High Standard HDM

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High Standard HDM
Type	Suppressed Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1942 to Current
Used by	OSS, US Special Operations Forces, CIA
Wars	World War II, Cold War
Specifications
Weight	(47 oz), empty
Length	(13.815 in) Suppressor length x diameter= (7.75 x 1.0 in)
Barrel length	(6.75 in)
Height	(5 in)

Cartridge	.22 LR
Action	Blowback, SA
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	10-round single column, detachable box magazine
Sights	fixed Iron sights

The High Standard HDM is a modified High Standard HD model semiautomatic target pistol equipped with an integral sound suppressor. Originally adopted by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, the pistol is still found in US Inventories including that of the CIA, U.S. Marines, and Special Forces. Because of legal concerns during wartime, full metal jacketed .22 LR rounds were developed for this pistol.

[edit] Overview

The High Standard HDM is a conventional blowback-operated semiautomatic pistol fitted with an integral suppressor decreasing its report in excess of 20 dB. This pistol design was originally delivered 20 January 1944 and original contract models were blued with a Parkerized (phosphate) finish on the suppressor. Follow on models were completely Parkerized. Post World War II models produced for the CIA were also blued. The 10-round box magazine was interchangeable with that of the Colt Woodsman. The weapon has a frame mounted safety lever on the left in a similar position to the M1911A1 and Browning Hi-Power. The front sight is a fixed blade with a square notch rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage zero.

[edit] Operational traits

This weapon uses a heel-mounted magazine release. It is effective at short ranges when the low energy of the round fired is taken into account. The design is simple and typical of the period in which it was designed.