Once again, "WOW", what a great collection!The 9mm is my favorite cartridge and I love the long history of it. I took this pic a few months ago of what I consider to be the most iconic all metal 9mm pistols ever. I grouped them in three tiers, with the top row being the most iconic of them all. Within the rows, they are in no particular order.
The four most iconic 9mm pistols in my opinion, are the S&W 39, Walther P38, Browning Hi Power, and Luger P08.
Next I went with the Sig P226, CZ 75, Sig P210, and Beretta 92.
Rounding out the group, I chose the HK P7M8, Radom P35, and Star Model B
I hesitated before I put the 39 in the top row, as its the only one in the top that never saw a World War. However, as an American pistol, it sure was important in this country. Its the only American pistol in the picture. Being that the 9mm is a European round, I think that makes sense.
Overall, I think the Browning Hi Power is the most iconic, as it was built around the cartridge, has an unmatched military pedigree within the group, and is still in production today.
I'm just curious as to everyone's thoughts and maybe what you would add and/or subtract. I kept polymer pistols out of it, but will certainly say the Glock 17 deserves to be pictured otherwise.
Thanks for looking and I appreciate your feedback.
Once again, "WOW", what a great collection!
Since "iconic" was in the title, I was hoping to see a WWII P-38. That's a very nice looking P-1, however.
Just wanted to add that when ISP adopted the M39, it was the first time ever that a major US LEA adopted a semi-auto pistol of any type for general issue.Right after the end of WW2 the US Army tested and compared 9mm pistols with 45s. They were impressed, especially with the 9mms superior penetration abilities. Also some in the Ordnance Dept. were impressed by the P-38. Whether they sent out RFPs or just let it be generally known to US manufacturers that they were interested in a DA/SA 9mm I don't know, but S&W developed the model 39 in hopes of getting the Army to adopt it. Never happened of course, but the 39 was adopted by the Illinois State Police.
Super nice collection. Thanks for sharing.
Not a fan myself of the beretta 92. Now the 5906 I find a superior weapon in about every regard to the 92. Swap those and I'm good. Course the hi power is the best of the bunch, imho...With the cz75/85 a close second. Plenty of good ones old and new and that is a good thing for us all.......
I'd have to move the P210 to the top row, but that's just me. I believe the P210 is as finely an engineered pistol as any of the others, and better than most. My sentimental favorite is the Hi Power.
The S&W 5906 is a more reliable weapon than the beretta 92
The S&W Model 39 has its genesis in the Walther P38. With both pistols shown side-by-side, you can see the likeness. The designer of the Model 39 used the Walther as his guide.I'm not familiar with the S&W Model 39 - I don't think I've ever even seen one. What is the historical significance of this pistol?
The 210 is not as "iconic" as the Luger or the Hi Power obviously. Those are some of the best know firearms in history. The Luger in particular developed a lot of fame due to it's role in the Nazi regime. It isn't my idea of a good pistol though. It is a bad idea to carry one with a round in the chamber for example. Many people have been shot because of doing that. The Browning is one of the most popular handguns of all time if not the most popular. But for actual quality I'd take the Sig every time. Nothing against the Hi Power. It's just that the P210 might be the best pistol ever built.
bc1023 . . . . . . per post #37, . . . . . . . . well then, by all means, please do make that list!
You can set it up like the one for this topic, all together, doing "top tier", then working your way down.
You'll see these comments all the time about the Beretta 92. This is an excellent thread to possibly shine some light on the subject as you can see several of the Beretta's predecessors.pendennis wrote,
I'm not a fan of the "modern" Model 92 Beretta. I've never understood why the military wanted the thumb safety off the frame.
I'd start a new thread.
And yeah, the list would be subjective, but from a guy who owns so many of them, and seems to know fine semi-autos, . . . I think many would respect the list. I know I would.
Thanks, that P-38 is beautiful, but not a WWII model.Once again, "WOW", what a great collection!
Since "iconic" was in the title, I was hoping to see a WWII P-38. That's a very nice looking P-1, however.
The P210 SIG is fabulous!
Could you further identify the Luger with the grip safety, and the H&K ?
Thanks.