Walther Company History

Walter Works was founded by Carl Walther, and it was he who laid the cornerstone for the building in 1886. In 1908, Walther Model 1 became the first German self-loading pistol to be reliably usable, and was used by German officers in World War I.

The factory passed to Carl Walther’s sons upon his death in 1915, and his interest in self-loading pistols was continued by his son Fritz. The year 1929 saw the first single action/double action pistol, the Walther Model PP, followed by the compact PPK. The P38 was released in 1938 to meet the German military’s need for a 9 mm cartridge with more power.

Although the original factory was destroyed in World War II, Fritz salvaged design documents and set up a new factory is West Germany in 1953. In 1993, the company merged with Umarex. Recent accomplishments include use of Walther firearms in the summer Olympics shooting competitions by gold medal winners, and Model P99, which a well-regarded pistol for police and armed force use. In 1999, Carl Walther GmbH and Smith & Wesson formed a partnership to distribute Walther products in the US.

Walther Products

• Rifles- G22 small-bore rifles, known for their Olympic performance are among those available from Walther through the Smith & Wesson website. The Walther rifles are respected a lot by rifle shooters and considered to be some of the best rifles.

• Pistols- Six lines of pistols, the P99, the P22, the PPS, the PPK and PPK/S, the SP22, and the PK 380 are being made available to US customers. These include both centerfire and rimfire models. PK stands for Pistol Kompakt (compact pistol), while PPS indicated Police Pistol Slim. The pistols come in various sizes and finishes. Some of them have a QA version, which stands for Quick Action, and these have a short trigger pull. The AS (for AntiStress) models are designed to avoid unintentional firing in situations of stress. It is the Walther pistols that they are most famous for. Many famous people have used the Walther guns.

• Knives- A variety of knives are offered from Walther, including hunting knives, tactical knives, and collector’s knives. Some feature ambidextrous one-handed opening, and some have inlay of burl or scrimshaw.

• Shooting Safety Glasses- Walther offers shooting glasses in clear, yellow, amber, and smoke. It is very important that you choose the best shooting glasses when shooting. Not only from a safety aspect but from a visual aspect also.

• Accessories- Firearms accessories include magazines, holsters, and targets. More such as sights, scopes, and alternative grips are listed in the Walther Catalog, available for download on their official website.

• Apparel- The wearing apparel that Walther offers includes polo shirts, mock-tees, denim button shirts with a logo, and Oxford shirts. Outerwear includes sweatshirts and fleece-lined jackets. Caps in black/gray, black, and white are available, and Walther lighters and both P99 and PPK pins are available, as is a book about Walther titled Walther, A German Legend.

Walther is a great company and definitely one of the best pistols manufacturers there is.

SIG Sauer Site Basics

SIG Sauer has a website on which you can find a downloadable PDF of its “Pistol Specifications.” It’s important that you know that at least for now, the pdf is current, and the website is outdated with regard to the X models. That is, both the P220 and the P226 have models (one P220, five P226’s) that do not yet appear on the website. The best plan if you are interested in these models when you peruse the PDF is to call customer service for more information or head down to your local gun shop for further information on the Sig Sauer P220.

Another key fact is that while the PDF lists all the options and editions available for each model, the website shows only the ones that are prepared for sale by SIG Sauer. For any combination of other options/editions that is possible for the model you have chosen, but that you do not see listed for sale on the site, you can still get what you want, but as aftermarket enhancement after you have taken possession of the pistol in the base model of your choice.

SIG Sauer P220 Basics

The SIG Sauer P220 is a .45 ACP pistol that was introduced in 1976. It has a standard magazine capacity of 8, and with a conversion kit, can take .22LR ammunition with a 10 magazine capacity. The P220 Carry (CA), P220 Compact (CO), P220 X-Six and the P220 Match, only use .45 ACP ammunition. The P220, P220 CA, and P220 COall have the option of a double action/single action (DA/SA), SRT DA/SA or Double Action Kellerman (DAK) trigger action, and the P220 and P220 CA can also use single action only (SAO). The P220 Match can have either DA/SA or SAO, and the P220 X-Six is limited to SAO.

