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Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol

1908 Colt Vest Pocket model with wooden grips
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Production history
Designer John Moses Browning
Manufacturer Colt's Manufacturing Company
Produced 1908-1948
Specifications
Weight 13 ounces
Length 4.5 inch
Barrel length 2 inch (51 mm)
Caliber .25 ACP
Action semi-automatic, single action
Feed system 6 round detachable magazine
Sights fixed Iron sights

The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action pistol. Manufactured by the Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1908 to 1948, it was marketed as a small concealable firearm which could be easily tucked into a gentleman’s vest pocket for unobtrusive carry. Created by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908 followed Browning’s earlier European version, introduced by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal as the FN Model 1905. Both pistols were chambered for the Browning-invented .25 ACP (Automatic Colt pistol) cartridge.[1]

Contents

[edit] Features and options

Known as the Model ‘N’ internally within Colt, the 1908 Vest Pocket is a diminutive 4.5 inches long, and sports a 2 inch barrel. Weighing a mere 13 ounces, it is fed by a six round single column magazine.[2] The pistol’s fixed open iron sights were rather small and rudimentary, but typical for small hideout automatics of its era. Colt's advertising and marketing literature of the time highly touted the advanced safety features of the Model 1908, including a standard slide-locking safety catch, as well as a grip safety. In 1916 Colt engineer George Tansley invented a third safety feature for the pistol, the magazine safety disconnector, which prevented accidental firing with the magazine removed. This additional safety device was added to production in 1916 or 1917 in the latter 139,000 serial number range, and patented by Colt in 1917. Proud of the state-of-the-art technology represented by this advance, Colt included a green brochure marking its inclusion with every Model 1908 sold for a year after its introduction. Additionally, in approximately the 280,000 serial number range, the left side slide inscription was altered to include the patent date for the disconnector, also known as the “Tansley Device”.[1]

[edit] Finishes

The ‘Vest Pocket’ was mainly produced with the famous highly polished lustrous Colt Royal blue finish, featuring color-casehardening of the safety catch, grip safety, and trigger. A second popular option was polished nickel plate, and various specialty and customer order finishes were also available, including gold and silver plating, as well as ornate engraving. Standard grip materials available included black hard rubber in both square and round top configurations, and finely checked walnut. All factory grips sported a medallion emblazoned with the famous ‘rampant Colt’ which was available in 2 differing styles. More elaborate grip options were also offered, such as Ivory (both plain and carved), as well as mother of pearl.[1]

[edit] Production

In 40 years of production a total of approximately 420,705 Model 1908 pistols were manufactured, pausing only during 1943-1945 due to the demands of wartime production.[1]

Year Starting serial Production
for year		 Year Starting serial Production
for year		 Year Starting serial Production
for year		 Notes
1908 1 850 1922 315200 12,825 1936 399600 2,035
1909 850 22,250 1923 328025 11,725 1937 401635 3,865
1910 23100 19,100 1924 339750 13,250 1938 405500 500
1911 42200 19,300 1925 353000 4,000 1939 406001 1,800
1912 61500 20,400 1926 357000 6,950 1940 407800 1,000
1913 81900 21,000 1927 363950 8,050 1941 ? 4
1914 102900 20,550 1928 372000 3,350 1942 409061 1
1915 123450 10,400 1929 375350 6,900 1943 N/A 0 Wartime production shutdown
1916 133850 21,825 1930 382250 5,350 1944 N/A 0 Wartime production shutdown
1917 155675 19,375 1931 387600 5,200 1945 N/A 0 Wartime production shutdown
1918 175050 19,750 1932 392800 2,300 1946 408600 1,000
1919 194800 43,000 1933 395100 1,900 1947 420500 200
1920 237800 43,000 1934 397000 1,750 1948 ? 1
1921 280800 34,400 1935 398750 850

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d [1] Colt autos website. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  2. ^ [2] Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide. Accessed June 6, 2008.


.45 Super
Type Pistol
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designer Dean Grennell
Designed 1988
Produced 1988—
Specifications
Parent case .451 Detonics
Bullet diameter .451 in (11.5 mm)
Neck diameter .473 in (12.0 mm)
Base diameter .476 in (12.1 mm)
Rim diameter .480 in (12.2 mm)
Rim thickness .049 in (1.2 mm)
Case length .898 in (22.8 mm)
Overall length 1.275 in (32.4 mm)
Primer type Large pistol
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
185 gr (12.0 g) FMC 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) 805 ft·lbf (1,091 J)
200 gr (13 g) FMC 1,200 ft/s (370 m/s) 639 ft·lbf (866 J)
230 gr (15 g) FMC 1,100 ft/s (340 m/s) 618 ft·lbf (838 J)
Source: Notpufect website[1]

