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Pistol and revolver - types of firearms with the same short barrel and small dimensions, which makes them best remedy self-defense, guaranteeing demand from both the army and law enforcement agencies, and civilians. It is curious to identify and compare the best pistols in the world, along with the best revolvers, finding out which short-barreled weapon is the most reliable and accurate.

The best pistols in Russia

The Makarov pistol

After the Great Patriotic War, in the USSR they were engaged not only in the creation nuclear weapons, but also the development of new, more advanced pistols, designed to replace the recaptured TTs of the 1933 model and the Nagant revolver. Designers simultaneously worked on two variants of weapons:

  1. A more compact one, which shoots only single shots, serves as a means of self-defense for military personnel who are not entitled to a carbine or machine gun. And for law enforcement officers who need a hidden carry option;
  2. With a longer barrel that fires both single shots and bursts, it is designed for firing during combat operations and for special forces operations.

The first pistol was developed on the basis of the German Walther PP, which first appeared in 1929. Initially, models of two calibers were designed - 7.65 mm and 9 mm. As a result, Nikolai Fedorovich Makarov, the "father" of the famous PM, also created his own 9 × 18 mm PM cartridge, which turned out to be more powerful than the Walther 9 × 17. This cartridge and caliber was preferred. The pistol won the competition in 1948, and three years later entered service with law enforcement agencies.

On the basis of Walter Makarov, he managed to create a weapon of a simpler design by reducing the number of parts, by combining their functions, while increasing their strength and practically eliminating sticking the charge into the bevel of the chamber, resulting in delays in firing. The pistol is characterized by a very high range for a compact weapon (effective - 50 meters) and combat accuracy. The magazine holds 8 rounds.

PM and today - the best Russian pistol, remaining in the arsenal of the Russian law enforcement agencies.

Stechkin automatic pistol

The APS was the second pistol to win the competition for arming military officers, as well as fighters from a number of special forces, and entered service in 1951. Later, due to the minuses that emerged during the use, it was discontinued, but after the collapse of the USSR it turned out to be again in demand as a means of combating terrorism and organized crime. In the same "dashing nineties", under the leadership of Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin, improved modifications were developed:

  • OTs-23 "Dart";
  • OTs-27 "Berdysh";
  • OTs-33 "Pernach".

The disadvantages of the Stechkin automatic pistol were recognized as excessive bulkiness, in particular, in combination with a holster-butt, and insufficient power due to an unsuccessful choice of cartridge. Ideal for the "native" Makarov 9 × 18 mm PM, the effective range (no more than 100 m) and penetrating action are too small for the APS.

Important advantages of the APS are low recoil and scanty toss when fired, allowing you to shoot as quickly and accurately as possible, which is very good in close combat. These advantages of the brainchild of Stechkin, combined with impeccable reliability and excellent accuracy, make it possible to include it in the list of the best domestic pistols.

Today, Russian pilots carrying out combat missions in Syria are armed with 20-round APSs as personal weapons.

Pistol Tula Tokarev (TT)

TT is the most legendary of the pistols of the USSR and Russia, created in 1930, which went through the war, was used after it, and has not lost its popularity to this day. Sports and signal modifications of TT, pneumatics and injuries are produced and are in demand, sold under various brands.

Designed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev on the basis of Browning 1903 chambered for 7.63 × 25 mm Mauser, as a result, it is loaded with eight 7.62 × 25 mm TT ammunition. The effective range is not inferior to the PM (50 m). Due to the length of 195 mm, it is quite suitable for concealed carry. Differs next design features, the most notable is the absence of a safety catch, replaced by a safety cocked trigger. It has high power and precision.

Pistol GSh-18

Created in modern Russia has been in operation since 2001. The letters in the title are due to the designers V.P. Gryazev. and Shipunov A.G., and the numbers indicate the capacity of the store.

It is currently on the list of award weapons. It is in service with the following domestic departments:

  • Ministry of Justice;
  • FSSP;
  • Ministry of Defense (along with PM);
  • Prosecutor's Office (along with Beretta 92);
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs (as a weapon for a number of categories of workers and partly for special forces).

For Gryazev-Shipunov, an armor-piercing cartridge 9 × 19 mm 7N31 was specially created, but other ammunition is also suitable for the pistol, including 9 × 19 Parabellum and 9 × 19 NATO.

The pistol is only 183 mm long. Effective range - 50 m. It differs by the option of supplying the barrel with luminous capsules for firing in poor visibility. Quite comfortable for the shooter due to the low weight (up to 800 grams with a full magazine), thoughtful shape of the handle and partial damping of recoil.

Gyurza pistol

"Gyurza" refers to Serdyukov's self-loading pistol, known as SPS and under the designation SR-1. Created "Gyurza" in TsNIITOCHMASH to arm the special forces. Produced since 1996.