The P220 X-Six is the largest of the P220 pistols at 9.i in long. The P220 Match is second at 8.3 in, followed by the P220 at 7.7 in, the P220 CO at 7.6 in, and the P220 CA at 7.1 in. All models except the P220 CO have a height of 5.5 in (the P220 CO is 5.0 in high), and all have a width of 1.6 in, except the P220 X-Six, which is 1.6 in wide.

Options for at least some sized of the P220 include sights, rips of various materials, frames of different materials, various frame finishes, slide finishes, an accessory rail, and an ambidextrous safety.

Pistol editions for the various sizes of the P220 are as follows: The P220 Match can be made with either the Super Match or the Match Elite edition. The P220 and P220 CA can be made with Platinum Elite, Elite Stainless, Elite, Elite Dark, and Equinox. The P220 and the P220 CO can be made in the SAS Gen II, and the 220 can be made in Combat edition. These editions may include dimension adjustments, particular grips, materials, and finishes for the frame and slide, specific sights, and more.

All of the Sig Sauer P220 guns are popular amongst law enforcement because of their reliability. Find out why they are some of the best police guns and for that matter the best pistols by heading down to your local gun store and checking these pistols out.

History of SIG Sauer

The history of SIG Sauer helps to explain the unusual spelling of the name. It all started with Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG), a Swiss manufacturer and packaging technology specialist. SIG sold firearms to the US labeled as SIG Arms, the American branch of SIG, through a Germany Company, J.P. Sauer & Sohn, on account of the limitations Switzerland has on military weapons exporting, beginning in 1985.

SIG Arms was initially based in Virginia. In 2000, SIG spun off its firearms manufacturing as Swiss Arms AG, and in 2007, all of the related companies were bought by Thomas Ortmeier and Michael Lüke, and the name SIGARMS was changed to SIG Sauer. Today, SIG Sauer also has manufacturing capabilities, which it acquired in coincidence with a move to New Hampshire.

SIG Sauer Products and Services

• Firearms- SIG Sauer offers three lines of rifles; the Blaser, the Sauer, and the SIG; 17 models of pistols, that take .22 LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .357SIG, .40 S&W, and/or .45 ACP ammunition; and Mastershop one-of-a-kind pistols that are personally customized. While SIG Sauer makes multiple types of firearms, it is their handguns that really standout. Some of the most popular Sig Sauer guns are the Sig Sauer P220, Sig Sauer P229, Sig Sauer 238, and the Sig Sauer Mosquito. Overtime, Best Pistols will give you full reviews on all the Sig Sauer pistols and Sig Sauer rifles.

• Firearms Accessories- SIG Sauer provides magazines, part and tool kits, sights, tactical lights, grips, and both .22 rimfire conversion kits and caliber x-change kits. It also offers mag pouches, paddle holsters, and range bags for carrying firearms and ammunition and ear muffs for protection. SIG Sauer stickers are also available.

• Services- SIG Sauer has a variety of services, including cleaning and refurbishment, trigger reset, action enhancement, feed ramp polishing, barrel re-crowning, night sight installation, Nitron slide re-finishing, and date of manufacture certificates. In addition, SIG Sauer has a department dedicated to service of law enforcement, Federal government, and military needs for firearms, training, and support.

• Apparel- SIG Sauer offers logo shirts for men and women.

• Other Weaponry- SIG Sauer offers a range of knives. The Sig Sauer knives are called “SigTac”. There are several versions of the SigTac knives to choose from. Those models range from folding knives to neck knives. All are built to the highest standards just like the Sig Sauer pistols.

• Training- Training is offered through SIG Sauer Academy, which offers group and private classes for civilians and the military, law enforcement, and security personnel. Course topics include learning to shoot, personal protection, firearm safety, armorer certification with specific firearms, instructor development, and special courses.

Special courses include ancillary skills, like land navigation and first aid, and tactical courses that may be either weapons-based or situation-based. Examples of situational tactics courses include low-light, home defense, urban tactics, terrorist threats, motorcade operations, high risk driving, extreme close quarters battle, executive protection, and active shooter response.

