Myths and truth about guns in America. Reedus

Guns in the USA can be bought completely freely

It is not true. The buyer must present an identification document at the store and fill out a special form (the so-called Form 4473). The store contacts the sheriff's department by phone and receives confirmation that the buyer is law-abiding. If the police have complaints against the buyer, they will not sell him the weapon. Barriers to gun sales include being a wanted person, mental illness, a restraining order for domestic violence, felony convictions, alcohol or drug problems, disciplinary discharge from the military, or renunciation of citizenship. in the past, etc. These rules are established by federal law and do not depend on the laws of a particular state.

In a number of states the so-called the waiting period between going to a gun store and receiving your purchase. Depending on the state, it can range from three days to two weeks. In addition, some states have restrictions according to which a citizen can purchase only one weapon at a time, and at least a month must pass before purchasing the next one.

The purchase of some types of weapons, such as semi-automatic rifles, may require advance payment of a special excise tax and receipt of the appropriate piece of paper - a tax stamp. In some states, the amount is several hundred dollars, and the entire procedure takes up to several months.

US Air Force Secretary assessed the feasibility of spending on hypersonic weapons

The high cost of hypersonic weapons raises questions about the extent to which the US military needs them. This opinion was expressed by US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on Wednesday, January 19.

“Dagger” in sheath: infrastructure is being prepared for hypersonic missiles

Arsenals and special sites for testing and servicing ammunition are being deployed in Russian regions

At an online seminar hosted by the Center for a New American Security, Kendall pointed to the need to think about the cost-effectiveness of weapons.

“I think there is a niche in this toolkit for hypersonic weapons. And I believe we need to continue to develop and field suitable hypersonic weapons. They are a useful tool, they can be a useful asset, but you need to seriously consider whether they are the most cost-effective,” Kendall said.

In his opinion, hypersonic weapons have a couple of characteristics that make them interesting: high speed, penetration of defenses, difficulty in determining the direction of their movement. However, the cost of their development raises questions.

“They are also very expensive compared to conventional weapons. So we are looking at this very carefully and deciding how to proceed,” explained the Secretary of the US Air Force.

In addition, the minister was asked how the United States can close the gap with the Russian Federation and China in the development of this type of weapons.

He replied that the United States was working on programs that would allow weapons to be delivered at supersonic speed. At the same time, the minister emphasized that the American military adheres to partly different tasks than the armed forces of China and Russia.

“We have a different set of goals than what they're worried about,” Kendall added.

Earlier, on December 18, the US armed forces again failed during the test of the AGM-183A hypersonic missile. During the B-52H's flight, the missile did not leave the aircraft's wing. Previous tests of the hypersonic missile took place in July and April.

The disastrous test results of US military equipment especially contrast with the testing of such types of weapons in Russia, China and North Korea, experts noted then.

On November 20, Deputy Chief of Space Force Lt. Gen. David Thompson indicated that the United States "must catch up very quickly" in hypersonic weapons to match Beijing and Moscow. He added that although the Pentagon claims to be advancing the development of hypersonic missiles, the army does not plan to release them until 2024. The Navy aims to field its own version of the missile on destroyers in 2025 and on Virginia-class submarines in 2028.

In late October, the US Army conducted a bench fire test of the first stage of a solid rocket motor for a hypersonic missile that will be used by the US Navy and Army.

You can buy any weapon, such as a machine gun or machine gun

It is not true. In 1986, a federal law was passed banning the sale of automatic weapons throughout the country. Since the law does not have retroactive effect, there are still machines sold before this date in circulation, and they can still be purchased on the secondary market. However, over time, they wear out and fail, getting lost, while the US population and the number of buyers grows - so it becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to legally buy a full auto gun in good condition. Today prices can exceed 10 thousand dollars.

In addition, some states have their own specific restrictions. For example, in the state of Connecticut, rifle magazines must have a capacity of no more than 10 rounds, and the mere possession of a larger magazine can land you in jail. The tubular magazine capacity of pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns is limited to five rounds. Similar restrictions apply in a number of other states.

Many states have a ban on “military-like weapons,” and such things as a telescopic (adjustable length) stock, the presence of a muzzle brake-compensator, a silencer, and other “body kit” can be considered as signs of “similarity.”