The .45 Super is a smokeless powder center fire metallic firearm cartridge developed in 1988 by Dean Grennells, a well known writer in the firearms field as well as managing editor of Gun World magazine.[2][3] Born of a desire to update and improve the 1911 era .45 ACP, the .45 Super cartridge is dimensionally identical with the older .45 round, but offers an average 300 foot per second (f/s) improvement in muzzle velocity.[4]

[edit] Development history

The respected .45 ACP chambering has remained popular throughout its nearly 100 year history; many authorities in the firearms field believe it to be one of the finest examples of the handgun ammunition genre ever developed.[1] Even so, weaponry aficionados have always displayed a fascination with the concept of firearm and cartridge modernization and improvement, in the case of ammunition usually involving additional velocity and muzzle energy.[1] Though it has performed well for many years and is well liked, even the venerable .45 ACP has not proven to be immune from this aspiration.

In 1988 a Gun World magazine article detailed the efforts of staff editor Grennells to update the aging .45 ACP for the 21st Century, a difficult endeavor due to the inherent design limitations of the veteran round.[1] Introduced in the early 20th century, the .45 auto has a relatively large case capacity which was dictated by the relatively slow burning powders in use at the time of its development; as a result, it operates in the modest range of 19,900 – 22,000 Copper units of pressure (CUP). In contrast, current day magnum cartridges using faster burning modern nitrocellulose powders can produce pressures in the 28,000 – 39,000 CUP range.[1] As it was originally designed for lower pressures, the .45 ACP has relatively thin walls and weak case head and web specifications; it can’t reliably contain increased pressures. The layout of most model 1911 .45 ACP chambers presents yet another challenge in that the case head is not fully supported in the cartridge feed ramp area;[2] pushing the envelope in this critical area with too much pressure risks a catastrophic failure, resulting in a case busting in the chamber.[1] To rule out such a dangerous possibilty, Grennells chose to use brass formed from the stronger and more modern .451 Detonics chambering, shortened to the overall length of the .45 ACP design.[2] Support for the case head was also addressed by adopting a new chamber and barrel design which reinforces the base area of the case.[1] Other areas of the model 1911 pistol design were also strengthened, including the addition of a heavier recoil spring and a strengthened firing pin redesigned to prevent primer material from flowing into the firing pin channel under high chamber pressures.[2] A few manufacturers such as Springfield Armory and Heckler & Koch offer models such as H&K’s USP rated to fire the Super ‘right out of the box’.[1] Although they will chamber, the firing of .45 Super rounds in non-rated standard .45 ACP automatics is not recommended, as doing so risks a case failure in the unsupported chamber and at the very least would batter the slide and almost certainly shorten the life of the pistol.[1][5]

[edit] Ballistics

A number of bullet weight and velocity combinations are offered in .45 Super, including a 185 grain bullet propelled at 1,300 f/s, a 200 grain at 1,200 f/s, and a 230 grain at 1,100 f/s.[3][5]

[edit] Current Status

Texas based Starline Brass company eventually began marketing factory manufactured brass casings for the chambering, taking the round out of the obscure wildcat cartridge realm. In addition, Ace Custom .45’s Inc. of Cleveland, Texas trademarked the .45 Super name in 1994 and currently markets factory .45 Super pistols, as well as gunsmith adaptations of .45 ACP pistols, and .45 ACP conversion kits. Texas Ammunition offers factory loaded ammunition which is marketed by Ace Customs and others.[1][3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d [1] Colt autos website. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  2. ^ [2] Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide. Accessed June 6, 2008.


Taurus Millennium PT145

Taurus PT145
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Flag of Brazil Brazil
Production history
Manufacturer Forjas Taurus S/A
Specifications
Weight 22.6 ounces
Length 6 in
Barrel length 3.27 in
Caliber .45 ACP
Action semi-automatic, Double/Single action
Feed system 10 round magazine
Sights fixed open sights

The .44 Special or .44 S&W Special is a smokeless powder center fire metallic revolver cartridge developed by Smith & Wesson in 1907 as the standard chambering for their New Century revolver, introduced in 1908.[6]

[edit] Development history

In the hardscrabble days of the late 1800s American frontier, large .44 and .45 caliber cartridges were considered the epitomes of handgun ammunition for self protection and hunting. Blackpowder-based rounds such as the .44 American, .44 Russian, .44-40 Winchester, and .45 Colt enjoyed a well-earned reputation for effective terminal ballistics, accuracy, and reliability.[7]