Skill-based courses focus on topics such as concealed carrying, speed shooting, defensive use of various weapons, competitive shooting, and shooting while moving, as well as skills with particular firearms and courses for hunters.

Founding of Smith & Wesson

Horace Smith, a gunsmith and inventor, and Daniel B. Wesson, a designer of firearms, started the first of two “Smith & Wesson” companies in 1854 to market their Volcanic pistol. The company later became known as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. The company experienced financial difficulties and Oliver Winchester became majority owner.

So Smith and Wesson created a new gun, this time a combination of revolver and cartridge, the Smith & Wesson Model 1. This gun was based on the patent of Rollin White for a bored through cylinder that Smith & Wesson licensed. Smith & Wesson products, particularly Smith & Wesson Model 2, were to become important in the American Civil War. The company was bought out several times, being owned by Tomkins PLC from 1987 to 2001 and by Saf-T-Hammer, a manufacturer of safety products for firearms, including gun locks, in May, 2001, and in February, 2002, the name was changed to Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. It is still informally known as Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson Products

Besides its lines of guns, which Best Pistols will talk about later, Smith & Wesson offers a wide range of other products. One area is firearms accessories, which includes belts, buckles, clips, grips, handgun cases, holsters, night sights, monopods and tripods, and sight accessories. Also offered are ear and eye protection, emergency tools, flashlights, gun cleaning kits, knives, and safes and vaults for storing guns.

In the area of apparel and footwear, there are both logo items, such as belts, buckles, hats, outerwear, sweatshirts, and tee-shirts, as well as tactical gear, such as a life jacket approved by the United States Coast Guard and including an auto-inflatable vest and footwear designed for use in patrol, combat, and S.W.A.T. activities.

For law enforcement and military use, Smith & Wesson provides chain-linked and hinged handcuffs and restraints. Models include single handcuffs, transport restraint chains, and a case for one model.  The Smith and Wesson handcuffs are some of the best handcuffs you can find. They are very secure and reliable.

Smith & Wesson also owns Universal Safety Response, Inc. (USR), a manufacturer of perimeter security products, including active and passive barriers, access control, electronic monitoring, and high security fencing.

Smith & Wesson Training

Smith & Wesson provides training for law enforcement professionals, the military, and civilians. Law enforcement and military courses are offered for armorers and instructors, with special training available for handcuffing, and for emergency situations, such as “Officer Down Rescue” and “How to Survive a Shooting,” and tactical training courses. Courses for civilian include local firearms permitting courses in Connecticut and Massachusetts, for example, introductions to specific guns, and safety courses such as “Women’s Aggressive Street Protection System” and “Introduction to Home Defense.” Other courses cover tactics for civilians.

Smith & Wesson Guns

Perhaps the best pistols and handguns are made by Smith & Wesson. Not only does Smith and Wesson make handguns, but they also make revolvers, shotguns, hunting rifles, and law enforcement rifles.  The most popular Smith & Wesson pistol is the 1911. The Smith and Wesson 1911 has been around for quite some time and very reliable. As far as the Smith & Wesson rifles go, they make performance, .22 rifles, and tactical rifles. No matter which Smith & Wesson gun you choose, you are sure to be getting one of best pistols that is made. That goes for both quality and affordability.

Introduction to the HK P30

The HK P30 is a 9 mm x 19 recoil-operated police pistol with a 15-round magazine capacity. Its features include the following:

• a reinforced polymer grip that is ergonomically molded and optimized, with additional backstrap inserts and grip shells available for customizing to individual needs for differing hand used (left or right) and hand sizes (small, medium, and large)

• a Picatinny support rail (NATO MIL-STD-1913) for the attachment of tactical appliances, such as tactical lights and aiming units

• magazine releases and captive slide releases that can be operated ambidextrously: the magazine can be operated by the thumb and index finger of shooters who are both right-handed and left-handed

• automatic safety features with regard to both the hammer and the firing pin

• the ability to be disassembled without tools for cleaning, and without requiring the slide to be disengaged from the grip