Review of prices and most popular weapon models in the USA

We present to your attention an article by our author Konstantin Li$ Stennikov, dedicated to the price range of weapons presented on the US arms market. I’ll warn you right away, you may have a question about why I’m writing about the USA, and not about the Russian Federation, for example. The answer is simple. The assortment in the USA is much (emphasize much) richer than in the Russian Federation and weapons are more accessible there. I'm not even talking about the popularity of the weapons themselves in the USA and the number of manufacturers. Those. There is plenty to choose from. Our rating will be boring: horizontal, vertical, pump, saygoid and traumat. And more than half of these are from the same manufacturer. Roughly speaking. So let's get started...

for an HK MP5 in excellent condition you will have to pay $19,500

The most affordable pistols will be the Cobra Freedom FS 380ACP Model, 3.5″ for $130. It is quite suitable for home security; this baby will easily fit into a hallway cabinet, pocket or purse. There's also Phoenix Model HP22 Pistol, 22LR, 3″ for $135. Hi-Point Pistol 380ACP for $150 or COM 38SP 3 AS BL COMANCHE II revolver for $170. For about the same money you can buy a very compact Charter Arms Dixie Derringer 1 1/8in 22LR revolver for $180. And to feel like a cowboy, a cheap HER 22/22M 6.5 BL for $185 is enough.

Cobra Freedom FS 380ACP Model, 3.5″ Black

If the bucks are out of pocket and you want to buy a serious pistol, then you can consider the Wilson Combat Tactical Super Grade Compact, Armor-Tuff, .45ACP for over 5 thousand dollars. Also, fans of 1911 models may like the Wilson Combat Tactical Super Grade 5″ for $4,865, or take a closer look at the Nighthawk Custom® company. By the way, the Kriss Super V Vector SDP 45 ACP Pistol will cost $2,500.

Among the most popular (sold) is the small Ruger LCR-22-LG Revolver W/Crimson Trace Lasergrips for $630. For target shooting, people prefer the Walther P22 Q Model, 5″ Target, $420 in black. Quite an adequate price for this class. Of the 1911 models, the most popular is the Sig 1911 Black 45 ACP, 5″ for $909. But among larger pistols, the Arsenal SLR-106UR AK Pistol, 556/223 for $1,350 can boast of popularity.

Walther P22 Q Model, 5″ Target, Black

It’s strange that the GLOCK 31 G4 357S 15RD FS for $542 is not particularly popular. Also, the CZ 75 B DECOCKER POLICE 9MM for $540 cannot boast of being “salable”; FN FNX-45 USG 45 ACP 4.5″ for $690. A recent debutant on the US civilian weapons market, the MPA SST Side Cocker pistol under 5.7X28 from MasterPiece Arms, also does not shine with the number of buyers. Joining those listed is Desert Eagle, .50 AE, Titanium Gold for $2,000.

For a symbolic sum of $135 you can buy a bolt-action rifle Crickett 22LR Single Shot Rifle (By the way, very popular. Probably the kids are shooting) or a semi-automatic Marlin Model 60SN under 22LR for $163. The cheapest AR gun seems to be the Mossberg TACTICAL AR15 .22 LR for $290.

Crickett 22LR Single Shot Rifle, SS Barrel, Black Synthetic Stock

For serious banging, you can fork out $9,000 for the Accuracy International Custom AX 16470 .338 Lapua 27″; Accuracy International AW (Arctic Warfare) under .50BMG for $13,000; Barrett M107A1 .50 BMG 29″ Flat Dark Earth, W/Leupold Scope/BORS/Rings for $14,800; Knights XM110, which at least used to cost $22,000. Connoisseurs will be able to purchase a Thompson 1928 A22 in .22LR for $10,000. For some versions of the HK MP5 you will have to pay $19,500. For $33,000, a true maniac can be offered the exclusive HK 51B 308.

Accuracy International AW (Arctic Warfare) .50BMG

For $33,000, a true maniac can be offered the exclusive HK 51B 308

The 15-round Uberti Silverboy 22 Rifle, Lever Action are very popular for a nice price of $525. To acquire the popular Ruger American Rifle rifle under 30-06 with a 22″ barrel, $350 will be enough. Either they like to mow grass or something, but Americans seem to like the 50-round PWA AR57 AR15 Rifle, LEM Model, 16″ - one of the most popular AR-oids. For the “Local” Weatherby MkV Deluxe 340 WB, people do not regret $1,830. it’s understandable. Well, what would we do without it - many people love the Remington 700 SPS 7mm STW, 26″ for $575. It’s difficult to say anything about AR-oids due to their extreme diversity. The most popular AR-15 manufacturers are Colt, Rock River Arms, DPMS, Ruger.

Weatherby MkV Deluxe 340 WB, 26 Inch Remington 700 SPS 7mm STW, 26″

The Yugoslav SKS 7.62×39 is not to the liking of the Americans, despite the price tag of $700. But the SKS M59/66 for 600 is popular. SAKO TRG42, 338 LAPUA Magnum, 27″ for $3,900 is also not popular, as are AR-15s from little-known manufacturers.

