It's time i got this written down (updated 8/5/11):
So. I've been building a bevy of beautiful battle pistols. I've explained this project a couple times, and I've thought it through a LOT, but I've never recorded the thought process behind it or discussed the build itself.
First off, the round: I prefer the .45, it's been a proven fight-stopper, and the general concensses has been that it's recoil is more of a "push" than a "slap". I think having the capability of two or three SOLID hits that displace a LOT of material, out of a highly comfortable and ergonomic platform beats the fat fistful with twenty or whatever rounds of a smaller, zippier cartridge. The only other viable cartridges would be the 9x19 Parabellum used in almost every country and the 40, due to their widespread use. Due to it's popularity being confined to our shores, I'd be inclined to dismiss the .40.
The Platform :
-Ubiquity: For the Platform, obviously something that's been standard issue or near to it is necessary. Parts ubiquity and replacement component stock is critical. Something that can be repaired in-country or with found replacements is key. In that vein, the viable options would really be: the 1911, the Glock 17, Glock 21, Browning Hi-Power, CZ75, Sig 220, Sig 226, and H&K USP and Beretta 92, and Beretta 96.
-Fit: Due to the requirement for the weapon to fit a broad spectrum of users, certain platforms are ungainly; namely the Model 92, the USP, and the Glock 21 (although the G21 SF fits the hand better, Its magazines are not compatible with the longer produced G21, thus diminishing the availability of magazines by half)
-Construction: Longevity and wear concerns limit the desirability of frame materials to Steel and POSSIBLY polymer. This eliminates the Alloyed framed Sigs, Berettas and CZ75. As an aside, Polymer frames have not yet IN MY OPINION showed the track record of decades of service I would be looking for.
-Capacity: Obviously, a greater capacity is always better, this however is contrary to the requirements of fit. while magazines can be replaced, fit is stuck with the gun. The Sig 220 and 1911 have the most limited capacity, though the 1911 has extended magazines, while the Sig does not.
-Safety/Action: Many current designs have "safety features" designed to keep stupid people from succeeding in their poor choices, or are designed to IMPEDE the lesser trained user from accidentally operating the weapon. For this reason, they over complicate the weapon, confuse operation, and hinder the design. Double Actions are therefore undesirable, eliminating the Glocks. The Berettas and Sig 226 can NOT be had in optional configurations that eliminate the Decocking lever, while the S220 and HK can, eliminating them. Single Action being preferred, The 1911, BHP, Sig 220 SAO variants, and H&K USP in variants 9/10, and the CZ75.
-Usability: To keep the weapon easy to use, the CZ75 with it's frame-over-slide construction can be eliminated, The Berettas for their frame mounted safeties, and the H&K for it's unrefined trigger.
-Modularity: To make the weapon the most usable across a broad range of roles, a selection of aftermarket parts and configurable options should be available. This eliminated the H&K, The Berettas, and the CZ75.
-Low-Light Capable: to fit any situation required, a STANDARD light rail should be available. This eliminated the USP due to it's proprietary rail, and Beretta 96 and 92 (the Berettas are actually excluded as well, but can be supplanted by the newer 90Two) and the BHP. The CZ75SP01 and some 1911 variants feature rails, and these may be valid reasons to dismiss the "original configuration" stipulation. The Dawson Lightspeed rail I prefer has been made for the BHP as well, and that would be another worthwhile option if they could be procured in adequate quantities.
-Country of origin: obviously, a US made pistol is better in MY opinion, for economic and patriotic concerns, as well as Quality Control ones. It is illegal to import weapons used by the US government, so some weapons that WERE European made now have US manufacture (the Sig and Beretta offerings). This eliminates the Glocks, CZ75, and USP. The BHP models made in Belgium are considered superior, but were made by Browning domestically in enough quantity for parts to be common enough.
-the popular vote: although a seemingly minor concern, there is something to be said for guns that just about EVERYONE has. The Sig 220, G21, HK USP, and CZ75 just don't have the following i feel is necessary to ensure the likelyhood of scrounged mags and parts. INTERNAL PARTS for the 90two and BHP may not be prevalent, but magazines are common enough, we'll drop them back a catagory, but not eliminate them from this criteria.
-Track Record: The 1911, BHP, Beretta, and 226 have in their own spheres and times each proved themselves. the 1911 and 90two winning some serious wars, and the BHP and 226 being used by SAS and SEALS respectively. those are recommendations unable to be ignored.
-Barrel Length: To maintain the greatest availibility of parts, and the greatest reliability, the barrel and frame size ORIGINALLY envisioned in the platforms design. 5" in 1911, 4.7 in the BHP and CZ75, 4.4 in the USP, Sig 220 and 226, and 4.9 in the berettas.
Final tallies on basic needs of the arm:
1911, G17, G21, BHP, CZ75, 220, 226, HK USP, 90Two
1911, G17, BHP, CZ75, 220, 226, HK USP,
1911, BHP
1911, G17, G21, BHP, CZ75, 226, HK USP, 90Two
1911, BHP, CZ75, 220, HK USP
1911, G17, G21, BHP, 220, 226
1911, G17, G21, BHP, 220, 226
1911, G17, G21, CZ75, 220, 226, 90Two
1911, BHP, 220, 226, 90Two
1911, G17,BHP, 226, 90Two
1911, BHP, 226, 90Two
as you can see the 1911 has been eliminated LEAST.
scores (above lines, plus 1 point for .45 caliber) :
1911 : 12
G17 : 7
G21 : 6
BHP : 10
CZ75 : 5
220 : 8
226 : 9
HK USP : 5
90two : 6
More in installment 2!