• a square notch rear sight combined with a post type front sight and long glowing, but not radioactive, contrast points

• the ability to fire standard issue service ammunition as well as newer deformation ammunition

Optional features include the following:

• an indicator that signals a loaded chamber both visually (with a red marking) and tactically; this feature is optional

• an indicator that signals an empty magazine through the slide release blocking the slide open, allowing the magazine, colored orange, red or white to be visible to the user

• a passive transponder to record data (must be read on an external device)

The Four HK P30 Styles

The P30 is available as the standard P30, the P30S, the P30L, and the P30LS. The group each have a modified Browning locking system and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

The P30L and P30LS are both about .59 in (15 mm) longer than the P30 and the P30S, so having a longer slide, barrel, and sight radius. As one would then expect, the P30L and P30LS weigh more: 1.71 lbs with magazine compared to 1.63 lbs with magazine for the P30 and P30S. The P30S and the P30LS both have an safety lever that can be operated ambidextrously, which neither the P30 nor the P30 L have, and the P30 and P30L both have a 1.37 inch width, while the P30S and P30LS are both 1.52 inches wide. All four styles of the HK P30 are 5.43 inches high, and take a magazine weighting about 0.20 lbs.

Available variations, each of which is not necessarily available for all styles of the P30, include a choice of trigger systems, including single action and double action combined, combat defense action, combat defense action combined with double action, and double action only, with various trigger pull choices for combat defense action. The shooter can also choose whether to have a cocking piece, a decocking latch, and a hammer with or without spur.

The HK P30 is a great pistol and comes highly recommended by several gun review companies including Best Pistols. If the HK P30 is one of the best police guns, don’t you think you should consider it if you are looking for the best pistols! Head down to your local gun store and take a look at the HK P30. You won’t be disappointed.

Bianchi holsters have been around for many years and is based out of Southern California. One thing that Best Pistols really thinks is cool about Bianchi is that it was started by a former police officer. Who else knows about police equipment and police gear better than a police officer! We really think that is a huge reason why Bianchi police gear is so popular. That and their dedication to providing the best holsters and best police gear in general!

Just like most other gun holster manufacturers, Bianchi makes concealment holsters, duty holsters, military holsters, and sporting holsters. One area that you don’t see a lot of police equipment companies venturing into is the cowboy holsters arena. Well, Bianchi makes cowboy holsters also!  While we talk about the Bianchi holsters, remember that they also make police gear accessories to match the holsters. We will discuss the different types of Bianchi holsters and their holster accessories in this Bianchi holsters review.

Bianchi Concealment Holsters- There are three main types of Bianchi concealment holsters; hip holsters, shoulder holsters, and alternative carry. The Bianchi hip holsters are your standard concealment holsters that are attached to your belt or clip on to your waist. They are on the outside of your waist and also inside the waist holsters. Bianchi shoulder holsters are just what they say, shoulder holsters. The Bianchi alternative holsters consist of ankle holsters and a pocket holster.  All of the Bianchi concealment holsters are made with the finest leather or nylon materials along with their patented AccuMold material.

Bianchi Duty Gear- Bianchi not only makes some of the best duty holsters but they offer you a complete package for your duty belt. The Bianchi duty gear is made out of the AccuMold material and available in a nylon or basket weave finish. One thing that Bianchi did that was great for people wearing the Bianchi duty gear is the invention of the AccuMold. AccuMold is about 50% lighter than your traditional leather duty gear. It is very easy to clean and looks professional.

Bianchi Military Holsters- There are two styles of Bianchi military holsters; Cobra and Military. The Bianchi Cobra holster is a tactical holster for the military. These Bianchi holsters can either attach to a belt or to a special vest with webbing on it.  The Bianchi Military holsters are designed specifically for our military personnel. They come in green, black, and camouflage color. These Bianchi Military holsters are slightly different than the Bianchi duty gear as Bianchi has made some slight changes to the holsters to fit the needs of the men and women who wear these.

