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CLASSIC HANDGUNS
of the 20th Century
David W. Arnold
©2004 David W. Arnold
Published by
700 East State Street • Iola, WI 54990-0001 715-445-2214 • 888-457-2873www.krause.com
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All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio or television.
Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2004100739
ISBN: 0-87349-576-4
eISBN: 978-1-44022-411-9
Designed by Brian Brogaard
Edited by Joel Marvin
Printed in the United States of America
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The idea for compiling this book originated several years ago when I was editor of G&A HANDGUNS, a Primedia magazine. It was decided to run a short series called “CLASSIC HANDGUNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY” that would examine some of the more notable handguns of that period.
After compiling the first few articles of the series, I quickly realized I was just scratching the surface and that the only way to do full justice to the subject was to write a book. I am grateful for being allowed to use some of the material previously used in the original HANDGUNS magazine series.
A number of people have helped in the compilation of this book. First is my lovely wife, Patricia, who has devoted many long hours creating the color renditions of all the handguns covered in this study.
I am grateful to Frank James for his assistance in compiling the chapter on the Glock pistol. Glen Barnes gave valuable assistance in researching the Walther P38.
Providing photographs to illustrate the various chapters proved to be quite a challenge and would not have been possible without the kind assistance of the following people.
Garry James was kind enough to allow me to photograph a number of handguns from his personal collection. Glen Barnes also helped by providing photographs from his extensive handgun collection.
Others who loaned me guns to photograph were Jeff John, Marty Kovacs, Jan Libourel, Jerry Lee, Lou Page, George Pedersen and Jerry Usher.
I am also indebted to my good friend Jan Libourel, editor of Gun World magazine, who kindly reviewed the text for accuracy. He offered a number of useful corrections and suggestions.
Finally, I must thank Don Gulbrandsen of Krause publications for his assistance and encouragement. To all the above mentioned and anyone I may have omitted, I tender my heartfelt thanks.
David W. Arnold
Canyon Country, California
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 The Colt Single-Action Army Revolver
Chapter 2 The German P08 Luger
Chapter 3 The Colt 45 Government Model of 1911
Chapter 4 The Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model 10 Revolver
Chapter 5 The Colt Detective Special Revolver
Chapter 6 The Walther PP, PPK and PPK/S Double-Action Auto Pocket Pistol
Chapter 7 The Walther P38 Double-Action Auto Pistol
Chapter 8 The Browning P-35 High Power
Chapter 9 The Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum (Model 27) Revolver
Chapter 10 The Ruger Standard 22 Pistol
Chapter 11 The Smith & Wesson Model 39 Double-Action Pistol
Chapter 12 The Colt Python 357 Magnum Revolver
Chapter 13 The Ruger Blackhawk 357 Magnum Single-Action Revolver
Chapter 14 The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum
Chapter 15 The Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum (Model 29) Revolver
Chapter 16 The Smith & Wesson Model 60 Revolver
Chapter 17 The Beretta Model 92
Chapter 18 The Heckler & Koch P7 Squeeze-Cocking Auto Pistol
Chapter 19 The Sig-Sauer P226 De-Cocking Double-Action Auto Pistol