What would you consider the best pre-1911 handgun to be, and why?
Posted by strongerthenbefore20@reddit | ForgottenWeapons | View on Reddit | 126 comments
- Colt SAA 2. C96 3. Colt New Service 4. Colt 1903 5. FN 1903 6. C-93 7. Luger 8. Nambu 9. Webley 10. SW Model 10
Cliffinati@reddit
Luger or the Smith
red_ball_express@reddit
Luger or Steyr Hahn.
EmeraldP13@reddit
Yeah I have no idea why the Steyr Hahn wasn’t on this list
Rolopig_24-24@reddit
Because Steyr Hahn was made in 1911
EmeraldP13@reddit
Ah on my bad
Sesemebun@reddit
Cause it’s just straight worse than the Luger lol. From my research for reloading the standard 9x23 load was weaker than the p08 load. And personally even with practice I find the Steyr fairly finicky to load with its clips, doing it with a full 8 causes it to bind. I think it’s construction and mechanism is a bit more simple and elegant than the Luger but assuming equal reliability the Luger is just straight up better. I still think the Steyr is cooler though
red_ball_express@reddit
There's a good case to be made for the Luger but I don't think the Luger just dominates it. I haven't shot a Hahn but from what I heard it has less recoil owing to the fact that it doesn't have that toggle arm bouncing back then up and it has a much less mushy trigger. Also while 9mm Steyr might be a little less hot than 9mm Parabellum, it isn't whimpy. They're pretty close to each other. Certainly closer than to most of the other cartridges in the pics above.
Sesemebun@reddit
I’m not necessarily saying the Luger wins the whole thing I’m saying it trumps the Steyr hence it not being included (though the more likely answer is op forgot or doesn’t know). Recoil and trigger quality (which are somewhat subjective) are nice, but far from the most important points for this post
Bobhubert@reddit
Colt 1903 probably isn’t the “best” but it’s a good gun for what it is as far as a single stack blow back, a formulae followed for years to come
cryptidhunter101@reddit
Pre 1911 would have to be the early N frame Smiths.
Mauser1838@reddit
I don’t see a lot of people call Nambu’s pistols good but it’s nice when people give credit to Nambu
Mauser1838@reddit
Gotta go with the gasser m1870 cause 11.3×36mmR go boom
Mauser1838@reddit
Fn model 1900 as it became the basis for the modern semi automatic pistol
Darth_Klaus501@reddit
Luger easily. Blows away the C96 ergonomically despite coming out only two years later. And it also introduced the most popular caliber in the world. I feel like this list should only be semi-autos because revolvers shouldn't really be compared to semi autos because their are lots of caveats. Not to mention the Colt SAA came out a long time before these other guns.
TheScribe86@reddit
Your numbering is a little off there
Pepe_pls@reddit
Luger
WesternThink@reddit
The colt 1903 and fn 1903 hammerless call me old fashioned as you want
Hanksport@reddit
Luger.
TheNinthDoc@reddit
Considering that, of those on the list, the model 10 is still in service and absolutely viable, that one.
BenSpringer@reddit
Call me old fashioned but I’m going Colt SAA or Mauser C96
DOOM_INTENSIFIES@reddit
C96. May or may not be a rational, criteria based choice.
lockpickerkuroko@reddit
As a Chinese person I am obligated to say C96. The influence of that pistol on Chinese handgun development stretched into the 80s. The Type 80 machine pistol looks like that because all the higher-ups loved their C96s from the Civil War.
greasydickfingers@reddit
Wow that sounds really interesting! Do you have anymore info on this? Or maybe some places where I can find some?
lockpickerkuroko@reddit
I should specify that it was the Schnellfeuer in particular that inspired some aspects of the Type 80 - primarily with regards to handling and overall form factor.
I don't know if Bilibili is accessible to you, but here's a link. Obviously given this is the equivalent of an old forum post or a blog post it's not sourced, so take it with a grain of salt. I'll translate this section to do with the appearance.
The Type 80 also uses a short recoil action like the Schnellfeuer, though that's where the similarities end, since the Schnellfeuer uses the same dropping block lock as the C96, while the Type 80 (as far as I can tell, looking at a couple grainy cutaways) uses some form of tilting block. The Bilibili post seems to claim it uses a rotating bolt, which I find dubious.
By the way, aside from the C96-like wooden stock, there was a folding stock. If you're thinking that the shoulder part looks awfully like the hilt of a knife, you would be correct.
greasydickfingers@reddit
Ah thank you so much! And no worries I can see the page and never would’ve found it anyway if it wasn’t for your help, it’s all very cool stuff
Bobafat54@reddit
They nickname it the Box pistol as far as i know, but i have read through the C96 Wiki page and on the variants segment it does have the Chinese i suppose
Dreadpipes@reddit
Pistols Of The Warlords by Ian Mccollum (Book) and Type 56: The Story Of China’s Army (Youtube channel) both cover the C96 in depth it’s awesome
Kagenlim@reddit
And specifically the Type 17.
