What was the best pistol in WW2?

Best Pistol (tie): German Luger PO8 and American FN Browning GP-35. Both the Luger and the Browning “Hi-Power” shot 9mm rounds. While the Luger was very sensitive to dust and dirt, and had to be carried in a fully covered holster, the Germans didn’t make a fuss over it.

Was the 1911 effective in WW2?

The 1911 proved a powerful and effective handgun in the hands of the American Expeditionary Forces. Army Sergeant Alvin C. York used his 1911 pistol to single-handedly kill six German soldiers charging him with fixed bayonets. He earned the Congressional Medal of Honor as a result.

Did US soldiers carry sidearms in WW2?

While handguns weren’t issued to every soldier, most would get and carry their own pistol. Therefore, not every soldier would all have the same sidearm. However, the two most commonly issued pistols during WW2 were the Colt M1911A1 and the M1917 Revolver.

Did they use 1911 in Vietnam?

Yes, the Colt 1911 saw a significant amount of action during the Vietnam War. Though originally adopted for use in 1911, as the name suggests, this iconic design was to serve with the US military until 1986.

Is the 1911 a good gun?

Modern pistol designs have made the 1911 obsolete in its role as a combat sidearm. It’s finicky and demands constant attention that a warfighter can’t afford to offer. But when it’s tuned and running well, it’s the most accurate pistol out there. Warnings aside, the pistol’s appeal is strong and romantic.

What’s so special about 1911 pistols?

The M1911 series of pistols is renowned for its ergonomics. The svelte grip provided by the single stack magazine makes it easy to grip. The manual safety is placed perfectly for easy access, and the grip angle is superb. The single-action-only design provides a crisp trigger in even the cheapest 1911 configurations.

How much ammo did WW2 US soldiers carry?

1,150 rounds of machine gun ammunition (250 rounds carried in 5 belt drums of 50 rounds; 900 rounds carried in 3 ammo boxes of 300 rounds) 360 rounds of rifle ammunition (each rifleman carried 45 rounds on the march; 60 rounds in combat)

Was the luger reliable?

Yet, the Luger has a reputation for toughness and accuracy that obviously served German soldiers well. Lugers from the early 20th century are particularly well-made, built to standards so exacting that many P08s that first saw service during World War I were completely usable during World War II and beyond.

Did the M1911 pistol work in the Vietnam War?

First made the US military’s standard-issue sidearm in, as the name suggests, 1911, the M1911 pistol had already been around for a long time by the start of the Vietnam War. While the US military went through several types of rifles trying to find one that worked well for Vietnam, they had no such problems when it came to handguns.

Is the M1911 still in use today?

The M1911 is still carried by some U.S. forces. It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its formal designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber.45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol, Caliber.45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924.

Was the 1911 used in WW2?

It was widely used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its formal designation as of 1940 was Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911 for the original Model of 1911 or Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911A1 for the M1911A1, adopted in 1924.

What kind of guns were used in WW1?

1911 Pistols (WWI & WWII) The model 1911 is the most iconic US military pistol in history. We offer both WW1 era 1911s, transitional and government model 1911s, as well as the WW2 model 1911A1 made by Colt, Remington, Ithaca, and more! See also our COLTS and SMITH and WESSONS!