What's your favorite underappreciated or forgotten firearm?

S

StR

NES Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2021
Messages
56
Likes
49
Feedback: 2 / 0 / 0
I (and I'm sure many of you) am a big fan of channels like Forgotten Weapons. Sure, the AR and Glock platforms are great - time-tested and proven. But, there's something about the runner-ups, and those that didn't make the podium, that interest me. Maybe it's the 'tism, but I love the quirky engineering in the less-popular guns.

My entry:
Take the Beretta PX4 Storm: everyone who shoots it (myself included!) seems to, universally, praise it as a soft shooter - yet, it hasn't sold terribly well in the states. That gun sent me down a rabbit hole for other rotating-barrel firearms - the Grand Power P 40 L caught my eye: a rotating-barrel pistol out of Slovakia chambered in 10mm--which seems like a great use case for the rotating barrel's recoil-reducing technology. Grand Power is, apparently, quite popular in Europe on the competition scene for guns like the X-Calibur (5", 9mm, rotating barrel, optics ready).

While the Stribog PCC has done well in the states, I am surprised that their handguns haven't done as well as they seem to deserve: while the space is full, imports under the Canik brand have gained a respectable following - why not the Grand Power line?

So, anyway, I ask NES: what's your favorite "runner up", "forgotten weapon", or underappreciated firearm--past and present?

Side note, I hope the links don't come across as spammy - just trying to provide sources for people.
 
JJC said:
P90. Make the scifi and stargate jokes, but aside from the offset, the gun just works. 50 rounds with a transparent magazine in easy line of sight, yes please.
Click to expand...
Great answer - I'm glad that NATO has ratified the 5.7x28 cartridge, it should keep the P90 relevant for the foreseeable future.

I'm sure the engineering for the feeding mechanism, which rotates the round 90 degrees, was a real headache for FN engineers!
 
paul73 said:
g17. no need to appreciate it, it just works.
Click to expand...
For sure a marvel in its own right--I mean no disrespect to Gaston. The Glock 17 and its derivatives are no doubt masterpieces in engineering.

However, I find the Glock 46 - with its rotating barrel, unbearably-shitty trigger, and unique takedown mechanism that doesn't require the trigger to be pulled - to be the kind of oddity worth mentioning here.
 
In God We Trust said:
I’m a fan of the Beretta 92. Took a long time to grow on me, but having carried one daily for years, it grew on me.
Click to expand...
The 92 is a great gun. Not a mil guy, but I can understand the negative reactions from service members who were shooting the equivalent of clapped-out Nissan Altimas with UV-faded paint and paper temp tags.

But a nice, Italian made 92? A friend of mine described it like a well-worn pair of jeans, and I think that's an apt description. Shame to see it replaced with the P320.
 
I never see anyone give this gun love

Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk Hunter 44 Magnum 7.5in Stainless Revolver​

a thing of beauty and beast. Shoots hot hunting loads without killing the hunter. Butter smooth action. And did I mention it’s sexy. PS - I love Glocks too




IMG_1318.jpeg
 
StR said:
The 92 is a great gun. Not a mil guy, but I can understand the negative reactions from service members who were shooting the equivalent of clapped-out Nissan Altimas with UV-faded paint and paper temp tags.

But a nice, Italian made 92? A friend of mine described it like a well-worn pair of jeans, and I think that's an apt description. Shame to see it replaced with the P320.
Click to expand...
Yup. That is a great analogy for the gun. Nothing fancy but it works well. I retired right after we switched out (coincidence) and I never had to shoot the sig. I hear it’s a nice gun, but I can strip and reassemble the M-9 blindfolded and shit faced. Just not the same.
 
Last edited:
StR said:
I (and I'm sure many of you) am a big fan of channels like Forgotten Weapons. Sure, the AR and Glock platforms are great - time-tested and proven. But, there's something about the runner-ups, and those that didn't make the podium, that interest me. Maybe it's the 'tism, but I love the quirky engineering in the less-popular guns.

My entry:
Take the Beretta PX4 Storm: everyone who shoots it (myself included!) seems to, universally, praise it as a soft shooter - yet, it hasn't sold terribly well in the states. That gun sent me down a rabbit hole for other rotating-barrel firearms - the Grand Power P 40 L caught my eye: a rotating-barrel pistol out of Slovakia chambered in 10mm--which seems like a great use case for the rotating barrel's recoil-reducing technology. Grand Power is, apparently, quite popular in Europe on the competition scene for guns like the X-Calibur (5", 9mm, rotating barrel, optics ready).

While the Stribog PCC has done well in the states, I am surprised that their handguns haven't done as well as they seem to deserve: while the space is full, imports under the Canik brand have gained a respectable following - why not the Grand Power line?

So, anyway, I ask NES: what's your favorite "runner up", "forgotten weapon", or underappreciated firearm--past and present?

Side note, I hope the links don't come across as spammy - just trying to provide sources for people.
Click to expand...
Always wanted a px4 storm, sadly, not on the roster.

My other contender on a complete opposite spectrum is the Boberg xr9c/Bond Arms Bullpup
 
Enfield No 5 mk 1. All the Enfields were excellent rifles, but the No 5 was the last of the breed and had some great refinements. The sexiest bolt-action ever made, though it had the bad luck to show up at the same time the whole world went away from bolt guns.



I can think of a bunch more weapons I love, but I wouldn't call any of them "underappreciated."
 
Colt Vest Pocket and similar designs. Looked down on these days but a lot of bad guys are in the dirt thanks to those mouse guns.

Glock 30. Most underrated modern pistol, imo.
 
StR said:
The 92 is a great gun. Not a mil guy, but I can understand the negative reactions from service members who were shooting the equivalent of clapped-out Nissan Altimas with UV-faded paint and paper temp tags.

But a nice, Italian made 92? A friend of mine described it like a well-worn pair of jeans, and I think that's an apt description. Shame to see it replaced with the P320.
Click to expand...

I first got a US made 92FS in the late 90s/early 00s, and even though it’s seldom used now, it still runs like a top when I do take it out. I just like the darn thing and my wife knows to bury me with it.

I’ll the Browning Hi-Power and A5. Not enough new shooters know about these. I still take my A5 with me to the skeet field when I go. Love that too.
 
Drix said:
Always wanted a px4 storm, sadly, not on the roster.

My other contender on a complete opposite spectrum is the Boberg xr9c/Bond Arms Bullpup
Click to expand...
You have another month and change for a frame transfer—don’t let your dreams be dreams!

That bullpup pistol is a weird one, I like weird
 
Back
Top Bottom