10 round capacity of .45acp goes hard
Numeno230n@reddit
Have to say it almost for ubiquity. Millions of those things (mostly clones) out there especially in China.
cfwang1337@reddit
Definitely not rational lmao. Ever shot one? No beavertail, high bore axis. You get horrible muzzle flip and blood blisters on the webbing between your thumb and index finger.
WhiskeyOverIce@reddit
If you hold the grip too high, the safety contacts your hand due to the muzzle flip, and you periodically have to stop and examine the gun to figure out why It won't shoot.
rk5n@reddit
I'd say most people hyping up the C96 have never shot one. The Luger is miles better.
UOF_ThrowAway@reddit
What’s in between the Nambu and the Webley?
Competitive_Ad712@reddit
mauser.
SlyGuy011@reddit
I want to shout out the Bergmann Mars. I just think it's neat
Bobafat54@reddit
Nagant 1895, here's why: since when did you hear about a revolver being silenced, but it does a pretty good job in that, also looks cool and way interesting than other revolvers
Doc-Fives-35581@reddit
SW Model 10
toaster-spoon@reddit
Good ol model 10
OurUsernam@reddit
I have had 5 of the ones listed. The Colt 1908 380 was my favorite. It was given to me by my dad and it belonged to his dad before him.
RaiderCat_12@reddit
I’ll go with the FN 1903. Simpler, more rugged and reliable action than most of them, intuitive ergonomics, sleek pre-Art Déco design useful for concealed carry, 9mm in a missing link caliber between 9 para and .380, and not irrelevantly, automatic.
If I didn’t care about maintenance, stopping power, reliability and possibility of follow-up shots as much as I did compared to style or cool factor I’d pick the Luger the Mauser C96 or one of the double-action revolvers.
TheIrishNerfherder@reddit
Pocket Hammerless
Taswegian96@reddit
Head says Luger Heart says Schwarzlose 1898
Trum4n1208@reddit
Colt New Service, at least for me personally.
YamahaRD100@reddit
I own a Mauser C96. I've put several boxes of ammo through it. I can give an honest assessment. When I am at the range and pull the C96 out of the shoulder stock, others notice. Many stop shooting just to watch. Cause it's a cool piece. And that's about all the positive things I can say.
Clumsy handling and balance. Front sight so huge it blocks the view of the bullseye.
There is a reason it is the only pistol with a broomhandle. Really bad idea. Try disassembling the C96 and cleaning it. Without the detailed manual, it is a wonderfully challenging puzzle. Insanely difficult.
Ammo is not common. 7.63 I think. I can hit the broadside of a barn, as long as the barn isn't moving around too much. The stripper clip woks fine, except for the occasional smashed fingers. Super fun to shoot despite all that. But marksmanship is not the reason it's fun.
Leather-Brief3966@reddit
Colt SAA and Luger 8 easily. SW M. 10 possibly over the Colt.
While I am obligated to fanboy over the C96, people who have handled them say they aren’t the most enjoyable of pistols to shoot, and it’s slightly unsafe. Its trigger pull after around 100 shots is said to suck for many shooters.
KingDavidGreat2010@reddit
The Nagant revolver because it had the capability to be suppressed
lettelsnek@reddit
aint no way people still say this garbage
GoredonTheDestroyer@reddit
Especially when the Nagant's ability to be suppressed was, unless I'm mistaken, purely coincidental.
PM_ME_YOUR_WOW_UI@reddit
This is as good of place as any to ask this I guess. Were there any revolving rifles that used this system?
All the Revolving Rifles that Ian has looked at he mentions the Cylinder gap issue spewing hot gas on to the shooters arm. Seems like the Nagant system would be simple fix.
Brown_Colibri_705@reddit
Yes, look up the Pieper revolving rifle.
PartyFriend@reddit
Also the Collier. The Puckle gun also used a similar system only the gas seal was moved forward by a screw rather than a spring.
Magnavoxx@reddit
What a niche thing in that time, though.
