When considering pistols for the title of the best in the world, the impact on the global arms market, revolutionary design and mass use were primarily taken into account. All representatives of the world pistol market took part in the review - military, hunting, sports and civilian models. Due to the fact that many pistols are modifications of one specific model, this pistol model will receive a place in the ranking.
So, the actual rating of pistols for the title of the best in the world:
1. Glock series pistols
With the advent of these pistols, a new era in the development of personal firearms begins. The absolute record holder of recent decades, in terms of the number of modifications and other pistols created on the model of the Glock, few modern pistols can compete with it. Main differences:
- excellent reliability;
- polymer frame;
- increased ammunition capacity;
- trigger with non-stop force on the trigger;
- without external fuse;
- many modifications for a wide range of ammunition.
2. Colt pistols, in particular the Colt M1911A1
The “oldest” pistol in service was created by designer D. Browning. Played a major role in the development of pistols. Today it is the most popular pistol in the world and has the widest number of different clones. Key Features:
- automatic with a short barrel stroke;
- locking at the top of the barrel with 2 lugs;
- use of a steel earring to disengage the bolt and barrel;
- trigger trigger with single-action open trigger;
- non-automatic fuse on the frame;
- automatic safety - button on the back of the handle;
- single-row magazine in the handle;
- a magazine release designed as a button;
- the caliber used is .45 APC.
Since we have already mentioned D. Browning, truly the greatest weapons designer, we will share second place with the Browning “Hi-Power” pistol. The pistol was created after the death of the brilliant designer, but according to his drawings. The pistol turned out to be so successful that at one time various modifications of this pistol formed the basis of military personal weapons in many countries around the world.
3. Pistols CZ-75/85
Undoubtedly, the best creation of Czech gunsmiths. Although the pistol was created in the 80s, it gained the greatest popularity in Western countries. The highest levels of reliability, convenience, as well as the simplicity of the design itself brought the Czech pistol well-deserved success. In terms of the number of clones produced, it is second only to the Colt series pistols. Key Features:
- the shutter moves along guides inside the frame;
- The trigger is structurally assembled as a separate unit.
4. Desert Eagle “Mk XIX” pistol
Created by American and modified by Israeli designers. It was the first and today the only high-quality and powerful pistol. Oddly enough, the pistol gained popularity in the civilian arms market. If other pistols first conquered paramilitary units and only then conquered the rest, the powerful “Desert Eagle”, thanks to computer games and world cinema, quickly won the hearts of all connoisseurs of powerful personal weapons. The Desert Eagle variant with 50 AE ammunition is today one of the most powerful serial self-loading pistols. The design of the weapon is quite original. Feature - a gas exhaust propulsion circuit is used.
5. Stechkin pistol
The domestic Stechkin APS is an original development; a distinctive feature of the pistol is the butt-holster, which is connected to the pistol. Definitely one of the best domestic pistols. But as the saying goes, you were not born there. It is quite possible that if such a pistol appeared in the USA, it would now be in the top three. Key Features:
- increased firepower;
- increased efficiency due to a capacious magazine;
- firing not only with single shots, but also with bursts;
- the pistol is equipped with a fire rate retarder;
- reduced sound from a shot compared to conventional pistols.
6. Remington XP-100 pistol
A fundamentally and structurally new pistol for sport and hunting. Roughly speaking, it’s a sawed-off pistol-type rifle. He made a huge contribution to the development of pistols of this type. Pistols created according to the design and principle of the Remington XP-100 are the most popular for hunting and long-range sport shooting. It was these pistols that led to the next decision - the use of optical sights on various pistols. Key Features:
-use of a rifle cartridge as ammunition;
- shortened rifle bolt;
- original and comfortable, completely plastic pistol stock;
- firing from both the right and left hands;
- the empty space at the front of the pistol can hold up to 5 rounds of ammunition.
Sixth place in the ranking went to the Thompson - Center Contender pistol. Another pistol for hunting and shooting. In fact, he is the founder of hunting with a pistol. It is still considered an iconic example of a hunting pistol. The main feature is the extraordinary ease of changing the barrel, which made it possible to use a variety of ammunition.
7. Heckler&Koch USP pistol
One of the most successful developments of pistols for special and police units. The polymer frame and Browning-Peter locking system gave excellent results. Due to its features, it has become widely used throughout the world. Key Features:
- double or double-single action trigger;
- a proprietary buffer system is used to reduce friction;
- differs in extremely unpretentious conditions of use, is not afraid of heat, cold, dirt and falls;
- quick caliber replacement is possible.
8. Pistol Taurus PT-111 “Millenium Titanium”
This pocket-type pistol made it into our rating due to its exceptional combination of power and increased ammunition capacity. The small size, combined with the features of the pistol, has greatly expanded its scope of application. Key Features:
- constant readiness for use;
- 9x19 Parabellum ammunition;
- use of titanium in the design of the pistol;
- 12 rounds of ammunition.
9. Walther PP/PPK pistol
Designed as a police pistol. It became one of the earliest pistols to receive USM. Has a large number of clones. By the way, the domestic PM is one of them. He received well-deserved success not only in the military, but also in the civilian market.
10. PSS pistol
Our rating ends with an extremely amazing domestically produced pistol. Silent and self-loading, this pistol does not use a silencer and has no analogues throughout the world. The main feature is the use of a special cartridge in which the powder gases are cut off inside the cartridge case, due to which the clap of a shot sounds no stronger than a regular clap of hands. Again, the problem with this pistol is that it was not born there. Without being widely used, PSS could not achieve great results in our rating. Key Features:
- special ammunition SP-4;
- small dimensions;
- original design;
- light weight.
Well, in conclusion, I would like to say a few words about the GSh-18 pistol. Excellent domestic development of personal weapons. The gun is capable of reaching great heights in the gun market. But there is no chance for him to become one of the leaders of the best pistols in the world - the pistol is not a completely original design, but there is a variation of the Glock pistol. Perhaps the next modification of the GSh-18 pistol will bring him well-deserved fame and honor.