First off, the round: I prefer the .45, it's been a proven fight-stopper, and the general concensses has been that it's recoil is more of a "push" than a "slap". I think having the capability of two or three SOLID hits that displace a LOT of material, out of a highly comfortable and ergonomic platform beats the fat fistful with twenty or whatever rounds of a smaller, zippier cartridge. The only other viable cartridges would be the 9x19 Parabellum used in almost every country and the 40, due to their widespread use. Due to it's popularity being confined to our shores, I'd be inclined to dismiss the .40.
The Platform :
-Ubiquity: For the Platform, obviously something that's been standard issue or near to it is necessary. Parts ubiquity and replacement component stock is critical. Something that can be repaired in-country or with found replacements is key. In that vein, the viable options would really be: the 1911, the Glock 17, Glock 21, Browning Hi-Power, CZ75, Sig 220, Sig 226, and H&K USP and Beretta 92, and Beretta 96.
-Fit: Due to the requirement for the weapon to fit a broad spectrum of users, certain platforms are ungainly; namely the Model 92, the USP, and the Glock 21 (although the G21 SF fits the hand better, Its magazines are not compatible with the longer produced G21, thus diminishing the availability of magazines by half)
-Construction: Longevity and wear concerns limit the desirability of frame materials to Steel and POSSIBLY polymer. This eliminates the Alloyed framed Sigs, Berettas and CZ75. As an aside, Polymer frames have not yet IN MY OPINION showed the track record of decades of service I would be looking for.
-Capacity: Obviously, a greater capacity is always better, this however is contrary to the requirements of fit. while magazines can be replaced, fit is stuck with the gun. The Sig 220 and 1911 have the most limited capacity, though the 1911 has extended magazines, while the Sig does not.
-Safety/Action: Many current designs have "safety features" designed to keep stupid people from succeeding in their poor choices, or are designed to IMPEDE the lesser trained user from accidentally operating the weapon. For this reason, they over complicate the weapon, confuse operation, and hinder the design. Double Actions are therefore undesirable, eliminating the Glocks. The Berettas and Sig 226 can NOT be had in optional configurations that eliminate the Decocking lever, while the S220 and HK can, eliminating them. Single Action being preferred, The 1911, BHP, Sig 220 SAO variants, and H&K USP in variants 9/10, and the CZ75.
-Usability: To keep the weapon easy to use, the CZ75 with it's frame-over-slide construction can be eliminated, The Berettas for their frame mounted safeties, and the H&K for it's unrefined trigger.
-Modularity: To make the weapon the most usable across a broad range of roles, a selection of aftermarket parts and configurable options should be available. This eliminated the H&K, The Berettas, and the CZ75.
-Low-Light Capable: to fit any situation required, a STANDARD light rail should be available. This eliminated the USP due to it's proprietary rail, and Beretta 96 and 92 (the Berettas are actually excluded as well, but can be supplanted by the newer 90Two) and the BHP. The CZ75SP01 and some 1911 variants feature rails, and these may be valid reasons to dismiss the "original configuration" stipulation. The Dawson Lightspeed rail I prefer has been made for the BHP as well, and that would be another worthwhile option if they could be procured in adequate quantities.
-Country of origin: obviously, a US made pistol is better in MY opinion, for economic and patriotic concerns, as well as Quality Control ones. It is illegal to import weapons used by the US government, so some weapons that WERE European made now have US manufacture (the Sig and Beretta offerings). This eliminates the Glocks, CZ75, and USP. The BHP models made in Belgium are considered superior, but were made by Browning domestically in enough quantity for parts to be common enough.
-the popular vote: although a seemingly minor concern, there is something to be said for guns that just about EVERYONE has. The Sig 220, G21, HK USP, and CZ75 just don't have the following i feel is necessary to ensure the likelyhood of scrounged mags and parts. INTERNAL PARTS for the 90two and BHP may not be prevalent, but magazines are common enough, we'll drop them back a catagory, but not eliminate them from this criteria.
-Track Record: The 1911, BHP, Beretta, and 226 have in their own spheres and times each proved themselves. the 1911 and 90two winning some serious wars, and the BHP and 226 being used by SAS and SEALS respectively. those are recommendations unable to be ignored.
-Barrel Length: To maintain the greatest availibility of parts, and the greatest reliability, the barrel and frame size ORIGINALLY envisioned in the platforms design. 5" in 1911, 4.7 in the BHP and CZ75, 4.4 in the USP, Sig 220 and 226, and 4.9 in the berettas.
Final tallies on basic needs of the arm:
1911, G17, G21, BHP, CZ75, 220, 226, HK USP, 90Two
1911, G17, BHP, CZ75, 220, 226, HK USP,
1911, BHP
1911, G17, G21, BHP, CZ75, 226, HK USP, 90Two
1911, BHP, CZ75, 220, HK USP
1911, G17, G21, BHP, 220, 226
1911, G17, G21, BHP, 220, 226
1911, G17, G21, CZ75, 220, 226, 90Two
1911, BHP, 220, 226, 90Two
1911, G17,BHP, 226, 90Two
1911, BHP, 226, 90Two
as you can see the 1911 has been eliminated LEAST.
scores (above lines, plus 1 point for .45 caliber) :
1911 : 12
G17 : 7
G21 : 6
BHP : 10
CZ75 : 5
220 : 8
226 : 9
HK USP : 5
90two : 6
More in installment 2!