When self contained cartridges came, so did repeating rifles like the Henry in 1860 and the Winchester in 1866. One wonders what the selling point was in 1896(!) for this thing?
therealestscientist@reddit
Yeah I think that would’ve been impossible for that to be a design feature when the suppressor wasn’t patented until 1909. Or some serious fore sight lol.
lettelsnek@reddit
correct, the gas seal mechanism was purely intended to help increase the efficiency of the cartridge (more velocity idr)
teaster333@reddit
Luger. Hands down.
applyheat@reddit
I say it’s Luger, hands up!
teaster333@reddit
😅
TotallyACP@reddit
it's so sexy
_Zoring_@reddit
This is the correct answer
Marsupialize@reddit
The 1903 is my holy grail gun
ReactionAble7945@reddit
Savage Model 1907
nirukii@reddit
I saw one at my LGS. Such a beautiful piece
Purple_Calico@reddit
I picked one up one last year on GB when the prices tanked for some reason for $227.
Best investment ever.
fartron3000@reddit
I have one and the action might be the smoothest of any handgun I've ever held.
jdb326@reddit
Which is wild considering it's a savage. As a savage owner, the newer stuff at least is well, leaving more to be desired for sure.
ReactionAble7945@reddit
I have 2 savages. An Enfield and a single shot handed down.
The single shot was very cost effective. That side of the family had no money as farmers.
And the Enfield says that they could make anything they wanted.
So, if they got the contract, they would have made many many great guns. As is a lot of what they do is good enough and at a price point people can afford.
DukeOfGeek@reddit
10 shots quick!
SolidPrysm@reddit
I own one myself and absolutely agree. It's simple, compact, well balanced, and disassembly is almost comically easy.
snipe4fun@reddit
Number 9.5 is the FN model 1922. The model number seems to indicate it should not be included in this post. But since it is, I’ll take that one!
halaljew@reddit
Pry the colt 1910.
No-Pay-4350@reddit
I'd probably have to say the Luger, and the C96 prior to that. A detachable-magazine pistol in 7.65 or 9x19 beats the pants off of most contemporary options, and the C96's stripper clips aren't that far behind. Gets a bit dicey before that. The Colt 1892 was one of the better revolver options prior to widespread semi-autos. Before that probably the Webley W.G. or Mk.I. Earlier, I'd have to go all the way back to the Gasser 1870, the 73 was good too. Why? 5-6 rounds of 11.35, approximately equivalent to .45 Long Colt, from a double-action revolver. The only thing that has the Colt 73 as a tie is its better durability.
mrsquishr1@reddit
Bergman 1910
EmeraldP13@reddit
I’d probably say the FN 1903 or the Luger P08
GreenCreekRanch@reddit
Colt 1903.
Boring_Classroom_482@reddit
I’d probably go with the Luger. Magazine fed, good caliber and semi-auto. S&W model 10 would be second choice.
Now if we fast forward to WWII, I’d go P-38 for reliability and better sights than the old 1911s.
locolarue@reddit
P38s are so nice. Biiig sights, safety helps you grip the slide, nice grip size because single stack. Maybe wanting a button mag release, but nothing's perfect.
locolarue@reddit
Luger, Savage 1907, Browning 1903, Browning 1908, S&W #3.
_DoggoMeister_@reddit
S&W Model 10 because I'm a sucker for noires.
Udecidedlobster@reddit
Type 13 is def not pre 1911
TWR3545@reddit
The Luger feels the most modern of the bunch. Button release detachable magazine.
Modern_Doshin@reddit
Either SAA or C96
PieReasonable9686@reddit
I love the Luger but also have a spot in my heart for the Colt Navy.
I love the Luger because it has a very cool action and it just makes me feel awesome when I shoot it.
Then there is the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver just makes me feel like a real cowboy and it's amazing I will dress up as Clint Eastwood and go to the gun range and shoot it just cause COWBOY.
Useful_Inspector_893@reddit
1880’s it’s Merwin Hulbert and SW Model 3 for me. Pre WW1, C96 or either Colt or SW double action revolvers
Temporary_Border7233@reddit
Honestly any version of the 1910.
Move the mag release, change the safety to somewhere your thumb can comfortability reach and its 90% of what youd see on a modern pistol.
Literally 2 changes and its effectively a modern pistol.
Kegalodon@reddit
My top four going down from what I’d pick
Luger -> Mauser -> S&W 10 -> Colt SAA
RARE_ARMS_REVIVED@reddit
Luger or C96.
The C96 has probably seen more conflicts globally and been in more militaries, militias and other armed groups than any other pistol ever made yet.
I like them for different reasons, but I live how compact the Luger is. I have a terribly cursed gun idea to make one with an Aluminium lower frame, double stack mag in .30SC, ditch the iron sights and mount a red dot over the chamber. (All with a FDE cerakote, might stick to wood grips though).
Handgun_Hero@reddit
My initial reaction would have been the Savage 1907 or Luger being detachable magazine fed semi autos, but the more I think about it the more I'd have to go with the Model 10. It really is the pinnacle of revolver design and I really don't think we perfected semi auto pistol design until the 1911. The Model 10 still sees some limited police use and was only really fully phased out the past two decades.