By the way, bolt bolts from Ruger, Remington, Weatherby, Savage are much more popular in the US civilian market than any other models due to their availability and high quality. They also love Arsenal AK47s of various configurations.

ARSENAL AK47 7.62X39. Made in the USA

It is difficult to objectively talk about the choice of the American shooter. Perhaps the same assortment is to blame. For example, according to my observations (again subjective), the choice often falls on the model. Some models from Bushmaster are quite popular, while other similar Bushmaster models are of little interest to anyone. But Ruger, Remington, Weatherby, Savage have no competition and are always in great demand. Apparently, inexpensive pistols for self-defense are more popular than serious short-barreled pistols for shooting in the garden. People don't spare money on retro models like Thomson's PP. The fact that samples under .22LR are very popular probably won’t surprise anyone. .22LR is generally the most popular cartridge in this galaxy.

I would like to remind you that these statistics of mine should in no way claim to be 100% reliable. Statistics are complex and often have inaccuracies. And I just clicked the mouse to collect information on US weapons resources.

Source: https://vk.com/world_of_weapons

In the USA there is freedom to bear arms

It is not true. In Alaska and Vermont, it is true that carrying any legally purchased weapon is free and without the need to obtain any special permits - but each of these states is home to only about 0.2% of the country's population. At the same time, in a number of the richest and most populous states, such as California (12% of the country's population), Florida (6%) and Illinois (4%), the open carrying of weapons is completely prohibited, and in the states of New York (6%) and South Carolina (1.5%) prohibits the open carrying of handguns.

Concealed carry requires a special license in 34 states. Moreover, if in 28 of them the “shall issue” procedure applies, i.e. such a license is automatically issued to all applicants who meet the requirements of the law, then in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii the decision is made local police or sheriff, who have the right to refuse without explanation ("may issue" policy). As a rule, to obtain a license you need to justify its necessity: for example, in New York it is issued including to persons who regularly transport large sums of money. The process often resembles an old Soviet joke - “I brought them the toilet and showed them my ass, but they never sold the toilet paper.” Thus, in Los Angeles, which has a population of almost four million, only about three hundred licenses are issued annually.

The situation is especially piquant in the states of California and New York, where together almost every fifth American lives. Obtaining a concealed carry license there is virtually impossible, and open carry is prohibited, meaning that guns, the right to which is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the American Constitution, can only be kept at home in case of intruders.

Additionally, some states, such as Florida, require the same license to carry a pepper spray or stun gun as a handgun.

Thus, the myths and legends about the “weapon paradise” are very far from reality. There is no “free sale” of weapons in the United States, nor is there any possibility of “owning any weapon.” As for the “freedom of carrying,” a gun fan and hunting enthusiast, of course, can settle somewhere in Alaska for this. However, it is precisely in those states where there are the most attractive and well-paid jobs and where almost one in five Americans live, carrying weapons is not only not “free”, but is actually prohibited. Yes, the legislation of most states is quite balanced and far from extremes. However, unfettered American “freedom of arms” today remains only in Westerns about the Wild West.

Top guns What weapons do Americans prefer?

The United States of America is one of the most armed countries in the world. And the point here is not only in the equipment of army units: for almost 315 million US residents there are about 270 million civilian weapons. That is, on average, 89 out of 100 people there own pistols, shotguns and assault rifles, and weapons in America surpass even cars in their popularity.

Weapons are a vital element of the US economy: in early January 2013, Bloomberg found that Washington had sent $49 million in subsidies to gunsmiths over five years.

The sale of guns in the United States is regulated, but the severity of this regulation varies and depends on the specific state. In most cases, any adult without mental illness, a criminal record, or a documented history of violence can buy a gun. However, automatic weapons were placed in a special category (Class III firearms) in the United States (manufacturers of assault rifles, by the way, received 19 out of 49 million in aid). To purchase it, you must obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), submit your fingerprints and pay a tax of $200. However, only automatic weapons manufactured and registered before 1986 are allowed for sale. Lenta.ru decided to find out which guns are most popular among US residents.

Pistols and revolvers

According to How Stuff Works, which cites the US Department of Justice, approximately 58 percent of the country owns pistols and revolvers. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, in turn, estimates sales of handguns at about thirty percent of the entire American gun market. Another third each comes from long-barreled weapons and ammunition.

It is difficult to name a clear leader among short-barreled weapons in the United States. According to a survey conducted on the USA Carry portal, the most popular pistols among Americans are Ruger LCP, Glock 19, 23, 26 and 27, as well as various versions of the Colt M1911A1 military pistol. Among revolvers, Smith & Wesson models are considered the “hottest”.