It was designed for a cartridge of increased efficiency 9 × 21 mm, developed in the same institution. It is characterized by an increased effective range (100 m), the ability to destroy live targets in armored vehicles, as well as unarmored vehicles. Holds 18 ammunition, together with them weighs 1110 g.

The best pistols in the USA

Smith & Wesson M&P9

M&P in the brand name of a pistol manufactured by Smith & Wesson Firearms Co. since 2005, stands for Military and Police. Nevertheless, the weapons of this series are partially sold on the civilian market.

The peculiarity of the model is the material from which the frame is made - a polymer-thermoplastic is used instead of metal. The steel slide and barrel are covered with melanite, which eliminates glare and protects against external influences. Sand and other small debris does not remain on the frame chassis, but is pushed out by the shutter casing.

Another advantage of the pistol is the presence in the configuration of interchangeable pads on the handle, making it possible to fit it under the palm of your hand.

The designers of the M&P9 managed to minimize the "bullying" of the barrel, thereby increasing the speed of aimed fire. Protruding elements have also been minimized so that the weapon is removed without clinging to clothing. The length of the pistol is 194 mm, the weight (thanks to the thermoplastic frame) is only 680 grams. M&P9 has several modifications with different magazine capacity (from 10 to 17 rounds) and various calibers.

Colt 1911A1

The 1911 Colt, designed by the famous John Moses Browning, was in service with the US Army until 1985 and is still allowed to be used. Over 30 years ago, the Colt 1911A1 was discontinued, however, various variations of the pistol continue to be made on the basis of this model.

Loaded with cartridges .45 ACP, caliber 11.43 mm. The classic model is equipped with a seven-round magazine. The dimensions of the Colt M1911 are too big by today's standards: length - 216 mm, weight - 1.12 kg. The effective range is not inferior to newer types of weapons - 50 m.

Springfield Armory

Pistolet Springfield Armory M1911 is an improved Colt 1911A1, produced in the amount of 5 thousand pieces. commissioned by the FBI.

The main changes compared to the base model:

  • improvement of the profile of the bevel of the chamber and the bridge near the magazine to prevent sticking when using different types of bullets;
  • increasing the fuse flag to increase its reliability;
  • alteration of the trigger - the knitting needle was replaced by a loop-shaped head;
  • ease of descent;
  • alteration of the handle and magazine cover for faster reloading;
  • more careful fitting of parts to each other;
  • increase in magazine capacity to 8 rounds.

In addition, the length of the pistol was reduced to 203 mm with the remaining mass remaining. The caliber and cartridge M1911 have not changed either.

Sig Sauer P320

The successful development of the Sig Sauer company for the popular 9 mm Luger cartridge, which first gained popularity in the civilian market as a means of self-defense and marksmanship exercises, and in 2017 fell into the category of service weapons of the US Armed Forces.

The frame of the pistol is polymer, like the M&P9. The great advantage of the P320 is the variety of handle variations, which allows you to choose the right one for absolutely any shooter. Suitable for both right and left hand shooting. Equipped with a device for installing a laser target designator or a flashlight. There is an option to change the front sight to select the best height.

Main characteristics:

  • length - 203 mm;
  • weight - 833 g;
  • magazine capacity - 17 rounds.

Experts note the perfection of the P320 trigger mechanism, the clarity and speed of the trigger return, which guarantees the speed of fire.

Desert Eagle

A long-range pistol with a large bullet stopping effect. Notorious formidable appearance, which provided the "Desert Eagle" (as the name is translated) popularity with developers of computer games, directors of films and television series. But the Desert Eagle is not in service in the power structures and is not expected.

Designed in 1983 by American gunsmiths from Magnum Research, it was subsequently finalized and put into production by Israel Military Industries. It is a pocket automatic rifle, resembling it not only in terms of firing range and power, but also in reloading according to the scheme for removing powder gases. Differs in excellent accuracy at low reliability. It has an extremely loud shot and strong recoil, traumatic for an inexperienced shooter, especially with a weak hand.

The length of the modification Mark VII - 269 mm, Mark XIX - 273/374 (trunks 6/10 inches). Weight - 1.7 kg and 2 kg, respectively. Caliber - up to 12.7 mm. Cartridges - .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .357 Magnum.

The best pistols in Europe

Beretta 92 (Italy)

Beretta is one of the most the best pistols not only Europe, but the world. The first pistol of the 92 family was created by three Italian craftsmen in 1972. In 1985, the Beretta 92F won the US military procurement competition, replacing the Colt 1911A1. The model 92FS that followed it gained enormous popularity in the world market of military and civilian weapons, for many years being sold in total in the amount of more than 100 thousand units. per year, being in service with the power structures of many countries. Since 2009, the Beretta has been allowed as a means of self-defense to prosecutors and investigators of the Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation.

Beretta 92 length - 217 mm, caliber - 9 mm, cartridge - 9 × 19 mm Parabellum. The gun compares favorably:

  • a smooth body shape that allows quick removal without catching on clothes;
  • ease of aiming;
  • excellent speed and accuracy of fire.