DetroitAdjacent@reddit
Model 10s are still in service with police forces globally. There isn't a damn thing wrong with the Model 10. S&W nailed it so hard that the basic design for revolvers hasn't changed since then. You can also buy a police trade in Model 10 for like $350 and it will drive tacks just like the day it was made, and none if them left the factory without an amazing single action and pretty good double action trigger.
justaheatattack@reddit
just point and click.
echo202L@reddit
Maybe the C96 or the Luger? Whatever handgun was best, it was a semi-automatic pistol without a doubt.
MCRusher@reddit
Gasser m1870. Big gun, big hole.
Definitely not biased.
ItsJoeverLads@reddit
Probably the FN 1903 or Colt Pocket Hammerless 1908
The_Ostrich_you_want@reddit
For some reason I thought the hi-power came first. After googling and realizing I was wrong I’d likely go with another self loader like an FN 1903 or maybe the savage model 1907 in 45.
GaegeSGuns@reddit
Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless
GoredonTheDestroyer@reddit
First question I ask whenever I see a "What is the best x?" post is,
How are we defining best?
Most accurate? Most reliable? Most affordable? most produced? Longest produced? Most produced? Most influential?
IlluminatedPickle@reddit
"What would you consider" makes it quite clear that it's up to you to decide.
GoredonTheDestroyer@reddit
That is true.
Also, I only just noticed that I had "Most produced" written twice.
Jasonhite@reddit
The Colt Patterson has to be up there. It was a literal game changer for the time.
lettelsnek@reddit
innovation pre-civil war has nothing to do with being “best” in 1910
Jasonhite@reddit
True. Wasn’t thinking best IN 1910, was more thinking best BEFORE 1911 in comparison with its own timeline, due to innovation and what came directly from it. My vote for best in 1910 would be the Luger
OtisDriftwood1978@reddit
How so?
zmannz1984@reddit
First commonly seen commercial and first military issued revolver! Cap and ball, but it did help bring about repeating small arms.
Clapbakatyerblakcat@reddit
Aesthetically, the Bergman 1910 is my favorite.
SteveusChrist@reddit
Colt Police Positive Special. Though I love my SAA, but I tried shooting a Smith and it was weird.
Of course, I got to shoot a buddy's Luger, and well... It worked well, had better mag capacity, and can shoot 9mm.
WolfieSpam@reddit
Model 10 considering its variants also left US military service in 2017
StevenMcStevensen@reddit
My answer as well. It’s one of the absolute best all-around handguns that was available at that time.
The_First_Curse_@reddit
Either the Mauser C96 or the Luger.
KeeganY_SR-UVB76@reddit
C96, easily. Although if I were limited to post-1900, I’d say the FN Model 1910.
CuteAnalyst8724@reddit
How far are we going with this?
The best is the Schwarzlose Model 1898
thepvbrother@reddit
Colt Service Revolver was in every cops and robbers movie and TV show from their beginning until the A-Team and Magnum PI
lettelsnek@reddit
for what purpose?
military/police automatic - Luger in 9x19 carry automatic - colt pocket hammerless
military/police revolver - new service or triple lock carry revolver - s&w safety hammerless
Cydona@reddit
The P08 Luger. Next would be a Schofield revolver
mlin1911@reddit
S&W Hand Ejector 1899 (Model 10).
Better_Island_4119@reddit
So many good ones to choose from. All designed by Browning.
LetTheRabitWerGlases@reddit
Nagant
Distinct_One_6919@reddit
Fn 1903
hoodoo-operator@reddit
Model 10 for sure
zmannz1984@reddit
For overall combat use, probably the webley. Whatever will keep firing while wet and muddy. Luger or broomhandle for pure cool points. I can’t say i would want to be forced to defend myself with a luger in an emergency, especially if it was cold and i had gloves on. I have only fired a broomhandle a few times but they seem like a decent enough option.
strongerthenbefore20@reddit (OP)
My top three choices would be the Colt New Service, FN 1903, or the C96.
Anaxamander57@reddit
Ye olde handgonne.
Stephen_1984@reddit
Number 2, the broom-handled Mauser! It’s all you need to conquer interwar China or avenge your father!
Nambus are rather generic-looking.
elchsaaft@reddit
New Service. 6 DA shots of 45 Colt is going to take care of most any business you need
dr_xenon@reddit
Colt New Service or the Webley.
Webley is built like a tank.
OldPuebloGunfighter@reddit
Colt 1910
BadgerBadgerCat@reddit
You just put the Nambu in there so you'd have 10 guns most Americans would have heard of, didn't you?
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