With the dawn of the 20th century, Smith & Wesson decided to celebrate the new epoch by introducing a brand new revolver design which they appropriately called the New Century model, also known as the .44 Hand Ejector, or 1st Model of 1908. In common parlance of the time it also become known as the Triple Lock.[8]

Smith & Wesson wished to pair their ground-breaking revolver design with a worthy new ammunition chambering.[8] In the early 1900s the state-of-the-art in ammunition technology was defined by the advent of smokeless powder; older blackpowder ammunition was in the process of being converted to smokeless. Smith and Wesson's popular .44 Russian cartridge had established a reputation for superb accuracy and was a renowned target loading, and they decided to use an improved smokeless powder version as the basis for the new round. Due to the lower energy density of the early semi-smokeless powders, prior efforts to convert the .44 Russian to smokeless had produced less than stellar ballistic performance. Smith & Wesson addressed this issue by lengthening the .44 Russian cartridge case design by 0.200 inch, increasing the powder capacity by 6 grains.[9] The resulting design, which S&W called the .44 Special, had an overall case length of 1.16 inch.[8]

[edit] Ballistics

Unfortunately the ballistics of the new cartridge merely duplicated the 246 grain bullet @ 755 ft/s statistics of the .44 Russian, when performance rivaling that of the .45 Colt and close to the .44-40 was possible. Nevertheless, the .44 Special retained its progenitor's reputation for accuracy.[6]

[edit] The .44 Special Associates

Almost from its introduction, firearms enthusiasts and cartridge handloaders saw that the potential of the .44 Special chambering was far from being realized and by the end of the 1920s were loading it to much higher bullet velocities than factory standards.[8] Led by articles in firearms periodicals penned by gun writers such as Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton, a loose cadre of enthusiastic fans who called themselves the ‘.44 Special Associates’ formed.[8] Trading information such as .44 Special handloading data and tips regarding the conversion of revolvers to .44, they proliferated the belief espoused by many firearms authorities and experts that the .44 Special chambering is one of the best overall in the handgun realm.[7][8][10][11]

[edit] Elmer Keith and the Magnums

Keith, one of the most famous and popular firearms related authors at the time, developed a number of classical heavy handloads for the .44 Special, many are still highly regarded today.[8][12] He also championed the concept of higher powered big-bore revolvers with Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms, eventually leading to the development of the .41 and .44 Magnums.[12]

[edit] Current usage and loadings

Unfortunately the hype and excitement which surrounded the .44 Magnum round when it was released in the mid 1950’s eclipsed the .44 Special, causing it to fall out of popularity with firearms manufacturers. As a result, gunmakers offered fewer revolver models chambered in .44 Special for several years.[8][10][12] Recently the .44 Special has experienced somewhat of a resurgence, as shooters have realized that the heavily recoiling Magnum round is really "too much pistol" for many applications.[10] A key factor fueling the Special’s comeback is its ability to be fired in .44 Magnum revolvers; since the Magnum design is based on a lengthened .44 Special casing, the Special has become an attractive alternative for reduced velocity target shooting and plinking.[8] The recent popularity of cowboy action shooting has also helped peak interest in the .44 Special, motivating firearms manufacturers to offer modern and reproduction revolvers chambered for this classic cartridge.[13] Currently a variety of factory ammunition loadings are available in .44 Special, including bullet weights of 135, 165, 180, 200, 240, 246, and 250 grains at various velocity levels.[14] Special High performance terminal ballistic loads are also offered, such as the Hornady, Winchester Silvertip, Speer Gold Dot, Federal, Cor-Bon, and various other jacketed hollow point and Soft point designs.[15]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d [1] Colt autos website. Accessed June 6, 2008.
  2. ^ [2] Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide. Accessed June 6, 2008.



.44 S&W Russian
Type Revolver
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designer Smith & Wesson
Designed 1870
Manufacturer Smith & Wesson
Produced 1870—
Specifications
Parent case .44 S&W American
Bullet diameter .429 in (10.9 mm)
Neck diameter .456 in (11.6 mm)
Base diameter .456 in (11.6 mm)
Rim diameter .515 in (13.1 mm)
Rim thickness .060 in (1.5 mm)
Case length 0.970 in (24.6 mm)
Overall length 1.43 in (36 mm)
Primer type Large pistol
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
245 gr (15.9 g) lead round nose 750 ft/s (230 m/s) 310 ft·lbf (420 J)

The .44 S&W Russian center fire blackpowder cartridge was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1870.[16]

[edit] Development History

In the early 1870s, General Alexander Gorloff, the Military Attaché assigned to the Russian Embassy in Washington, approached Smith & Wesson about the possibility of negotiating a Military sales contract for the purchase a large number of Smith & Wesson No. 3 Revolvers for the Imperial Russian Army.[16][17]

