 3, S&W M&P 2.0, and Desert Eagle. The test involves drenching firearms in water and freezing them with dry ice to assess their functionality under sub-zero conditions. The expert analysis highlights that striker-fired pistols with hinged triggers generally perform better in such extreme environments compared to those with exposed hammers or external safeties.

Quick Summary

In extreme cold weather pistol tests, striker-fired firearms with hinged triggers, like the Sig Sauer M18 and S&W M&P 2.0, demonstrated superior reliability. Pistols with exposed hammers or external safeties, such as 1911s and the Beretta M9, were found to be highly susceptible to freezing and failure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Scenario
  2. 02:11Test Methodology
  3. 03:00Baseline Function Check
  4. 05:25The Freezing Process
  5. 08:06Post-Freeze Testing: Hammer-Fired Failures
  6. 11:07Post-Freeze Testing: Sig M18 Success
  7. 11:38Post-Freeze Testing: Glock and CZ Failures
  8. 13:21Post-Freeze Testing: M&P 2.0 Success
  9. 13:35Post-Freeze Testing: High-End Pistols
  10. 16:18Post-Freeze Testing: Revolver and Desert Eagle
  11. 18:09Final Analysis and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Which types of pistols are most reliable in extreme cold weather?

Striker-fired pistols with hinged triggers, such as the Sig Sauer M18 and Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0, tend to be the most reliable in extreme cold. Their internal mechanisms are less prone to freezing compared to firearms with exposed hammers or external safeties.

Why did the Glock 17 Gen 3 fail the freezing test?

The Glock 17 Gen 3 failed because its trigger safety, often referred to as the 'dingus,' froze in place, preventing the trigger from being pulled. This highlights how external safeties can be a liability in freezing conditions.

How did the Desert Eagle perform in the freezing test?

The Desert Eagle initially failed to fire due to freezing. While it could be made to fire after being de-iced with warm water, it experienced significant cycling issues, indicating severe impairment from the extreme cold.

What are the key takeaways from the pistol freezing test?

The test emphasizes that exposed hammers and external safeties are significant failure points in freezing environments. Striker-fired designs with internal mechanisms and robust trigger systems offer better reliability under extreme cold and moisture conditions.

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