Historical Firearm Features

When it comes to surplus semi-automatic handguns from the early 20th century, the Steyr M1912 is arguably one of the most underrated pistols in this category, yet offers plenty of history and usability to collectors.

Beyond their utilitarian function, firearms have been admired over the centuries for their intrinsic artistic form and, often, their lavishly applied decoration. Pictured here are guns belonging to one of America’s foremost collectors with provenance to legendary figures such as Bat Masterson, George Armstrong Custer, Tom Horn, Tom Mix and Jesse James.

When Smith & Wesson's name showed up on Walther PPK and PPK/s pistols, many were shocked, but what does that mean for build quality and performance? Follow along with Wiley Clapp and his investigation of S&W-made Walther pistols.

From the archives of American Rifleman, learn about the history and production of the most widely used U.S. military handgun of the Second World War.

George Washington and the Continental Army were plagued by a variety of problems during the harsh winter of 1777-’78, but the gift of a pair of pistols warmed the heart of America’s commander-in-chief and future first president.

February 22, 2022, marks George Washington’s 290th birthday, and nearly three centuries on, there are still many surviving artifacts that give us some insight into his life and character.

My father was a private first class in the 17th Airborne Division and made the parachute jump into Germany where he acquired an unusual semi- automatic pistol from a surrendering German SS officer. The gun is marked “DUO” on its stocks.

In the mid-19th century—just as in today’s world—citizens were clamoring for a concealable, reliable and affordable handgun. Ironically, inspired by the acceptance of his massive .44-cal. 1847 Walker and First Model 1848 Dragoon, the enterprising Sam Colt sensed an opportunity.

The story of these rare Ruger .22 pistols involves two legends of the firearm world—Colonel Rex Applegate of OSS fame and William B. Ruger, Sr.