Its disadvantages are its impressive weight (980 g), difficulties with concealed carry, too thick handle and high contamination.

Glock-17 (Austria)

The most powerful pistol of 9 mm caliber, which also claims to be the most reliable in the world, which has become a real milestone in the development of short-barreled firearms, was designed in 1980 by the Austrian Gaston Glock for the armed forces and police of his native country. The previously little-known company Glock won the competition by successfully implementing the know-how - the use of durable heat-resistant polymers.

Currently, the Glock 17 is in service with law enforcement agencies in over 30 countries. The company produces several modifications for various cartridges, and the classic 17-round model fires 9 × 19 mm Parabellum ammunition.

Length - 186 mm, weight with a full magazine - 905 g.

The Glock 17 is easy to disassemble and assemble, has excellent combat properties, and is quickly brought to a ready-to-fire position due to the absence of a fuse.

Walther P99 (Germany)

Created by the designers of the famous German company in the mid-1990s chambered for 9 × 19 mm Parabellum. It is in service with individual departments and special forces of Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Estonia.

The frame is polymer, the length is only 180 mm, the weight is small - 700 g. It is equipped with an adjustable sight, a device for attaching a flashlight or a laser designator.

FN Five-seveN (Belgium)

Produced since 2000 by Fabrique Nationale (FN). The words five and seven in the title correspond to the caliber 5.7 mm. It fires 5.7×28mm cartridges of FN's own design.

It is produced in modifications with three options for magazine capacity - 10, 20 and 30 ammunition. It is popular on the market of civilian weapons and as weapons for special forces, including the American one. Length - 208 mm, weight - 744 g.

Heckler and Koch USP (Germany)

Introduced to the public in 1993, designed by Heckler & Koch under the direction of Helmut Wöldle. Adopted by the German army. It exists in many variations of different lengths and weights, for various cartridges. Very accurate and reliable.

The best revolvers in the world

Colt Python

Six-shot, caliber .357 Magnum. Manufactured from 1955 to 1996. in several variations, with different barrel lengths. It was distinguished by attractive finishes, was popular with rich and famous people, especially monarchs.

Smith & Wesson Model 29

Smith-Wesson, along with revolver and colt, can be safely written down in the most famous revolvers in the world. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 began production in 1955 but, unlike the Colt Python, was never discontinued. Often featured in films and computer games. Shoots almost all .44 caliber revolver cartridges.

Colt 1909

Manufactured in 1898-1940, also called Colt New Service. Used as service weapon in the US Armed Forces and Navy, including during both world wars, the Korean and even the Vietnam War. Double action trigger gives a high rate of fire.

The main cartridge is .45 Colt.

Smith & Wesson Model 19

The first revolver to use the .357 Magnum cartridge, which significantly increased bullet speed and penetration. Reliable, accurate, and at the same time has a relatively small size. It is still produced today.

Ruger GP100

Designed in 1985. Cylinder for 6 cartridges .357 Magnum, the impeccable quality of the materials used, appropriate reliability, accurate shooting and at the same time reasonable cost - these are the advantages that ensured the popularity of this revolver.

What gun do you think is the best? Perhaps he is overlooked in our review? Have questions about what you've read? Ask in the comments and share your opinion. We are always happy to answer, listen, discuss.

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Over the past 65 years, there have been many changes in military tactics. The main reason for the change was the development of firearms and access to them. In this article, you will see the most popular weapon models and understand the reason for the popularity of each of them. Unfortunately, it is impossible to estimate exactly how many units of each weapon model were produced (mainly due to the large number of fakes). The article gives some numbers, as accurate as possible, but it is worth considering that these are only rough estimates.

10. PKK
Over a million

The Kalashnikov machine gun is a versatile machine gun designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. During his life, Kalashnikov created several effective and unpretentious models of firearms that changed the history of the second half of the twentieth century.

There are six official varieties of the Kalashnikov machine gun, and a huge number of unofficial foreign models. The machine gun is capable of firing 750 shots per minute; the caliber of the bullets used in it is 7.62 × 54 mm. PC is popular partisan groups and popular militias for its wide applicability and ease of use. The machine gun can be used as an easel, mounted on a tripod machine, and as an armored personnel carrier, mounted using a bracket. The machine gun was used in almost all armed conflicts of the second half of the 20th century and is still produced in Russia and other countries.

9. M1911
Over two million


A legendary pistol that has existed longer than any other service weapon. It was developed by the legendary John Browning for the Colt company over 100 years ago. During the existence of the pistol, at least 2 million of its samples were produced. It has been used by the US military for 79 years. Most of the designs currently in use are the 1926 M1911A.

M1911 was used both by the Soviet Army, to which it was supplied as assistance during the war, and by Nazi Germany, which uses this model as a captured weapon. Now these pistols are used in many countries, from Haiti to Luxembourg.