Gorloff had some reservations with the standard .44 S&W American chambering of the pistol however, which similar to today’s .22 long rifle had an externally lubricated heeled bullet. Gorloff correctly recognized that such ammunition tends to pick up debris and contaminants which erode the bore when fired, so a contingency of the purchase contract was that Smith and Wesson develop an internally lubricated version of their .44 round.[17][18]

Smith and Wesson did so by reducing the diameter of the .44 Russian bullet to .429 in and adding lubrication groves to the bullet base. This improvement eventually became an archetype, influencing later cartridge designs. The propellant charge was increased to 23 grains of blackpowder,[19] resulting in the much higher chamber pressure of 12,000 copper units of pressure (CUP) vs. the 6-8,000 CUP generated by the .44 American round. To prevent the new high-pressure ammunition from being fired in .44 American revolvers with disastrous results, the case length of the .44 Russian cartridge was increased by .02 in to 0.970 in.[16] In addition, the cylinder design of the No. 3 revolver had to be changed from the straight bored .44 American configuration to a stepped arrangement which was .456 in at the rear of the cylinder to accept the case and narrower from the case shoulder forward to give a tight fit for the smaller bore .44 Russian bullet.[20]

In 1872, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich visited the Smith and Wesson factory while in the US to review the progress of the Russian order. The American gun maker gifted him with an engraved presentation Model No. 3 valued at more than $400, a princely sum of money in today’s dollars. The Duke was also feted with a US Government paid buffalo hunting trip with Buffalo Bill Cody and US Generals Philip Sheridan and George Armstrong Custer, where he was impressed with Cody's adeptness with firearms.[17]

Over 131,000 S&W Model No. 3 revolvers were eventually sold to the Russian Army.[17] The .44 Russian chambering became a hit in the domestic market as well, gaining a reputation as the first American revolver cartridge offering inherent accuracy. In time it set many records, eventually becoming known as an established target round,[16]enabling skilled shooters to achieve 3 inch groups at 50 yards; notable for the time and still imposing today.[18]

[edit] Sucessor Designs

The .44 S&W Russian was the precursor for two very important later handgun cartidges which were based on its design, the .44 Special in 1907 and the .44 Magnum in 1956.[19]

[edit] Current Loadings

A number of ammunition companies still manufacture .44 S&W Russian ammunition:[21]

  • Black Hills Cowboy action ammunition 210 grain lead flat point
  • Fiocchi ammunition 247 grain lead round nose
  • Ten-X ammunition blank BPC
  • Ten-X ammunition 200 grain lead round nose and flat point

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j ".45 Automatic" Notpurfect website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d "1911 Hot Rods" Handguns Magazine website. Accessed March 11, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c "VERSATILITY AND POWER THE ‘45SUPER’® CONCEPT" Ace Custom .45s website Accessed March 11, 2008.
  4. ^ ".45 Super" Everything Development Company website. Accessed March 11, 2008.
  5. ^ a b "Starline Product Information & Descriptions" Starline Brass website. Accessed March 11, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Hawks, C. "The .44 S&W Special" Chuck Hawks website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  7. ^ a b Taffin, J. "Sixguns Beyond The .44 Magnum" Sixguns.com web site. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i Taffin, J. "The .44 special cartridge of the century? Accurate, powerful and reliable, the .44 special really is special" American Handgunner, Sept-Oct, 2004. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  9. ^ ".44 S&W Russian" GMDR website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  10. ^ a b c Skelton, C. "The .44 Special - A Reappraisal" Shooting Times Magazine August 1966. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  11. ^ Keith, E. "The .44 Special" darkcanyon.net website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  12. ^ a b c Taffin, J. "Taffin Tests: The .44 Special" Sixguns.com website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  13. ^ Ayoob, M. "Lethal force: Selling Cowboy Action To More Than Cowboys" Shooting Industry, June, 2001. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  14. ^ "Ammo Bank ammunition website". Accessed February 25, 2008.
  15. ^ Cassill, M. "Feeding the Gunblast Bulldog - A Study in Terminal Ballistics" Gunblast website. Accessed February 25, 2008.
  16. ^ a b c d "44 S&W Russian" GMDR website 44 S&W Russian article. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  17. ^ a b c d Lawman, T. "Smith & Wesson's #3, Colt's Biggest Rival in the Old West" Sam Hane website. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  18. ^ a b Venturino, M. "American legends: those fantastic .44s!" American Handgunner, Sept-Oct, 2005. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  19. ^ a b Taffin, J. "Taffin Tests: The .44 Russian" Sixguns website. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  20. ^ Taffin, J."The .44 special cartridge of the century? Accurate, Powerful and Reliable, the .44 Special really is Special" American Handgunner, Sept-Oct, 2004. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  21. ^ Midway USA website. Accessed February 19, 2008.