Bianchi Sporting Holsters- Sporting holsters are different from the traditional police gun holsters because security isn’t the number one issue. With the Bianchi sporting holsters you have your choice of two different holsters; Bianchi Ranger and Bianchi Ranger Scoped. The different in these Bianchi holsters is that the scoped model will accommodate scooped handguns. Both of the Bianchi sporting holsters are designed using the HuSH system. The HuSH system stands for Hunting Shoulder Holster and is similar to a backpack. The concept behind this is that by having a cross chest design and the HuSH system the weight of the holsters is distributed across the entire body.

Bianchi Cowboy Holsters- Western holsters are more popular than you might think. Cowboy holsters are old school and really look good. The key is look good. They aren’t too secure as some of the Bianchi cowboy holsters actually just use a rawhide lace tie down system. Bianchi western holsters consist of action shooting rigs, mounted shooting rigs, and tradition cowboy holsters. All of the Bianchi western holsters are complimented by the beautiful Bianchi Hondo belt.

Bianchi makes more than just some of the best holsters. They make amazing police equipment, shooting gear, western holsters, and police duty gear accessories. Best Pistols can’t rave enough about Bianchi and thinks you need to be using them.

Without boring all of Best Pistols readers, we feel it is important to briefly talk about Safariland as a company because we think when you see their history you will understand why we say they make some of the best police equipment. Safariland has been making police gear for over 45 years.  While only making bullet proof vests or body armor for the last 11 years, they are always pushing the current technology to the limits. In fact, they do that for all their police gear.  Their staff is some of the highest trained individuals and they only use the best materials.

Now onto the good stuff!!! The Safariland gun holsters. Holsters come in many styles and variations. Safariland prefers to concentrate on three main areas of gun holsters; duty gear, competition holsters, and concealment holsters.  Best Pistols is going to cover all three types of Safariland holsters and provide you some detailed information on specific information for each Safariland holsters for that category.

Safariland Duty Gear

Duty gear is most often associated with police officers and police gear. Duty gear is what the police officers wear on their waist! While there are many choices for police duty gear, Safariland is the number one choice. No questions asked! They make everything from duty belts to tactical holsters. Here are some Safariland duty gear holsters that you need to know about.

• Safariland ALS Holsters- ALS stands for auto locking system. Basically these Safariland holsters have an internal locking device that keeps your pistol secure. The Safariland ALS holsters range from your standard gun holster to a tactical holster.  These holsters are available in a basket weave and thermal molded material called SafariLaminate. Best Pistols has personally used several of the Safariland ALS holsters. One of the best Safariland ALS holsters we have used is the tactical holster 6304. This Safariland tactical holster is great. It feels good when resting on the thigh and keeps your weapon very secure.
• Safariland Raptor Holsters- The Safariland Raptor holsters are designed to be part of the Safariland tactical holster series. The two models each feature a universal belt loop which allows four different placements of the holster.
• Safariland Tactical Holsters- Tactical holsters are great because they give you great access to your weapon. There are several different styles of the Safariland tactical holsters ranging in security level and drop down style.

Safariland Competition Holsters

Competition holsters are designed not for safety like a police officer would need, but more for fast draw. Team Safariland is a group of experienced shooters that are well respected. Of course they only use the best holsters, Safariland competition holsters.  Safariland makes five competition holsters to choose from. All five of them use the latest technology that allows for the fastest draw possible. A cool feature of the Safariland competition holsters is the ELS. ELS stands for Equipment Locking System. What the ELS does for you is it allows you to easily attach your Safariland holsters and accessories to a special belt.  A popular Safariland competition holster is the 002; a cup challenge completion holster.

Safariland Concealment Holsters

Concealment holsters come in many styles; shoulder holsters, in the waist band holsters, and belt holsters. Safariland makes all types of concealment holsters. The Safariland concealment holsters are made of leather, basket weave, nylon, and SafariLaminate. All of the Safariland concealment holsters are great for undercover police work or simply out of view carrying.  They are all low profile and comfortable to wear. Best Pistols loves the Safariland 328 belt holster. This Safariland pancake holster is very professional looking and offers you a nice thumb break feature.

