Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum Became legendary following its appearance in the Clint Eastwood movie "Dirty Harry" in the 1970s. Still pretty much as powerful as handguns get and certainly one of the heaviest recoils. Often carried by Park Rangers and others at risk of bear attack. Anything less just wouldn’t work! One of the most popular on the Top Gun Tours with British visitors.
Weight: 1.33 kg (empty)
Calibre: .44 Magnum
Capacity: 6 rounds
Smith & Wesson 686 This sturdy double action revolver will fire both .38 Special and the more powerful .357 Magnum interchangeably so gives the shooter has the option to shoot either cartridge type according to need. The low shot capacity (6 or 7 rounds) and the higher recoil of these revolvers when compared to semi-automatic pistols are to some degree compensated by the fact that they are generally more reliable and less complex to learn to shoot.
Weight: 1.30 kg (empty)
Calibre: .38 Special / .357 Magnum
Capacity: 6 rounds (Model 686P holds 7 rounds)
Colt King Cobra Similar to the Smith & Wesson 686 the Colt King Cobra revolver, chambered in the .357 Magnum also accepts .38 Special cartridges.
King Cobra was based on the earlier Trooper revolvers but featured a more modern design with full length underbarrel lug and solid top barrel rib. Its sights are fully adjustable. Like its more powerful twin, the Colt Anaconda (.44 Magnum), all King Cobras were made from stainless steel. The King Cobra is an all-around versatile handgun, suitable for sport, police duty, self-defence and even hunting.
Weight: 1.20 kg (empty)
Calibre: .38 Special / .357 Magnum
Capacity: 6 rounds
Semi-automatic Pistols
Glock 17 With only 33 moving parts this pistol is a triumph of modern design simplicity. The first mainstream handgun to pioneer the use of a high impact plastic frame. Uses a unique self-cocking system that includes three safety mechanisms which are only released when the trigger is pulled. Popular with many law enforcement organisations including the British Police not least because of its simplicity and outstanding reliability.
Weight: 0.66 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm x 19
Capacity: 17 rounds
SIG P226 The P226 has come to be known as one of the most distinguished combat pistols in existence because of its reliability and durability.
When the US armed forces where looking for a replacement for their Colt .45 pistol in 1984 the SIG P226 was one of only two pistols that satisfactorily completed the trials. Although cost issues prevented it from becoming the standard US service pistol, it did become very popular with elite police and military units worldwide including British SAS, US Navy Seals, and FBI Agents.
Weight: 0.75 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm X 19
Capacity: 15 or 20 rounds
Desert Eagle The choice of some of the most famous heroes in the film world such as Jean Claude van Damme in Double Impact, Vinnie Jones as Bullet Tooth Tony in Snatch, Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, and Leon in the Matrix. Designed in the USA and made in Israel.
When firing the enormously powerful .50AE cartridge it sounds and feels more like an artillery piece than a pistol! Unless you're built like the proverbial brick outbuilding this gun is just too heavy and too powerful for normal mortals to use in a defensive handgun context. However, the weapon is a natural candidate for certain special operations units needing something smaller than a rifle, but considerably more powerful than a regular handgun.
Weight: 1.99 kg (empty)
Calibre: .50AE
Capacity: 7 rounds
CZ 75 The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic handgun made in the Czech by CZ (Ceská Zbrojovka). It features high-capacity double-column magazine, sturdy all-steel construction, great accuracy, and superb reliability. Colonel Jeff Cooper, long-time advocate of the Colt 1911, hailed it as the best-designed double-action autoloader available. It has become one of the most popular pistols of its class. As its manufacturer CZ is quick to point out, the CZ 75 is in service with "more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world."
Weight: 0.98 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm X 19
Capacity: 15 rounds
Walther P22 Looking much like the larger calibre Walther P99 (007's weapon of choice as featured in the latest James Bond movies), the P22 is a nice handling, light-kicking alternative to the full power 9mm version. This little pistol is a great way to get the next generation started without the off-putting kick of the larger calibre gun, and easy to handle for smaller hands at less than 1lb unloaded. Walther are famous for high accuracy and top quality finish on their guns and the P22 is no exception.