Rock Island Armory 1911 series
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Flag of the Philippines Philippines
Production history
Manufacturer Armscor
Variants FS
MS
CS
Tactical
A2 Hi-capacity
Match
Specifications
Weight 38.4 ounces
Length 7.75 in
Barrel length 5 in
Width 1.5 in
Height 5.45 in
Caliber .45 ACP
.38 Super
9mm Luger
Action semi-automatic, single action
Feed system 8 round magazine (FS model)
Sights fixed G.I. (FS model)

The Rock Island Armory 1911 series consists of a product line of single-action recoil operated semi-automatic pistols. They are designed and manufactured by Armscor in Manila, Philipines,[1] and distributed in the United States by Armscor USA, located in Pahrump, NV.[2]

RIA (Rock Island Arsenal) 1911s are clones of the well known and widely respected US Military G.I. M1911-A1, the standard issue pistol from 1924 to 1985.[3] Most RIA models are basic entry level MIL-SPEC versions of the 1911, however, the RIA Tactical, Compact, and Match models offer additional semi-custom high end features. The Compact model features a skeletonized hammer and beavertail grip safety while the Tactical model also adds a target grade hammer and trigger as well as an ambidextrous safety, and Combat sights. Armscor is a ISO 9001 certified compliant company which manufactures Rock Island pistols using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment. RIA 1911 series pistols are constructed of 4140 Chromoly steel with a cast frame, and are available in .45 ACP, .38 Super, and 9mm Luger chamberings.[1][4][5]

[edit] General Specifications[6]

  • Ordinance grade 4140 steel construction
  • 100% part compatibility with US G.I.
  • Flat grooved steel mainspring housing
  • Calibers: .45 ACP, .38 Super, 9MM Luger
  • Finishes: Blued, Parkerized, Nickel
  • Grooved trigger
  • Approx. 5.25 lb trigger pull
  • Non checkered smooth wooden grips
  • Hard plastic clamshell storage case
  • Manual

[edit] Variants[4][5][6]

1911-A1 FS 1911-A1 MS 1911-A1 CS 1911-A2 High Capacity 1911-A1 Tactical 1911-A1 Match
Size Full Commander Compact
(Colt Officer)		 Full Full Full
Length 8.75 in 7.75 in 6.75 in 8.75 in 8.75 in 8.75in
Barrel
Length		 5 in 4 in 3.5 in bull 5 in 5 in 5 in
Weight 2.4 lbs 2.2 lbs 2.16 lbs 2.6 lbs 2.5 lbs 2.4 lbs
Sights G.I. Snag free Snag free G.I. Snag free Combat LPA Adjustable
Magazine
Capacity		 8 round 8 round 6 round 14 round 8 round 8 round

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Armscor Phillipines Web site
  2. ^ Armscor USA Web site Main page
  3. ^ Campbell, B. "The Rock Island Armory Guns" The Sight .45 ACP site
  4. ^ a b Armscor Philipines Web site pistols page
  5. ^ a b Armscor USA Web site pistols page
  6. ^ a b Sarco, Inc. Web site

[edit] External links

[edit] See Also




.44-40

.44-40 Winchester cartridge
Type Rifle/Pistol
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Production history
Designer Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Designed 1873
Specifications
Parent case .44 Henry
Case type rimmed, bottlenecked
Bullet diameter .427 in (10.8 mm)
Neck diameter .443 in (11.3 mm)
Shoulder diameter .457 in (11.6 mm)
Base diameter .471 in (12.0 mm)
Rim diameter .525 in (13.3 mm)
Case length 1.310 in (33.3 mm)
Primer type Large pistol
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
200 gr (13 g) lead 1,190 ft/s (360 m/s) 628 ft·lbf (851 J)
217 gr (14.1 g) lead 1,235 ft/s (376 m/s) 734 ft·lbf (995 J)
225 gr (14.6 g) lead 750 ft/s (230 m/s) 281 ft·lbf (381 J)

The .44-40 Winchester, also known as the .44 Winchester and the .44 W.C.F. (Winchester Center Fire), was introduced in 1873 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It was the first centerfire metallic cartridge offered by Winchester, and was brought out as the standard chambering for the new Winchester Model 1873 rifle.[1][2] Both rifle and cartridge soon became widely popular and ubiquitous, so much so that the Winchester 1873 became known as "The gun that won the West".[2][3]