8. MP5


MP5, created by the German company Heckler and Koch in 1966, is used by many special units and services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Western countries. To date, more than 50 modifications of the MP5 have been created, which dominate the small arms market for internal affairs services to this day. The only real competitor in this market is the successor to UMP, created by the same firm. Ironically, the German Army did not adopt the MP5 for economic reasons, instead they licensed the Israeli UZI submachine gun.
The main success factor of the MP5 is that the company did not develop it from scratch, but simply successfully adapted its most popular and well-established G3 rifle to urban combat and enclosed spaces.

7. FAL
2000000+


While the Kalashnikov assault rifle was in service with all Warsaw Pact countries, the same pattern was observed with the FAL assault rifle in NATO countries throughout the Cold War. Although this automatic rifle received the informal nickname " Right hand free world", but this moment it is used people's militias. The long-term popularity of the FAL is due to the possibility of aimed fire at distances of 600 meters and a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute.

It is one of the classic automatic rifles of the second half of the 20th century and at least 2 million have been produced since its inception. It was used by various groups, from the Islamic Fundamentalists of the Philippines to the British Army.

6. G3


G3 was created by Heckler & Koch in recent years World War II in West Germany. Along with the FAL and AR-10, the G3 was built to NATO specifications and competed in the race for the title of mainstream rifle in Western armies until the late 1950s.

In 1959, the Bundeswehr (German army) adopted the G3, after which a huge number of copies of it were produced. Just like the AK-47, the G3 is an example of how, after the end of the Cold War, many states began to sell surpluses of their weapons around the world. For this reason, the G3 was used in the Portuguese Colonial War and even in the Mexican Drug War.

5.AP15
Over 8 million


In 1956, Armalight introduced the AR-10, with the then-revolutionary ability to switch fire modes (semi-automatic and automatic), but this did not impress the US Army so much that the AR-10 became the standard infantry automatic rifle. However, Armalight decided to produce 100 prototypes of this rifle for arms dealer Samuel Cummings to try and find a foreign customer interested in the AP-10. Cummings almost closed a deal to supply 7,500 copies to Nicaragua, but when General of the Nicaraguan Army Anastasia Somoza independently tested the strength of the rifle, a piece of the weapon came off and flew past Anastasia's head. After this incident, the deal was canceled and Armalite found themselves in a desperate situation.

In an attempt to save the company, Armalight's chief engineer, Eugene Stoner, attempted to create a self-loading rifle, the AR-15. The rights to it were immediately sold to Colt, who were able to convince the US Army to adopt it under the M16 brand. The M16 became the iconic weapon of the Americans in the Vietnam War and subsequently developed into the M4 assault rifle, which is in service today.

4. RPG-7
9000000+


The RPG-7 Handheld Anti-tank Grenade Launcher is the most widely used anti-tank weapons in the world. The grenade launcher is used to deal with all types of enemy armored vehicles, and in some cases against infantry. Over 9 million RPGs have been produced by the Soviet Union since the end of World War II. This grenade launcher has already become legendary by right, along with its comrades PKM and AK-47. Copies are produced to this day, thanks to their good price-quality ratio. It is even used by US troops in the training of the Afghan National Police due to the extreme prevalence of the grenade launcher in Afghanistan.

3. UZI
10000000+


UZI became legendary in particular thanks to the famous scene of the shooting of gangsters by the hero of the cult film "Scarface" by Tony Montana. UZI, one of Israel's most famous export products, was created in 1951, while its more established Mini and Micro variants were developed in 1982 and '83 respectively. The armed forces of more than 90 countries, as well as a huge number of special forces, are armed with this submachine gun.

Being the main competitor of the MP5, the UZI was able to fill the niche of a light, fast-firing and stealthy weapon. By this time, more than 10 million copies of UZI had already been released worldwide.

2. Remington
10,000,000+


As the only shotgun on this list, the Remington's popularity leaves all other shotguns far behind. At least 10 million of these pump action shotguns have been produced since 1951. The main advantages of the Remington are the low cost of production and the ability to shoot both buckshot and bullets up to 28 caliber. The gun is equally popular among civilian population, and among the military, and are present in any US department associated with weapons. Remington is represented in half of the G20 countries (although China uses it without a license) and has been seen in 80 films. An interesting fact is the widespread use of this model, although Remington was not used by the people's militias and rebels in armed conflicts that were not approved by the UN.

1. AK-47
100 million


The Model 1947 Kalashnikov assault rifle, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, is the most popular weapon on this list and of all time. The assault rifle was created by Kalashnikov after he saw how poorly equipped the Red Army was compared to the army of Nazi Germany, armed with submachine guns and machine guns like the MP40 and STG44. From that moment on, a competition began in the USSR to develop an assault rifle for the Soviet Army.

Given the terrible conditions Eastern Front, Kalashnikov has developed the most reliable weapon in the world. The AK-47 was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 and was first used during the Chinese Communist Revolution.