Weight: 0.43 kg (empty)
Calibre: .22LR
Capacity: 10 rounds
Ruger 22/45 Mk3 The newest series of rimfire pistols made by Ruger are known as MK III. They were released in 2004 and are designed as a training pistol with a similar feel to the full power Colt .45 1911 pistol, but without the heavy recoil. Ideal for beginners or younger shooters wanting to learn the basics of safe pistol shooting. A solidly made pistol with a big pistol feel but a small gun recoil.
Weight: 0.99 kg (empty)
Calibre: .22LR
Capacity: 10 rounds
Beretta U22 Neos The latest high tech offering from the legendary Italian gun maker Beretta. A nicely balanced little pistol with small but ergonomically shaped grips ideal for younger hands. This gun is not only very accurate but also very fast to acquire the target due to the electronic red dot sight which enables the shooter to shoot with both eyes open and shoot more “instinctively”. A very popular pistol with the juniors.
Weight: 1.02 kg (empty) (1.15 kg with red dot sight)
Calibre: .22LR
Capacity: 10 rounds
Colt 1911 A real 20th Century American Classic. Until fairly recently this was the standard handgun of the US armed forces. Still very popular in the USA civilian market in enormous variety of adapted forms, from a defensive pistol to serious competition pistol. Famous for its outstandingly smooth trigger.
Weight: 1.13 kg (empty)
Calibre: .45ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Submachine Guns
Brugger & Thomet MP9 / TP9 The Swiss made Brugger & Thomet MP9 is one of the latest generation of ultra compact high tech personal protection weapons. It offers an interim solution between true 'machine pistols' such as Glock 18, and full-size submachine guns, like the Uzi or H&K MP5. The gun is just 30cm long with the stock folded, and only 52cm long with the stock unfolded making it the most compact submachine gun in the world. Made of over 80% high impact polymers the weapon's weight is just 1.4kg (lighter than some handguns!).
This weapon is also available in a semi-automatic version (called TP9) for when full automatic ability is not required. The TP9 is used on both the Six Pack and Full Monty shooting events in Prague.
Weight: 1.4 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9 x 19mm
Capacity: 15, 20, 25 or 30 rounds magazines available
Model 61 Skorpion Designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic. May be used as a single shot pistol or as a fully automatic submachine gun. Small bullets but a high rate of fire (850 per minute). The small size of this gun made it popular with undercover police and counter-terrorist units for its ease of concealment and comparatively high firepower. Shown here with the 10 round magazine.
Weight: 1.6kg (empty)
Calibre: 7.65 X 17mm
Capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
Uzi Named after its designed Uziel Gal this is one of the most effective and widely recognised submachine guns available today. Designed with mass production in mind the Uzi is largely made from pressed steel parts. It enjoyed an enviable reputation of reliability, and for being almost indestructible in tough conditions. The design has also been adapted into a number of smaller weapons suitable for clandestine operations such as the Mini-Uzi, Micro-Uzi and Uzi Pistol.
Weight: 3.7 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm x 19
Capacity: 25 or 32 rounds
PPSh 41 Designed by Russian George Shpagin to meet a desparate need for firepower in the USSR following the invasion of Nazi Germany at the beginning of World War II. The gun uses a simple blowback action, and fires from the open bolt position. A very reliable weapon with a high rate of fire and large magazine capacity it was ideally suited to the close quarters house to house fighting at the battle of Leningrad. The drum magazines proved slow to refill in battle conditions so in 1942 the USSR developed a curved box magazine holding 35 rounds.
Weight: 3.7 kg (empty)
Calibre: 7.62mm x 25mm
Capacity: 70 rounds drum or 35 rounds box mag
Thompson M1 The M1A1 1928 "Tommy Gun", is a delayed blowback submachine gun. The Thompson was initially marketed to local police departments and to the military. However, there were few buyers due to the high cost. The Thompson was next marketed to civilians and the weapon became popular with depression-era gangsters in the USA.
Used extensively in World War II by the US Marines and British Commandos and Paratroops in hit-and-run type raids. Heavy by modern standards as it is machined from a solid block of steel, rather than the lighter pressed steel construction used in more recent small arms.