Remington and Marlin soon released their own rifles and pistols which chambered the round, Colt also offered it in its popular Single action Army Peacemaker and Frontier revolvers. Settlers, lawmen, and cowboys appreciated the convenience of being able to carry a single caliber of ammunition which they could fire in both pistol and rifle. In both law enforcement and hunting usage the .44-40 became the most popular cartridge in the United States and to this day has the reputation of killing more deer than any other save the .30-30 Winchester.[4][5]

When the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. (U.M.C.) began selling the cartridge, it called its own version the .44-40, (shorthand for .44 caliber and the standard load at the time of 40 grains of blackpowder), as it didn’t want to offer free advertising by mentioning the name of a competitor. Unfortunately for Winchester, the name stuck and it threw in the towel by itself adopting the .44-40 designation for the round after World War II.[1]

The initial standard load for the cartridge was 40 grains of blackpowder propelling a 200 grain bullet at approximately 1,245 f.p.s (feet per second), but in 1886 U.M.C. also began offering a slightly heavier 217 grain bullet at 1,190 f.p.s., also with 40 grains of blackpowder. Winchester soon began to carry the 217 grain loading as well, but in 1905 U.M.C. discontinued the heavier load. In 1895 Winchester switched to a 17 grain loading of DuPont No. 2 smokeless powder with the 200 grain bullet for 1,300 f.p.s., and in 1896 U.M.C. followed suit with a reintroduced 217 grain bullet @ 1,235 f.p.s. Soon both companies were offering the cartridge with lead ‘Metal Patched’ (i.e. jacketed), and full metal case versions. In 1903 Winchester began offering a higher performance version of the loading called the W.H.V. (Winchester High Velocity), boasting a velocity of 1,500 f.p.s. with a 200 grain jacketed bullet from a 24 inch barrel length, U.M.C. and Peters Cartridge Company soon introduced equivalents. Over the years a number of different bullet weights and styles have been offered, including 122, 140, 160,165, 166, 180, 122 and 217 grain in lead, soft and hollow point, full metal case, and even blanks and shotshells. The most common current loading is a 200 grain bullet @ 1,190 f.p.s.[1]

By 1942 more modern cartridges had all but eclipsed the .44-40, but in the 1950s and '60s Colt began once again to manufacture the Single Action Army and Frontier.[6] More recently the .44-40 has enjoyed a resurgence due to the popularity of Cowboy action shooting, which inspired the introduction of a 225 grain loading, the heaviest factory bullet ever available for the cartridge.[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d "Two peas in a pod: Winchester's .44 WCF & Marlin/UMC's .44-40" Leverguns Web site
  2. ^ a b "The .44-40 Winchester" Guns and Ammo Magazine Web site
  3. ^ Hawks, C. "The .44-40 Winchester" Chuck Hawks Web site
  4. ^ Hawks, C. "Early Metallic Cartridges" Chuck Hawks Web site
  5. ^ ".44-40 Winchester" Reloading Bench Web site
  6. ^ Taffin J. "Taffin Tests The .44-40 Winchester" Sixguns Web site


Colt Model 1902
=
Early M1902 Military with cross cut forward slide serrations
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Production history
Designer John Moses Browning
Manufacturer Colt’s Manufacturing Company
Produced 1902-1928
Number built 24,995 (approx.)
Variants
  • Military Model
  • Sporting Model
Specifications
Weight 38 oz (1077 g)
Length 9 in (228.6 mm)
Barrel length 6 in (152 mm)
Cartridge .38 ACP
Caliber .358
Action Short recoil operation
Feed system 7 or 8 round detachable box magazine
Sights fixed open sights
Colt M1902 Patent drawing
Colt M1902 Patent drawing

The Colt Model 1902 was a short recoil operated semi-automatic pistol designed by famous American firearm developer John Moses Browning and produced by the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. The Model of 1902 was not a new design, but rather an incremental improvement upon the nearly identical Colt Model of 1900.

[edit] History

In the late 1800’s the militaries of many countries, including the United States, were evaluating or in the process of adopting state of the art semi-automatic service pistol designs to replace the revolvers in use at the time which were perceived to be outdated. American gun designer John M. Browning desired to join contemporaries such as Hugo Borchardt and Georg Luger in designing a marketable semi-automatic pistol. Browning partnered with the Colt’s Manufacturing Company which was hoping to capitalize on the interest in service pistol modernization by procuring large and profitable government military contracts. Their first collaboration produced the Model 1900, it interested the U.S. Military enough to lead to the purchase of a few hundred Model 1900 pistols for testing and evaluation and limited field trial issue, however, the limitations of the design prevented its adoption. The Model of 1902 was basically the same pistol with some improvements meant to address these deficiencies.[1]

