Beretta 92FS/M9 (USA/Italy)

Originally designed as a high capacity replacement to the model 1951.  The Beretta 92 evolved into the U.S. Army's new M9 sidearm in 1982.  Replacing the venerable Colt 1911A1, as the U.S. Army's main sidearm.  Despite controversy and TWO weapons trials the M9 has soldiered on for the last 20 years.  In addition to the U.S. Military the Beretta 92 series continues to be popular with militaries and law enforcement around the world.  

The controversy with the military contract was the classic case of sour grapes as the two American based firms felt their entry weapons were disqualified unfairly.  The fact remains, the entries from the American firms were inferior to the Beretta design.  Not only once but twice the American firms failed to beat the Beretta in trials.  However the Beretta was not the best design, it was the cheapest of the best designs.  If money was not a factor, the contract might have gone to the Sig Sauer P226.  The Beretta initial contract came out to $150 per gun.  How much did your last Beretta cost???

As for the exploding Berettas, that was mainly a combination of excessive pressure ammunition and SPECOP personnel torture testing their weapons.  Due to their open side & alloy frame design, one can on expect a realistic life expectancy of 5000 rounds. By today's standards that may seem a little on low side, when compared to a Glock or USP.  But how many people are ever going to shoot 1000 rounds out of their guns? One change made to the Beretta (92FS) was a modification to the Slide, so when (not if) the slide separates from the receiver it will fly over the shooter and not at them.

The Beretta is now available in various sizes and configurations, including a 40S&W version.  Beretta later released a heavier duty version known as the Brigadier.

Glock 17 (Austria)

Data, Glock17.
Caliber: 9 x 19mm
Action: Short recoil, Double-action only
Overall length: 18.8cm
Barrel length: 11.4cm
Weight: 0.620kg empty, 0.865kg loaded/17rds.
Muzzle velocity: 390m/s (1280fps)
Muzzle energy:  606 J (447 ft/lb)

One of the most popular and most maligned gun in history. Contrary to popular belief the Glock was not the first polymer gun and is not invisible to detection by airport x-ray equipment.  The Glock was the first commercially successful polymer framed pistol.  As for it being a favored terrorist weapon because of its ability to pass undetected through airport x-ray equipment, the Glock has more steel in it than some more conventional designs. If it ever got through the airport x-ray, it was because the operator was too busy looking at the flight attendants skirt...

What the Glock is, is one of the most popular pistols in history, especially in law enforcement circles.  It is believed to have 70% of the U.S. Law Enforcement market.  Having only 33 parts, the Glock is an  extremely reliable and durable weapon. The unique polygonal rifling enhances the accuracy and longevity of the weapon. 

In addition to the 9mm models, there are versions available in 40S&W, 10mm, 45ACP, 357Sig and even in .380ACP.  Unfortunately the 380ACP is not available in the U.S. Market due to the 1968 Gun Control Act. These calibers are also available in different sizes as well.  This makes for over a dozen different models, including Compensated variants. New production models have been enhanced with contour grip handles and in some models an accessory rail.

One of the most unique version of the Glock, had to be the G18.  This is a full-automatic select-fire version of the basic Glock 17.  Due to the polymer frame, the weapon is very controllable in full auto.  Three shot burst are possible by a skilled operator.

Heckler&Koch USP (Germany)

During the 90's HK began development of a pistol specifically for the U.S. market, especially Law-Enforcement. Compared to their previous designs, they succeeded.  Like the Glock series these pistol have a polymer frame.  HK actually pioneered the use of hi-tech polymers in the P9S and VP70Z models. Like the Glock, the USP also has a polygonal barrel, again this another HK innovation. Unlike the  Glock, the USP is equipped with a ambidextrous manual safety on the standard variant, with the option to remove it. It is also equipped with an ambidextrous magazine release as well. This makes the USP probably the most left-hand friendly production pistol  available. The USP is also one of the first pistols to introduce an accessory rail.

In addition to the 9mm models, there are versions available in 40S&W, 45ACP, and the 357Sig. These calibers are also available in different sizes as well.  The USP is also available in some specialized models like the USP Tactical, Expert and several others. Due to the Modular design, Ten different variants are available for each model.

The newest version to hit the Market in 2002 is the P2000.  This model is being advertised the first truly ambidextrous pistol.   That remains to be seen.  After all the ejection port is still on the right side. Release in the U.S. seems to have been delayed until 2003, as Law Enforcement sale has been extremely successful.

HK P2000 

Sig Sauer P226  (Germany)

Basically an improved high capacity version of the P220. This was designed to compete for the military M9 trials.  Though the P226 met or exceeded all the M9 requirements, it lost out to the Beretta due to cost.  Though the U.S. Army trials was for all the services,  the Navy and Coast Guard chose to purchase the P226 instead.  The U.S. Army later awarded Sig Sauer a contract for  their compact P228 version for the M11 compact sidearm requirement.

In addition to Military sales, the P226 enjoys popular success with Federal and Law Enforcement sales. Like the Beretta, Glock, and the HK USP,  the P226 also enjoys considerable commercial success as well. 

Colt 1911A1 (USA)

In use by the U.S. Military for over 70 years.  From 1911 until 1982, the 1911A1 served as the  U.S. Military's primary sidearm. When it was replaced by the Beretta M9. The 1911A1 is still in use, to a lesser extent,  by select military units,  mainly Specials Ops groups.  

The 1911A1 never caught on in major Law Enforcement circles due to its single action design.  The 1911A1 still enjoys commercial success, in addition to Colt, it is manufactured by over a dozen firms.  High end custom models being manufactured by Colt, Kimber, Springfield Armory and Wilson to name a few...

Heckler&Koch Mk 23 SOCOM (Germany)

August, 1991 a request was made for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for an "offensive" handgun.    Termed the OHWS, for Offensive Handgun Weapon System, it was a pistol designed within certain specified parameters that would be sufficient for conducting "offensive" operations, as opposed to the more traditional role for the handgun, for "defensive" operations.  HK and Colt were chosen to compete against each other for the new pistol.  HK eventually won out, and the contract was awarded to them.  It has undergone many changes from its birth in 1991.  Some are obvious, some are not.  The official name for the pistol is Mk 23, Mod 0.  Not very catchy.  That is why it is more popularly known as the SOCOM. A commercial version is marketed to Law Enforcement and civilians is known as the Mark 23.

The opinion is that the Special Ops community was never happy about the U.S. Military adopting a "9mm" sidearm.  So they came up the "Offensive Handgun Weapon System" requirement.  Thus giving them back their beloved 45ACP... The one downside of this handgun is when all the accessories where added (LAM and silencer), it weighs as much as a Colt M4.  Well one without a Knight Rail System...

FN 57 (Belgium)

The FN 57 was design as a extension of the popular P90 family, a more concealable option for the 5.7x28mm cartridge.  Unfortunately it will never see public sales.

"Personally give one of these over a pistol in combat anytime...."