What Country Makes The Best Firearms?

[makdaddy03]

In your honest opinion "What Country Makes The Best Firearms?
Please list Country and the firearm. Can be Revolvers, Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns. I will tell you my opinion later.

 

[Autolite]

Can't definately say who makes THE BEST ...

But I gotta vote for Belgium. Fabrique Nationale has punched out a lot of consistantly high quality hardware. I think the Belgiques even invented the shotgun IIRC ...

 

[Schuey2002]

H&K weapons made in Germany!

 

[EJ]

USA

 

[Rembrandt]

There was a time when West Germany, Austria, and Belgium were home to the finest firearms produced, many were hand fitted....I think that has changed now with the advancement of CNC machining, polymer technology, and advanced metalurgy....the best are now made in the USA....

- STI
- Dakota Arms
- Freedom Arms
- Kimber
- Cooper Arms
- probably some I've forgot

Smith & Wesson along with Ruger have been some of the leaders in new metal technology

 

[Standing Wolf]

I think we do, but probably not by much.

 

[cool45auto]

Italy and USA!

 

[ArMa]

I'd have to go for germany, good machinists over there, look at krieghoff for example.

 

[556A2]

I'd say Russia/Soviet Union. You got Mosin-Nagants, SKSs, AK-47/74s, Dragunovs, Nagant revolvers, Tokarevs, and Makarovs. While not the prettiest guns in the world, the relibility, durability, ease of use, and cost makes them worthy in my opinion.

Germany gets 2nd place and the US 3rd.

 

[Ala Dan]

Best Technology: The SWISS Industry Group (SIG)


Best Country Of Manufactuer: West Germany
Home Of The Original: Carl Walther Waffenfabrik (PPK)


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[chevrofreak]

Austria

Glock and Steyr

 

[HBK]

Germany: H&K and Walther.

 

[El Tejon]

The United States of America.

 

[Sean Smith]

Probably Switzerland.

 

[Snowdog]

Brazil


Oops, did I say that ?
A little humor never hurt anyone.

 

[Art Eatman]

From the standpoint of quality for a given amount of money, I think it's the U.S. Savage rifles come to mind, along with NEF.

Some 40 years back, an engineer at Chevrolet Test Lab commented, "Any fool can make a water pump for a Rolls Royce. You gotta be a pretty sharp engineer to make a water pump you can buy in any parts store for $14, exchange."

Sure, Purdey and Krieghoff make fine guns. My question is whether they are that much more accurate than the mass produced critters, if accuracy is the "test for best".

Remchester's market isn't the same as that of such as Merkel or the custom gunmakers of the U.S. That's why it's hard for me to call any country the home of the best.

To change emphasis: I'll bet that the combined output of the small, independent gunmakers of the U.S., who sell into the IPSC and IDPA markets, and the custom rifle markets (bolt and black) is greater than the rest of the world combined--and of equal quality to any.

, Art

 

[El Tejon]

Art, isn't Savage made in Canada? They smell like bacon when in the gun shoppe.

 

[fatboyclone]

Germany

 

[stevelyn]

THAT is not even a fair question. Of all the guns out on the market from domestic and foreign makers, all have high quality models. Just the same as they all have a pig somewhere in their manufacturing history. Glock being the exception since their guns are basically scaled up/down versions of the same successful design.
I would lump (I hope the Austrians and Germans forgive me for this) Austria and Germany together as top dogs. Then the USA, especially for custom guns. Belgium for well thought out and universally accepted designs. Russia/Soviets for pure functional reliability. Then Italy for longevity (Beretta) and specialization (shotguns).

WOOHOO! My Bicentennial post.

 

[GlocksRock]

Austria, Italy, and the USA. German guns are pretty good too

 

[Dave R]

I'd have to say USA.

Sure, some other countries turn out high-quality firearms at premium prices. But the premium-priced firearms in the USA are their equal.

If you look at VALUE, it is hard to beat the big US mfgrs for shooting ability per dollar spent.

The "big 3" bolt guns--Remington, Winchester, Savage--are fine, accurate rifles. Who made better revolvers that S&W? Ruger? Colt? Our shotguns are good values, too. Maybe we can't do a value-priced double as well as some other countries, but pumps & semi's we do well. Military-style rifles? Bushmaster & competitors, Springfield, etc. Pistols? Our semi's are as good as theirs, on average. Maybe a few exceptions.

 

[ArMa]

yes krieghoff is one of the more prettier shotguns but I talked to someone who owns a KS5 and I made him explain why he likes it soo much, well he said "its easy to swing, damn near aims itself. fast action too, even if you flinch you usually get the shot off before it makes a difference."
sure, this guy owns a gunstore/pawnshop and has more money than most people in this town but hes a pretty honest guy believe it or not.
Also from germany: Walther, Mauser, H&K...

 

[sm]

US

I've shot those $30-40K Kreigoffs and such...and you know I can miss with them too. Didn't get style points either. Actually rec'd more style points running 50 straight with a Win.42 pump( ticked the Perazzi guy, tickeled me).

I recall the old Winchester Guys turning out stuff in the custom shop that would cause envy, from anyone , from any country.

23's ,101's, 12's, 52's model 70's...

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I think the USA, now, but a few years ago I probably wouldn't have said that.

 

[JohnBT]

Czech Republic.

And Finland.



Best for the money anyway.

JT