[edit] 1902 Model Improvements

The M1902 was improved over the Model of 1900 by the simplification of its internal mechanism and a reduction in the number of internal parts. Browning and Colt also adopted the suggestion of the U.S. Military to add a slide stop to the design. The problematic pivoting rear sight safety of the M1900 which swung back and down to physically block the arc of the pistol’s hammer was also deleted. Another shortcoming in the M1900 design was brought out by trials held by the British Military which discovered that the pistol tended to fire when dropped. In the M1902, the firing pin’s length was reduced to be less than that of the slot it moved in, decreasing the likelihood of such an occurrence unless the firing pin was actually struck by the hammer.[1]

[edit] M1902 General Specifications

The Model of 1902 was chambered for the same .38 ACP Cartridge as was the earlier M1900 pistol. The 1902 pistol for the most part also shared the same hard black rubber grips which were standard on the Model 1900, however, custom grips were also available, especially on presentation versions.[2] The vast majority of Model 1902 pistols were produced with a highly polished, deep and lustrous Colt Royal blued finish, but rarely nickle and silver plated models are encountered, as well as various custom finishes. On some early production Model 1902s the trigger, pins, and grip screws were set off with a fire or nitre blued finish, giving those parts a beautiful cobalt blue hue. The hammer of 1902 pistols usually had a case hardened finish. Earlier production pistols featured either milled straight line or cross cut checkered slide serrations on the forward end of the slide, which were deleted in later years of production.[2] Although the M1902 was originally intended for the military market, Colt was progressive enough to recognize that commercial merchandizing of the pistol also offered potential revenue and introduced a sporting version of the pistol with a few minor changes.[3]. Neither the Military or Sporting versions of the pistol had a manual safety.[4]

[edit] Colt M1902 Military

Offered from 1902 to 1928, the Military model differed from the sporting version in that the grip handle was a bit longer and squarer so as to chamber one additional round of ammunition. The Military model featured the mechanical slide stop and had a lanyard loop on the grip, it was also slightly heavier[3]. Military models produced prior to 1908 had rounded hammers, while post 1908 models had spur hammers.[2] Colt presented one of these pistols to then-President Theodore Roosevelt.[2]

[edit] 1902 Military Model Specifications[2]

  • Length: 9 in
  • Weight: 38 oz
  • Barrel length: 6 in
  • Capacity: 8 round magazine
  • Shipping dates: 07/03/1902 through 12/30/1930

[edit] 1902 Military Model Production Chart[2]

Production Year Serial Number Range Total Units
1902 15001 - 15200, 15000 - 14900 300
1903 14899 - 13700 1200
1904 13699 - 12900 800
1905 12899 - 12300 600
1906 12299 - 11100 1200
1907 11099 - 11000, 15201 - 15999, 30200 - 30800 1400
1908 30801 - 31900 1100
1909 31901 - 32700 1124
1910 32701 - 33300 600
1911 33301 - 34100 800
1912 34101 - 35000 900
1913 35001 - 36200 1200
1914 36201 - 37300 1100
1915 37301 - 38500 1200
1916 38501 - 39300 800
1917 39301 - 40000 700
1918 40001 - 40300 300
1919 40301 - 40700 300
1920 40701 - 41100 400
1921 41101 - 41400 300
1922 41401 - 41800 400
1923 41801 - 42000 200
1924 42001 - 42200 200
1925 42201 - 42600 400
1926 42601 - 43000 400
1927 43001 - 43200 200
1928 43201 - 43266 66

Overall, approximately 18,068 total units of the 1902 Military version were produced.[2]

[edit] Colt M1902 Sporting

Available from 1902 to 1907, the sporting version of the pistol was slightly lighter and smaller than the military version, with a more rounded grip frame.[3]

[edit] 1902 Sporting Model Specifications[2]

  • Length: 8.9 in
  • Weight: 35.5 oz
  • Barrel length: 6 in
  • Capacity: 7 round magazine
  • Shipping dates: 05/01/1902 through 09/07/1912

[edit] 1902 Sporting Model Production Chart[2]

Production Year Serial Number Range Total Units
1902 4275 - 4900 625
1903 4901 - 6400 1500
1904 6401 - 7700 1300
1905 7701 - 8800 1100
1906 8801 - 10100 1300
1907 10101 - 10999, 30000 - 30190 1090

In 6 years of production a total of approximately 6927 Sporting versions were manufactured.[2]