One thing that we haven’t mentioned yet but want to let you know is that Safariland does make women’s holsters. These gun holsters are designed for the contour of a women’s body. While some women prefer to use a standard Safariland holster, it is a nice option to have.

No matter what type of police equipment you are looking for, be it body armor or gun holsters, Safariland offers some of the best police gear.  Find the best pistol and then head to your local police equipment store to look at the Safariland holsters.

Introduction to the SIG Sauer Site

A downloadable PDF of “Pistol Specifications” is available on the SIG Sauer website, and it’s important that you get this document if you’re interested in the Sig P226, because at this point, the document has more up-to-date information about the P226 sizes than the website does. The fact is, five of the different P226’s don’t yet appear on the website, but you can garner information about them from the PDF. If you’re interested in these models prior to a website update, simply call customer service for assistance.

While we’re on the topic of the PDF, you should know that this document is where you can find a listing of all the options and editions that are available for any model. The website, on the other hand, only shows combinations of options and editions that SIG Sauer prebuilds for sale. If you want a combination of options and an edition that is not offered for sale, SIG Sauer can make alterations/enhancements after you take possession of a pistol. So you choose the closest model you can find, receive the gun, and then contact SIG Sauer to have the pistol customized.

SIG Sauer P226 Basics

The SIG Sauer P226 was designed for the United States Army to replace the 1911 and is carried by military and law enforcement personnel, including the Texas Rangers, the Michigan State Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and U.S. Navy Seals. It has 9 mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W versions, and with a conversion kit is capable of taking .22 LR ammunition. The P226 X-Six and P226 X5 Tactical are both 9 mm models only, while for the P226 X-Five, P226 X5 Competition, and P226 X5 All Round, the customer has a choice of 9 mm or .40 S&W. All of them are single action only (SAO), except the PS226 X5 All Round, which is double action/single action (DA/SA), and the P226, which allows a choice of DA/SA, SRT DA/SA, and double action Kellerman (DAK).

The P226 X-Six is the largest of the P226 pistols at 9.8 in long. The P226 X-Five, P226 X5 Competition, P226 X5 All Round, and P226 X5 Tactical all are 8.8 in long, and the P226 itself is the shortest at 7.7 in. The P226 X-Six, P226 X-Five, P226 X5 Competition, and P226 X5 All Round all have a height of 5.9 in and a width of 1.7 in, while the P226 X5 Tactical has a height of 5.7 in and width of 1.6 in, and the P226 has a height of 5.5 in and a width of 1.5 in.

Options for various P226 sizes include Sights, grips materials, frame materials,  frame and slide finishes, slide finishes, an accessory rail, a beavertail, a mag well, and an ambidextrous safety.

Pistol editions for the P226 are as follows: Elite, Elite Stainless, Elite Dark, E², Equinox, Super Cap Tactical, Combat, Navy, Tactical Operations, USPSA, and USPSA Stainless. These editions may include adjustments to dimensions, as well as options in grips and materials, finishes for the frame and slide, specific Sights, etc.

For a long time the Sig Sauer P226 has proven to be a very reliable firearm and for many years it will continue to! Best Pistols highly recommends all the Sig Sauer firearms including the Sig Sauer P226.

Understanding the SIG Sauer Site

If you go to the P229 page of the SIG Sauer website, you will find listings for the P229, and 12 variations, like the P229 Equinox, the P229 Enhanced Elite, and the P229 DAK. This does not mean that these are the only options and editions that are available. To get full information, to the complete listing of pistols and download the PDF of “Pistol Specifications.” The P229 is a little more than halfway down the page. Reading its row on the first chart, and referring to the second row on the “Pistol Editions” chart will give you all the details on the options and editions available for this gun.

The variations shown on the website merely indicates the combinations of options and editions that SIG Sauer prebuilds for sale. Other combinations to suit the customer’s choices are available, as indicated on the spec sheet, but to get them, you need to first take delivery of a pistol that’s as close as possible to your desired gun, and send it back to SIG Sauer for customization. If you’re interested in something that’s not prebuilt, the best approach is to contact customer service.