Of course, the AK-47 and other modifications of Kalashnikov assault rifles are the most anticipated item on this list - the rifle is widely known in popular culture and has even been placed on the flag of Mozambique. During the Cold War, 100 million copies were produced. The AK has been Russia's and Ukraine's best export since the end of the Cold War, as Nicolas Cage's character in the film Lord of War aptly noted.

Weapons have destructive power, and humanity is striving for even greater improvement. Our top 10 most popular species firearms will talk about such "adult toys" that have already proven their power in practice and have acquired the status of "the most dangerous weapon in the world".

10 FN FAL rifle

This light automatic rifle has been produced by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal since 1951. In 1954, it was put into service and was in the arsenal of all NATO countries throughout the entire “ cold war". Main characteristics (OH): length - 1090 mm, weight - 4.45 kg, rate of fire - 650-700 rounds / min, aiming range - 650 m.

9 As50 rifle


This large-caliber sniper rifle was developed by Accuracy International Ltd. The rifle was designed to be used army forces for conducting special operations, to combat lightly armored military equipment. It was first introduced in 2005. It was adopted in 2006. OH: length - 1369 mm, weight - 14.1 kg, effective range - 2000 m.

8 MG4 machine gun


This light machine gun, developed by Heckler & Koch, was first introduced in 2001. It was adopted by the German Army in 2003. And in 2007, an export contract was signed with Spain. The machine gun is a fire support weapon, quite light and mobile, the level of an infantry squad. OH: length - 1030 mm, weight - 8.15 kg, rate of fire - 885 rounds / min, aiming range - 1000 m.

7 M1911 pistol


This self-loading pistol was developed in 1908. Since 1911, it has been in service with the US Armed Forces, and is also used by the military and police. Fault tolerance and simplicity of design are the main advantages of the pistol, which was in service in 40 countries around the world. OH: length - 216 mm, weight - 1.12 kg, effective range - 50-70 m.

6 Tracking Point Rifle


This sniper rifle, developed by Tracking Point, is considered the most dangerous small arms. The rifle is equipped with a computer that itself monitors the victim and determines the moment of a successful shot. OH: length - 1025 mm, weight - 9.2 kg, effective range - about 1.1 km.

5 Assault rifle AR-15/M16


This rifle was developed by ArmaLite in 1957, and in the early 60s it was adopted by the US Air Force under the M16 index, a little later into service with the US Navy and Army. The AR-15 index was used only for police and civilian modifications. It was first used during the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation (1962-1966), later gained world fame in the Vietnam War. OH: length - 991 mm, weight - 2.27-3.9 kg, rate of fire - 700-950 rounds / min, aiming range - 400-600 m.

4 RPG-7 grenade launcher


This hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher is designed to combat self-propelled artillery mounts, tanks and other armored vehicles. It was put into service in 1961. It was first used in Vietnam, and then in almost all armed conflicts. OH: length - 950 mm, weight - 6.3 kg, direct shot range - 330 m, aiming range - 700 m, armor penetration - 750 mm.

3 Submachine gun UZI


The Israeli concern "Israel Military Industries" in 1951 introduced a compact submachine gun UZI. For the first time, UZI showed itself in 1956 during the Suez crisis in the Six-Day War during the assault on the Syrian fortifications, gaining worldwide fame. It is currently in service with armies and law enforcement agencies in 95 countries. OH: length - 640 mm, weight - 3.5 kg, rate of fire - 540 rounds / min, aiming range - 200-250 m.

2 Remington 870 shotgun


This pump-action shotgun was introduced by Remington Arms in 1950. Already in 1951, it was put into service. Various modifications of the Remington 870 make it a suitable option for both the military, police, and hunters, athletes, and civilians. One of the advantages is the ability to shoot both buckshot and bullets. OH: length - 1060 mm, weight - 3.6 kg, rate of fire - 37 rounds / min, aiming range - 250 m.

1 AK-47 assault rifle


The Kalashnikov assault rifle (model 1947) was developed in 1946-1949. It was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949. The assault rifle is a reliable and easy-to-maintain weapon. It has several dozen modifications, which are in service with 50 foreign armies. Its original version is the AK-47. OH: length - 870 mm, weight - 4.3 kg, rate of fire - 600 rounds / min, aiming range - 800 m.

A change in military tactics led to the development of the firearms industry. Each developer strives to create a unique weapon model that will become popular and in demand.

Most Common Rifle: M16

Country: USA
Designed: 1959
Weight: 2.88-3.4 kg (depending on modification)
Length: 986-1006mm
Caliber: 5.56mm
Rate of fire: 700-900 rds / min
starting speed bullets: 948 m/s

The rifle was developed by the American company Armalite, in 1959 Colt began its production, in 1961 the US military department purchased an experimental batch of rifles, and in 1964 it entered service with the US Army. Until today, the M16 remains the main armament of the American infantry. The first serious baptism of fire it took place in Vietnam, and later it was used in all armed conflicts involving the United States. This is a 5.56mm automatic rifle; its automation is based on the use of the energy of powder gases. To date, there are more than 20 modifications and varieties of rifles, and it is produced not only in the United States, but also in Canada, South Korea, China, Iran, and Germany.