[edit] Acceptance and Successor Designs

Unfortunately the Model 1902 was never adopted by the U.S. or any other world military organization, probably due to reservations regarding the design’s robustness as well as its developmental nature. The U.S. Army’s unsatisfactory experiences several years earlier with .38 caliber pistols used against Moro tribesmen during the Philippine-American War may also have been a factor. Events of this conflict called into question the reliability of the stopping power of earlier pistols in the 1902’s class, ultimately leading to the 1904 Thompson-LaGarde Tests which concluded that for military use .38 caliber cartridges of the time were inadequate and recommended the adoption of a pistol cartridge of at least .45 (11 mm) caliber. Colt and Browning responded to these criticisms with the introduction the Colt Model 1905 pistol chambered in a new .452 inch cartridge Browning designed, the.45 ACP.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Velleux, David. "Background Information on the United States Pistol Caliber .45 M1911" 1911A1 .45 ACP Pistol Site
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j http://www.coltautos.com
  3. ^ a b c Jeff Lesemann. "History and Development of the M1911/M1911Al Pistol" 1911A1 .45 ACP Pistol Site
  4. ^ Ty Moore. "Image Gallery - Colt Model 1902" US GI small arms and Model 1911 site

[edit] External Links


Kahr K9
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Production history
Manufacturer Kahr Arms
Produced 2005-
Variants Elite
Specifications
Weight 25 oz (650 g)
Length 6 in (153 mm)
Barrel length 3.5 in (89 mm)
Width .90 in (23mm)
Cartridge 9mm Parabellum
Action Locked-breech
Feed system 7-round detachable box magazine
Sights fixed open sights

The Kahr K9 is manufactured by Kahr Arms in their Worcester, Massachusetts small arms facility. The K9 was introduced in 1995 and is a Locked breech recoil operated double action only (DAO) 9mm Parabellum (Luger) semi-automatic pistol intended for police backup and off duty or civilian concealed carry.

Originally available in Black Oxide blued chome steel and electroless nickel plate finishes, it eventually was also offered in stainless steel.

With an excellent reputation for both quality of construction and reliability since its introduction[1] the pistol has remained popular[2] with both the Police and civilian markets, in 1998 it was approved for off duty and backup carry by the New York City Police Department (NYPD)[3]. Since its introduction the pistol’s design and construction have undergone a number of improvements including slightly increased chamber dimensions and the use of a Teflon electroless nickel composite material for some of the internal moving parts which improved reliability[4]

Options offered with the K9 include Tritium night sights, and wood Hogue grips[5]. The Elite version of the pistol offers a polished feed ramp, polished and deburred slide, beveled magazine well, and enlarged trigger with a smoother action[6].

[edit] Features

  • 100% steel construction (no Aluminum alloys or Polymer)[4]
  • 4140 high carbon steel alloy frame[4]
  • 4130 Chromoly steel slide[4]
  • Barrel, recoil lug, and feed ramp machined from one piece of steel[4]
  • Smooth 8 pound double-action-only trigger[4]
  • Lack of external safety lever for increased speed and simplicity also offers less chance of snagging on clothes[4]
  • Patented off-set recoil lug design results in reduced muzzle flip and perceived recoil due to low center line axis. [4]
  • Ergonometric curved Hogue rubber grips which help dampen recoil[4]
  • California specification passive firing pin block drop safety which prevents accidental firing if the pistol falls[4]


[edit] Accuracy results

In an article[4] published in Guns & Weapons For Law Enforcement magazine the following accuracy results were documented:

Ammunition Avg. group size (in) @ 50 ft
Cor-Bon 115 JHP +P 2 3/4
Federal 124 Hydra-Shok HP +P+ 2 1/4
Winchester 147 SXT HP 2 7/8
Black Hills 124 FMJ (remanufactured) 2 5/8

In the January 1997 edition of Handguns magazine article author Jan Libourel achieved the following accuracy results[7]:

Ammunition Avg. group size (in) @ 15 yd
Federal 124-grain Hydra-Shok slightly over 1
American Ammunition 115-grain CCC 3

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_2.html Ayoob, Massad: "The gun of the decade"
  2. ^ http://www.kahr.com/review_gw_0500.html Garrett, Rob: "The Guns Of Kahr Arms", Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, May 2000, p. 54 - 57, p. 65 - 69
  3. ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/gunsweapons_1198.html Ayoob, Massad: "Kahrs On The Street", Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, November 1998, p. 16, 79
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_gunsweapons_197.html Spaulding, Dave: "New Kahr K9 9mm", Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, January 1997, p. 18-22.
  5. ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_hg1206.html Berger, Matt: "Kahr Arms K9", 9mm Handguns 2007 Buyer's Guide, p. 4-7
  6. ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_k.html Kahr web site: 9mm models K Series
  7. ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_handguns_197.html Libourel, Jan: "Kahr K9 A Super Subcompact", Handguns, January 1997, p. 30-32.

[edit] External links