• Which is Best: Glock 17 or 19?

    That Glock 9mm handguns are both popular and used worldwide is not even a question but firearm forums frequently field queries on which is the better choice between the G17 and 19.  Folks faithful to one or the other usually respond by singing the praises of their particular favorite. The G17 is described by the…

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  • What is a “Hungarian Makarov”?

    The answer is, “A misnomer for a pistol that never existed.”  No actual Makarov-pattern pistol was made in Hungary (or Czechoslovakia) though other makes of compact semiautos chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov certainly were.  True Makarov pistols have been made in Russia, China, East Germany, Germany (after being reunited) and Bulgaria. Makarovs are usually seen in 9x18mm though some can be…

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  • What Handguns do you personally Use for Home Defense?

    I am asked this on a fairly regular basis via personal messaging on the forums or by email. Some just assume that I always use a Hi Power and go from there, but the truth is that over the years I’ve used different handgun types, each presenting its own positive…and not-so-positive characteristics.  I am not…

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  • Does My Hi Power Have a Forged or Cast Frame?

    None of the classic style Hi Powers has cast frames. None of the Mk II 9mm’s has cast frames. Early 9mm Mk III pistols didn’t have them either. All had forged frames. With the advent of the .40 Hi Power, FN went to cast frames and a different heat treatment that resulted in “harder” frames.…

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  • What is meant by Double-Action and Single-Action?

    This question is frequently asked or seen being incorrectly defined.  I thought that it might be of use to some to explain these terms and provide examples. Traditionally, the term “single-action” refers to a specific handgun action in which the trigger performs but a single function; it drops the hammer which fires the gun. Similarly, “double-action” describes…

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  • 9mm Glock Barrel Support: Adequate or Not?

    Whether a fan of Glock handguns or not, most agree that the Glock “KB” (“Ka Boom”) is a topic that is both enduring and widely-discussed on many firearm boards.  Glock detractors frequent speak of inadequate chamber support, flawed gun design allowing the pistol to be fired with the barrel slightly out of battery to skyrocketing…

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