The concept of a "field pistol"?

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Obturation

Obturation

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Hey all,
Been pondering on this a bit. The somewhat recently released 7.5 FK brno field pistol seems to fit a niche in the market that few other auto loaders address, but what do you consider a field pistol / what does that mean to you?

My interpretation of the name and idea behind a field pistol is an auto loading pistol in a relatively powerful chambering, that has a flatter trajectory and higher capacity than most. But can still be carried easily and is of a robust design that can survive the rigors of actual use in harsh conditions.
Is this correct?

If this is the case the idea is not new but it seems that its an area of the market only populated by very few guns. Obviously the 7.5 FK- which i consider completely unrealistic as far as the cost of the firearm, scarcity of ammo/loading components and magazines. The only other guns that come to mind are the the couple of double stack 10mms available. While i realize the 7.5 cartridge is faster, flatter shooting and carries greater muzzle energy im really not sold on smaller diameter projectiles at high velocity as being more effective (in pistol calibers).

So what qualifies as a "field pistol" to you / what does that really mean? What gun if any fills this role for you?
 
I agree on all points. I think the BRNO checks all the boxes of field pistol (if that's a new genre now) except for price as I wouldn't want to bring that expensive piece into the field.

10mm or 45 super would be a good cheaper version of a modern gun.

But I'm thinking old school pistols fit the bill and were designed for it at well such as Mausers and Luger's. Even the Tokarev.

I like the idea of a "do-it-all" pistol. But until we get laser guns, it's gonna be hard to find a gun that doesn't compromise and is truly a superior pistol and a superior rifle replacement.
 
Obturation said:
My interpretation of the name and idea behind a field pistol is an auto loading pistol in a relatively powerful chambering, that has a flatter trajectory and higher capacity than most. But can still be carried easily and is of a robust design that can survive the rigors of actual use in harsh conditions.
Is this correct?
Click to expand...
You are describing my AR15 pistol.
20170105_142931.jpg
 
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Everyone’s requirements will be a little different. Also “field” requires definition. To me, if it’s a full size gun that holds at least 6 (revolver) rounds of a powerful cartridge, I’m satisfied.

I choose this if we’re talking semiautos.

View media item 1078
Or this, depending on my mood.

12CA8EB5-3ABA-4C82-99C4-8732D8E60080.jpeg

If 9 rounds of 10mm isn’t going to do, with a spare mag or two, I made a fundamental mistake from the get go.

I desire mass in my projectiles, reasonable range, and a cost that doesn’t break the bank like the FK BRNO. I would never spend that much in an obscure pistol with ammo that isn’t readily available.
 
To me, a "field pistol" would be a pistol capable of easily putting down any dangerous critters in a given area. Since "pistol" was specified, that eliminates magnum revolvers. My "field pistol" for the woods and swamps here is a Glock 23 (40 S&W) that gives me 13 chances to get it right. The only dangerous critters around here are hogs and the occasional black bear, which are typically much more afraid of us than we are of them. Sure, there are reptiles like snakes and gators, but they aren't that hard to kill with any gun.
 
"Field pistol", to me, is almost certainly going to be a revolver.

Why? Because of the versatility of the different loads one can use without worrying about whether it will cycle the action or not.

Some loads can be quite light in case of a shot at something one does not need to hit with a heavy load (such as small game). The other rounds could be as stout as whatever the shooter envisions he might need from self-defense to large, dangerous game.

Calibers could be most any center fire cartridge from .32 to .45.

If it were me I'd keep the first three up as the stout loads. If I need to take a shot at something small then spin the cylinder over to those.
 
Obturation said:
So what qualifies as a "field pistol" to you / what does that really mean?
Click to expand...
To me, a field pistol is one that I will strap on (leather OWB) prior to heading over to the farm to either wander or do a little work. It is a pistol that will be not-too-heavy or powerful but very accurate and easy to shoot.

My current favorites are all vintage (Colt and S&W) 5"-6" revolvers chambered in .32-20. I also have a pump-action .32-20 rifle (1922 Marlin Mod.27-S) to go along if the urge strikes me. :)
 
I usually go with a 10mm (sig/Glock/colt) Or 44mag (329 pd) But I occasionally carry 5.7 as my "field pistol" because it's a great flat shooting groundhog/ varmint gun.
 
Not that definitions matter as they are "in the eye of the beholder"... But if we're gonna play the definition game, let's play it :)

I think "field pistol" is geared more towards military and combat, especially in regards to the BRNO. As that's the terms and usage the maker specifically uses. I guess that gives them some authority.

I would guess that it would be different in form than a "woods gun" or "ranch gun", which I would put revolvers and other massive low capacity magnums in.

But then again, it's the nuanced differences between camp rifle vs woods rifle vs survival rifle vs scout rifle.... and we all know how those threads go, especially if you misquote the God-King Jeffrey Cooper
 
Honestly, if I'm in the woods without a rifle I generally just carry a 9mm. In terms of handguns that's what I shoot the most so I'm pretty good with it, it doesn't cost much to plink with and it gives me 16 rounds of capacity. Animal threats in the woods, especially if you're not in a national park, are really very unlikely in the continental US. If I were picking a dedicated woods carry handgun I would probably choose a striker 10mm or 44 magnum revolver with at least a 4" barrel.
 
A "field pistol" is any pistol carried or used in the field.
Just as a "pocket pistol" is a pistol carried in a pocket.

When manufacturers us such terms they are simply marketing hype.
 
IMHO a field pistol is a handgun carried in a nonurban area to eliminate pests, ward off predators, and to offer SD protection. It must be light and handy and pack enough punch.
I've carried a: .22 lr revolver, .357 mag "4 revolver, and a .45 acp Tupperware auto. That said , I believe the ultimate is a 9mm auto, slim, light, with at least 8 round capacity. Next would be a .38 spl, 3" barrel revolver.
 
I carry Field Revolvers not Pistols.

Ruger Redhawk 5.5" in .45 Colt with Heavy Redhawk Specific Loads.

A friend carries a Field Pistol. A 1911A1 Long Slide in .460 Rowland.
 
In Wisconsin, for me it’s a G19/G17/G34. Traveling or hiking out west, a G20. The planned trip to Alaska, I’m considering a 44 or 454 revolver, but will probably just carry the G20.

To me, a field pistol is just a durable duty pistol in an adequate chambering for the biggest threat. Nothing fancy. Nothing nice. Nothing expensive or irreplaceable.
 
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