Weight: 4.82 kg (empty)
Calibre: .45 ACP
Capacity: 20 to 50 round magazine or 100 round drum
M3 Grease Gun The M3 "Grease Gun" (more formally United States Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M3/M3A1) was a submachine gun developed by the United States during World War II as a cheaper substitute for the Thompson. It was nicknamed the Grease Gun because of its resemblance to an automotive grease gun. The M3 used the blowback method of operation. It could be fired only in fully-automatic mode, but experienced soldiers could usually fire single shots with it due to its very low rate of fire (400 to 450 rounds per minute). Used in some parts of the US Army up to the early 1990’s.
Weight: 3.47 kg (empty)
Calibre: .45ACP
Capacity 30 rounds
Walther MPL Produced in Germany from 1963 to 1987 these high-quality guns were widely exported and used officially by German police forces, the Mexican navy and the Portuguese Navy. U.S. Navy SEALs also used the MPL (including the shorter barrelled “MPK” version) in Vietnam.
Whilst the gun is a conventional blowback design, the bolt is cleverly placed above the barrel, permitting a shorter overall length. A selective fire switch is also on the left side of the receiver, behind the trigger.
Weight: 3.00 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm X 19
Capacity: 32 rounds
HK MP5 The Heckler and Koch MP5 is currently one of the most widely used submachine guns today. First seen in action on television when used by the SAS as they stormed the Iranian Embassy in London back in 1981. Basically a scaled down version of the famous HK G3 assault rifle, this is widely recognised as the most accurate submachine available today. Popular with anti terrorist units and SWAT teams world wide.
Weight: 2.55 kg (empty)
Calibre: 9mm x 19
Capacity: 15 or 30 rounds
Rifles
M16 / AR15 This rifle was one of the first of the modern 5.56mm calibre rifles to be used in action. Introduced during the Vietnam War it became an instantly recognisable weapon. M16 rifles are used by many military groups, most notably the SAS, who preferred the M16 over the standard British issue L85A1-SA80 rifle. The semi-automatic version of this which we use on our shooting events in Prague is known as the AR15 or Bushmaster.
Weight: 3.40 kg (empty)
Calibre: 5.56mm x 45 NATO
Capacity: 20 or 30 rounds
Heckler & Koch USC45 Carbine The USC is a utility carbine that uses the classic hard-hitting .45 ACP cartridge. Matched with the simple and ultra-reliable blowback operating system, the HK USC is a radical departure from traditional firearms designs. Extensive use of the same durable, reinforced polymers used on HK’s line of military and police arms ensures light weight and durability.
Weight: 2.7 kg (empty)
Calibre: .45ACP
Capacity: 10 rounds
AK47 A relatively lightweight, easy to use, hard-hitting rifle for motorised infantry. It is capable of semiautomatic or automatic fire modes. Being inexpensive to manufacture and exceptionally reliable even in tough conditions this weapon became the most popular choice for arming conscripts in developing countries, as well as in the former Soviet Union’s armed forces . The AK47 came in two versions. The standard AK-47 version had a wooden stock. The AKS version had a folding metal stock for mechanised infantry and parachute troops.
Weight: 4.3 kg (empty)
Calibre: 7.62 x 39
Capacity: 30 rounds (standard)
SA Vz 58 The Samopal SA Vz.58 was the standard assault rifle of the Czechoslovak Army from the late 1950s until the mid 1990s following the demise of the Soviet Union. Whilst very similar in appearance to the Soviet made AK47 and shooting the same bullets, the Vz.58 operates a different mechanism (i.e. the gun fires from a closed bolt at all times unlike the cruder AK47). As well as having the same firepower as the AK47 it is also considerably lighter and better made. Shown here is the standard version (SA Vz.58P) with a fixed wooden/composite stock. This rifle is also manufactured in a folding stock version (SA Vz.58V).