Most famous machine gun: Maxim machine gun

Country: Great Britain (modification - Russia)
Designed: 1883 (modification - 1910)
Weight: 64.3 kg (44.23 - machine with shield)
Length: 1067 mm
Caliber: 7.62 mm
Rate of fire: 600 rds / min
Muzzle velocity: 740 m/s

It is difficult to say that the Maxim is included in the list of the best small arms over the past 100 years, because the Anglo-American inventor Hiram Maxim received the first patents for individual elements of the new weapon in the summer of 1883, and in October 1884 demonstrated the first working model. But one of the most famous varieties of "Maxim" appeared in 1910, which allows him to "fit" into the century.

The principle of operation of "Maxim" is simple and based on the use of barrel recoil. The powder gases from the shot throw the barrel back and actuate the reloading mechanism: the cartridge is removed from the tape and goes into the breech, the bolt is cocked at the same time. 450 rounds of ammunition were placed in a canvas belt, and the machine gun's rate of fire reached 600 rounds per minute. Truth, powerful weapon was not perfect. Firstly, the barrel was very overheated and required a constant change of water in the cooling casing. Another drawback was the complexity of the mechanism: the machine gun jammed due to various problems with reloading.

In Russia, the production of a machine gun began in 1904 at the Tula plant. The most famous Russian modification of "Maxim" was 7.62 mm easel machine gun sample 1910 (the original caliber of the machine gun was .303 British or 7.69 mm in the metric system). In the same year, the designer, Colonel Alexander Sokolov, designed a wheeled machine gun machine - it was this machine that gave the weapon a classic look. The machine greatly facilitated the issues of the march and the movement of a heavy machine gun from position to position.

But the total weight of the machine gun with the machine was still large - more than 60 kg, and this is not counting the supply of cartridges, water for cooling, etc. Therefore, by the 1930s, formidable weapons began to rapidly become obsolete. The last modernization of the Soviet-style machine gun survived in 1941 and was produced in Tula and Izhevsk until the very end of World War II; it was replaced by a 7.62 mm Goryunov machine gun.
"Maxim" had many modifications: Finnish M / 32-33, English "Vickers", German MG-08, 12.7-mm (large-caliber) for the British Navy, etc.

The most legendary weapon of the Second World War: 7.62 mm Shpagin submachine gun

Country: USSR
Designed: 1941
Curb weight: 5.3 kg with drum
magazine, 4.15 kg with sector magazine
Length: 863 mm
Caliber: 7.62 mm
Rate of fire: 900 rds / min
Sighting range: 200–300 m

The predecessor of the Kalashnikov assault rifle in service with the Soviet army was the Shpagin submachine gun (PPSh). Created to replace the Degtyarev submachine gun, the PPSh was primarily designed to simplify production as much as possible and entered service in 1941. And although the Sudayev design of the 1942 model of the year (PPS) is often considered as the best submachine gun of the Second World War, it was the PPSh that became an integral part of the image Soviet soldier as the only mass-produced automatic weapon Soviet army the first year of the war.

Fastest fire weapon: Metal Storm MK5

Country: Australia
Designed: 2004
Number of barrels: 36
Caliber: 9 mm
Estimated rate of fire: 1,080,000 rds / min
Theoretical maximum rate of fire: 1,620,000 rds/min

The super-rapid weapon of the Australian company Metal Storm Limited is unlikely to ever enter mass production, but it is impossible not to mention it. The founder of the company, James Michael O'Dwyer, invented and patented a high-speed fire system, the theoretical rate of fire of which reaches 1,000,000 rds / min. There are no moving mechanical parts in the Metal Storm machine gun, each of the barrels contains several rounds at the same time, and the shots are fired by electronic pulse. The critical problem faced by the developers was the impossibility of supplying so many rounds in a timely manner. Therefore, the rate of fire shown in the tests is calculated, and the functionality of the "iron storm" is reduced to nothing when used in real combat operations. However, the company is developing in various directions and uses Metal Storm technologies in weapons that have a more realistic chance of getting into the series.

Most Popular Pistol: Colt M1911

Country: USA
Designed: 1911
Weight: 1.075 kg
Length: 216 mm
Caliber: 45th
Muzzle velocity: 253 m/s
Sighting range: 50 m

One of the most popular pistols in the world is the M1911 designed by John Browning chambered for .45 ACP (11.43 x 23 mm). This weapon was in service with the US Army from 1911 to 1990, and since 1926 the pistol has not been subjected to any upgrades. Despite the name of the developer, the pistol was produced by Colt factories and entered exactly as the Colt M1911. Its main advantage was its structural simplicity and fault tolerance. The gun was in service in more than 40 countries around the world and is very popular to this day.