SIG Sauer P229 Basics

The SIG Sauer P229 was the first pistol manufactured in New Hampshire after SIG Sauer moved there from Virginia, and is one of the most popular pistols that SIG Sauer makes. It can be used in concealed carry due to its size.

The PS229 has versions for 9 mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W and is capable of taking .22 LR ammunition with a conversion kit . The PS229 is available with a choice of double action/single action (DA/SA), SRT DA/SA, and double action Kellerman (DAK). It is 7.1 inches long, 5.4 inches in height, and 1.5 inches wide, very like the P226, but just over a half inch shorter in length. The barrel length of the P229 is 3.9 in and the sight radius is 5.7 in.

The PS229 is available with a stainless steel frame or an alloy frame, which weights 10 oz less. It can have a contrast or night sight and a polymer, aluminum, or rubber grip. The frame is offered in stainless steel or aluminum, with a stainless finish or a black, hard anodized finish, and a stainless or Nitron slide finish. An accessory rail is available, and SIG Sauer sells several tactical lights that can be mounted on it. Pistol editions for the P229 are as follows: Elite, Elite Stainless, Elite Dark, Platinum Elite, E², Equinox, SAS Gen II, and Super Cap Tactical.

Find out why so many police officers carry the Sig P229 and head down to your local shooting range or police gun store and take a closer look at the Sig Sauer P229. Best Pistols is pretty sure you will be more than pleased with the Sig Sauer P229.

Glock Overview

Gaston Glock founded the Austrian firearms manufacturer in 1982. Different from other firearms manufacturers, who offer different types of guns, often rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and pistols, Glock specializes in pistols only, among firearms, though it augments its firearm line with outdoor equipment, accessories, and insignia-marked promotional items. The outdoor equipment includes entrenching tools and knives, and the accessories include items for the pistols, as well as promotional items with Glock insignia, such as paperweights, bags, and key rings.

How the Glock 26 Fits into the Glock Pistols Collection

The Glock 26 subcompact fits the larger Glock pistol collection in two different ways. First of all, it is one of the group of four 9 x 19 mm (also known as the 9 mm Luger cartridge) pistols that Glock makes. The others include the Glock 17, the standard model, the Glock 19, the compact model, and the Glock 34, the competition model.   Second of all, the Glock 26 is a member of Glock’s various subcompacts, along with the Glock 27 Glock 28, Glock 29, Glock 30, Glock 33, and Glock 39.  Each of the Glock 9mm pistols carry a different goal and the goal of the Glock 26 is to provide the you with a very reliable Glock 9mm gun!

Focus on the Glock 26

The Glock 26 is the subcompact version of the Glock 17, the first pistol manufactured by the company, for the Austrian Army beginning in 1982, made for concealed carrying by civilians, but used internationally by secret services and security personnel. It was first unveiled in August, 1994, and is known as the “baby Glock”. Like all Glock guns, it is a “safe action” pistol with a light, polymer frame and Glock’s proprietary corrosion-resistant surface protection, Tenifer.

The Glock 26 is 6.29 in (160 mm) long, just over 1 in shorter than the Glock 17, and 4.17 in (106mm) in height, just over 1.25 in shorter than the Glock 17. The width and the barrel height of the Glock 26; 1.18 in (30 mm) and 1.26 in (32 mm), respectively, are the same as the Glock 17. The barrel length is 3.46 in (88 mm), and the line of sight is 5.67 in (144 mm).

The weight of the Glock 26 is 19.75 oz (560 g) by itself (just over 2.25 oz less than the Glock 17) and 26.10 oz (740 g) loaded, so nearly 6 oz less than the Glock 17. This is partly on account of the smaller number of cartridges in the magazine: the Glock  26 takes a standard 10-cartridge magazine, with 12/15/17/19/33 optional, while the standard for the Glock 17 is 17.  

Just like all the Glock pistols, the Glock 26 is a great gun. It is very reliable and accurate. Oh yeah, and the Glock 26 is very affordable! Head down to a local police gear store that carries Glock pistols and take a look at the Glock 26 for yourself.