Weight: 3.1kg (empty)
Calibre: 7.62 x 39 (same as AK47)
Capacity: 30 rounds (standard)
Sniper Rifle CZ 550 varmint The CZ 550 is well balanced and consequently quick and easy to aim. Controlling elements are simple to operate and easy to reach, (bolt handle, set-trigger configuration, safety, bolt catch, magazine catch). A high degree of accuracy as well as high functional reliability in all environments mean this rifle is a trusted sniper rifle with police and army units.
Weight: 4.2 kg (empty)
Calibre: 7.62mm NATO (other calibres available)
Capacity: 4 rounds
Ruger 10/22 The most popular .22LR semi-automatic rifle in the USA and probably the world. Most experienced shooters have at some time shot and/or owned a Ruger 10/22. These reliable little rifles are ideal for youngsters and adults alike to learn the basics of rifle shooting as they are easy to operate, accurate, and have very little recoil.
Weight: 2.38 kg (empty)
Calibre: .22LR
Capacity: 10 rounds
CZ 452 The CZ 452 is a classic sporting rifle and ideal for small game and informal target shooting. As with other products from the Czech manufacturer CZ (Ceská Zbrojovka) this rifle is well made using traditional manufacturing methods and is highly accurate. Although only firing smaller .22 rounds it is of a similar build quality to far some more expensive full bore hunting rifles.
Weight: 3.26 kg (empty)
Calibre: .22LR
Capacity: 5 rounds
Shotguns
Pump Action Shotgun There are several companies manufacturing pump-action shotguns but the most well known are American manufacturers Mossberg (for the Mossberg 500, 590 and Maverick models) and Remington (for the Remington 870). These guns are very reliable to use and enormously versatile. They easily cope with virtually any kind of shotgun ammunition from tiny bird shot for smaller game to the massive one once lead slug capable of going clean through buildings! They are popular in the USA with users ranging from duck and wild boar shooters, through to police SWAT teams, and are also standard issue in most American police patrol cars.
Weight: 3-4 kg (empty)
Calibre: 12 bore (.729)
Capacity: 5-8 shots
Over Under Double Barrelled Shotgun A shotgun is a smooth barrelled gun which fires about an ounce of small lead balls ("shot") which spread gradually as they leave the gun. Shotguns are ideal to shoot at moving targets like game birds, running rabbits, and man made targets like clay pigeons (brightly coloured disks thrown by mechanical throwers). A variety of different shotguns are used for clay pigeon shooting on our shooting events but the most popular type is the double barrelled over-under shotgun. Although different makes of these guns look very very similar to the untrained eye, the main differences between guns are the weight and the balance which effects how "pointable" each gun is. Typical dimensions are:
Weight: 3-4 kg (empty)
Calibre: 12 bore (.729)
Capacity: 2 shots
Benelli M3 Super 90 - Semi Auto & Pump Action Shotgun The Benelli M3 is notable for allowing the user the choice of semi-automatic or pump-action operation. It is reliable and versatile, and well loved by both police forces and civilian sportsmen.
Pump-action operation is usually employed when shooting less powerful shells such as rubber bullets that do not generate enough recoil to operate the semi-automatic mechanism. Conversely, the semi-automatic mode can be employed with more powerful shells, absorbing some of the recoil. Switching between the two modes is done by manipulating the lever located at the front of the forend grip.
Weight: 3.2-3.5 kg (empty)
Calibre: 12 bore (.729)
Capacity: 5 shots
Saiga 12K ('K' for Kurt or Short) Semi-automatic Combat Shotgun This modern Russian semi-automatic shotgun has been based on the famous and time-proven Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle design. The "K" version was intended as a security, police and self-defense weapon, and is widely used by Russian special forces (Spetsnaz) and private security services. The Saiga 12K has proven to be both a versatile and effective weapon for close range situations, such as counter-terrorist operations inside buildings.
One of the significant superiorities of semi-auto shotguns in comparison to pump-action weapons is the high possible rate of fire. Even an average shooter firing the 'Saiga-12' can shoot a series of five targets in a bit more than two seconds; a difficult task for any pump-action shotgun regardless of the skill of an operator.
Weight: 3.5 kg (empty)
Calibre: 12 bore (.729)
Capacity: 5 or 8 shots in detachable box magazine
Guns shown above are for illustration purposes only. Actual guns used may vary slightly from those shown.