Most Repeating Gas Pistol: Reck Miami 92 F

Country: Germany
Weight empty: 1.14 kg
Length: 215 mm
Caliber: 8, 9, 15mm
Food: magazine for 11 (for the 9-mm version), 18, 20, 24, 28 rounds

RECK Miami 92F - production gas pistol German company Umarex, which is an exact copy of the classic Beretta 92 pistol. RECK gas pistols come in 8 and 9 mm calibers. The 9mm version has a quite normal magazine with a capacity of 11 rounds, but the 8mm RECK Miami magazines can hold from 18 to 28 (!) rounds depending on the modification. Except for prototypes, curiosities and a 40-round magazine for the Mauser, the RECK Miami 92F has no competitors in the field of repeatability.

Fastest fired mass-produced weapon: M134 Minigun

Country: USA
Designed: 1962
Weight: 24–30 kg (machine gun body with electric motor and power mechanism)
Length: 801 mm
Caliber: 7.62 mm (0.308)
Rate of fire: from 300 to 6000 rds / min (effective -
3000–4000)
Muzzle velocity: 869 m/s

Of course, prototypes can be much faster, but among the mass-produced weapons, the M134 Minigun series aircraft machine guns are considered to be one of the champions in this indicator. These 7.62-mm six-barreled machine guns work according to the Gatling scheme and are capable of releasing up to 6000 rounds per minute. A new cartridge is fed into the upper (cooled) barrel, the shot is fired from below. The rotation of the trunks is provided by an electric drive. The M134 received its baptism of fire in the Vietnam War. By the way, contrary to misconceptions, in the "Predator" and "Terminator" it is not this machine gun that is used, but its younger brother XM214 Microgun, which did not go into the series.

The most officer pistol: Mauser C96

Country: Germany
Designed: 1896
Weight without cartridges: 1.13 kg
Length: 288mm
Cartridge: 7.63 x 25 mm, 9 mm x 25 mm, etc.
Muzzle velocity: 425 m/s
Sighting range: 150–200 m without stock

Mauser C96 evokes in us a firm association with a man in leather jacket and the abbreviation CHK. This model began to be produced in Germany in 1896; the pistol stood out for its excellent accuracy, high effective firing range, and “survivability”; its main disadvantages were bulkiness and serious weight. Surprisingly, the Mauser was not officially in service with any army in the world (maximum - partial local use), while more than a million copies were produced, and officers different countries preferred it as a personal weapon to all competitors.

The most famous repeating rifle: M1 Garand

Country: USA
Designed: 1936
Weight: 4.31-5.3 kg (depending on modification)
Length: 1104 mm
Caliber: 7.62 mm
Muzzle velocity: 853 m/s
Effective firing range: 400 m

The American M1 Garand rifle is the first self-loading rifle adopted as the main infantry weapon. It was introduced for a long time: in 1929, designer John Garand built the first prototype, but it only came to mass production and putting into service only by 1936; numerous improvements did not give the desired effect, and the new weapon constantly failed. Only the M1 generation, which was finalized and put into production in 1941, gained popularity. It is still used as a sporting weapon to this day.

Most common weapon: Kalashnikov assault rifle

Country: USSR
Designed: 1974 (modification AK-74)
Curb weight: 3.5–5.9 kg
Length: 940 mm (without bayonet)
Caliber: 5.45mm
Rate of fire: about 600 rds / min
Sighting range: 1000 m

Kalashnikov assault rifle, the most common in the world weapon, due to its reliability and ease of maintenance, has gained extraordinary popularity and has been released in more than 100 million copies. There are several dozens of its modifications; in the original version (AK-47) it had a caliber of 7.62 mm, but in the modification of the AK-74 a 5.45 mm cartridge is used, and in the versions of the "hundredth" series - also 5.56 mm. In addition to the USSR, the machine was produced by Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, China, Poland, North Korea, Yugoslavia, and it was used in almost all countries of the world and in almost all armed conflicts of the second half of the 20th century.

The Kalashnikov machine gun (RPK) opens the TOP-10 of the best world weapons. Its design is universal, which allows its use both as a manual and easel, and tank. This model was the first unified among domestic models. PKK was in service with the army Soviet Union, and is still used by the armies of a large number of countries. It was actively used in almost all military clashes and conflicts that took place in the 20th and early 21st centuries. The total number of units produced exceeds one million. This model has eight officially approved varieties. The rate of fire of the RPK exceeds 750 rounds in one minute. The cost of one machine gun on the Russian market can range from $1,000 to $1,500.

9th place. Pistol M-1911

M-1911 is recognized as one of the best self-loading pistols produced in America. He entered service with the US Army back in 1911 and continued to serve faithfully until 1985. It is still allowed to be used. It is possible to win over other M-1911 models due to longevity, reliability, accuracy and universal application. During the entire period of production of this model, about three million units were manufactured. The price for the original copy ranges from 928 to 1095 US dollars. Throughout the 20th century and early XXI this pistol is recognized as the most copied by the world's best weapon masters. Currently, weapons based on the M-1911 are best quality manufactured by Springfield.

8th place. Submachine gun HK MP-5

The HK MP-5 is part of a family of submachine guns developed by the renowned Heckler & Koch GmbH. It entered the German armed forces in the sixties, and continues to be used today. At its core, the HK MP-5 is a simplified design of the HK G3. This model is considered not only one of the most surprisingly reliable, but also easy-to-use submachine guns. Their distinguishing feature is high accuracy and rate of fire. More than forty countries use this model to arm not only the army, but also the police. Today officially announced the presence of seventeen modifications of this submachine gun, which produced more than ten million units. The legendary weapon is called "a merciless weapon for the fight against terrorism", which is due to its participation in numerous operations related to the release of hostages. The rate of fire of the HK MP-5 in one minute is about eight hundred rounds.

7th place. Belgian-made automatic rifle - FN FAL

This classic automatic rifle is manufactured in Belgium. It is one of the most widely used and most popular automatic rifles. The use of these weapons has been recorded in a large number of military conflicts, such as, for example, the wars in the Persian Gulf region and in Vietnam. The release of this model began in the fifties and does not stop until now. The demand for FAL is due to the fact that it is very convenient to use, easy to maintain, reliable and efficient. It can produce about seven hundred shots in one minute. Over the entire period of production, a large number of various modifications were mastered. More than 90 countries around the world use these rifles to equip their own armies. FN FAL production is currently carried out in thirteen countries. The total number of copies produced exceeds the mark of twenty million.

6th place. Automatic rifle from Germany - HK G3

HK G3 automatic rifles are in service military units Germany from 1959 to the present day. The difference between the HK G3, ​​when compared with models of the same series, in addition to the high level of performance related to combat, lies in the relatively low cost of its production and maintenance. This was achieved by simplifying the design. 600 rounds in one minute is the rate of fire of a rifle. It is possible to use for shooting, in addition to cartridges, rifle grenades. The HK G3 rifle has become the base for a large number of modifications. Today, the armies of eighty countries are armed with rifles of this type.

5th place. M-16 assault rifle

The M-16 is considered the finest assault rifle made in America. To this day, this rifle or its modifications are actively used armed forces USA and many other countries. This model is characterized by low weight and high rate of fire, which can reach the level of 950 rounds per minute. Statistics show that more than eight million M-16 units are being produced today, and it does not stop. Such a rifle costs about 1200 US dollars.

4th place. Anti-tank grenade launcher from Russia - RPG-7

RPG-7 is recognized as the best hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher produced in the USSR and manufactured in Russia. The main purpose of the weapon is the destruction of tanks, as well as other armored vehicles. In addition, with the help of RPGs, it is possible to destroy air targets and destroy shelters. The active use of the grenade launcher in various military confrontations began in 1968 and continues to this day. The reason RPGs are highly sought after is their powerful efficiency. It is simple and easy to use, reliable and, besides, it has no recoil at all. More than nine million units of these weapons have been produced. The armies of more than forty countries of the world are armed with RPGs today.

3rd place. Submachine gun Uzi

The top three best weapons in the world start with the Israeli-made Uzi submachine gun. The world fame of the model was brought by the presence of excellent balance, which allows you to shoot from it using only one hand. In addition, this design is characterized by increased strength and high level reliability. The compact and easy-to-use Uzi fires about six hundred bullets per minute. In the armies of 90 countries of the world, this submachine gun is usually used as standard weapons, which explains its participation in almost all modern wars and conflicts. It was launched in the 1950s and continues to this day. This is done in five versions. More than ten million units of this weapon are walking around the world.

2nd place. Remington-870 pump action shotgun

The Remington-870, which was launched in the fifties by the American company Remington Arms, is recognized as the most popular pump-action shotgun. Since 1951, they began to arm the US army and police. To date, more than ten million guns have already been produced, and their production continues. Many countries have chosen the Remington-870 to equip their own armies. Among the advantages of this model of the gun are such as its low cost of production, and the ability to fire using both buckshot and bullets. The gun has been modified many times, and therefore it can be used by both the military and hunters, athletes and civilians (for self-defense purposes).

1 place. AK-47 assault rifle

The AK-47 was and is the most popular and recognizable weapon in the world. The history of the assault rifle began in 1949, when the USSR army adopted it. There is not a single conflict of the 20th century in which this weapon model would not be used. The popularity of the AK-47 was won by the simplicity of design and ease of use. The whole world recognized this model as the most reliable and durable. In one minute, the machine is capable of firing 600 shots. In total, more than a hundred million Kalashnikovs were manufactured. The price for these machines starts at $800 and ends at $1100.