Rock Island Armory GI M1911A1 Mil Spec .45

Photo: us-infantry.com

The Colt 1911 .45 caliber (11.43 millimeter) was developed in 1911 and was the standard issue in the US military until recently. It is still in service with American law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and police. In total, about 2.7 million of these pistols were produced. In addition, the model is produced under license by a number of other companies, including Springfield, Taurus and Rock Island.

Glock 19

Photo: ingunowners.com

Austrian Glock pistols are considered one of the best in the world. They appeared on the American market in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity. The USA Carry survey named the compact Glock 19 as the most popular on the market. It has been produced since 1988 and is chambered for 9x19 mm Parabellum caliber cartridges. With relatively small dimensions (length 174 millimeters, weight 890 grams), the weapon can be supplied with magazines for 15, 17, 19 or 33 rounds. As noted on the manufacturer’s website, the pistol received high marks from US Air Force personnel.

Ruger LCP

Photo: budsgunshop.com

The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) nine-millimeter subcompact pistols appeared in 2008 and are now one of the market leaders. According to USA Carry, the pistol is even ahead of the Colt 1911 in popularity. Which is not surprising: with a weight of 270 grams and a length of 13 centimeters, it has sufficient power (high muzzle velocity) and easily fits into a holster on the leg or a handbag. In this case, the magazine is enough for six rounds.

Smith & Wesson Model 10

Photo: smith-wesson.com

The legendary Smith & Wesson Model 10 six-shooter revolver is even older than the Army Colt. It appeared in 1899, but is still in demand among Americans. For a long time, Model 10s were in service with the American police. Subsequently, based on the Model 10, Smith & Wesson released several new models, including revolvers for .357 Magnum caliber. The authoritative publication American Rifleman ranked Smith & Wesson revolvers in second place after the Colt 1911 in the ranking of the best American short-barreled guns.

Guns

If a pistol is one of the “concealed weapons” that Americans carry with them on the street and store in car glove compartments or desk drawers, then shotguns belong at home, under a store counter or while hunting.

Among the weapons available to citizens, shotguns have the greatest stopping effect. The undisputed leader among such weapons is the Remington Model 870 pump-action shotgun. As noted on the manufacturer’s website, since the launch of the model in 1950, the company has sold over 10 million of these shotguns. In 2009, the model was recognized as the most successful shotgun in history. The Model 870 is available in several versions for different calibers. The shotgun magazine holds from three to eight rounds.

Remington Model 870

Photo: rockislandauction.com

For hunters, stopping power is not enough - they also need high lethality at a sufficient distance. One of the most popular shotguns in the category, as noted by How Stuff Works, is the Thompson/Center Arms Encore 209x.50 Magnum line of breechloading shotguns. With a barrel length of 66 centimeters, the initial bullet speed reaches 671 meters per second. Such guns can be equipped with optical sights and have a lethal range of over 180 meters.

Thompson/Center Arms Encore 209x.50 Magnum

Photo: chuckhawks.com

It is curious that the leader in weapon sales in the United States in 2012, according to the largest network of online weapons stores in the world, Bud's Gun Shop, was the Mosin 1891/30 rifle of 7.62 mm caliber. These rifles have a range of two kilometers and were used by Soviet snipers during World War II. In the online store, “mosinki” were sold for $129, but they stopped being produced in the USSR in 1965.

Mosin rifle 91/30

Photo: safari-volgograd.ru

Assault carbines and rifles

Semi-automatic versions of assault rifles and carbines are extremely popular and controversial weapons. They differ from fully automatic versions only in the rate of fire and magazine capacity: since 1994, some states have banned the sale of semi-automatic rifles with magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds. However, on the market, if you wish, you can quite legally buy a high-capacity magazine produced before the ban was introduced.

Assault rifles and carbines (rifles with a short barrel) have a high lethality and firing range. Thus, they are quite suitable for hunting or shooting at shooting ranges, but not for self-defense - due to their low stopping power.

Bushmaster AR15

Photo: thegunhouse.com

The undisputed leader in the assault weapons market in the United States, as The New York Times notes, is the AR15 rifle. The rifle was developed by ArmaLite for the US military, but due to financial difficulties, the rights to the model were sold to Colt. She began to produce a model under the M16 brand. In 1963, Colt launched a semi-automatic version for the civilian market under the AR15 brand. The model is now produced by several companies, including Bushmaster, ArmaLite, Colt and Rock River Arms. The AR15 is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56mm cartridge and has an effective range of 500-600 meters with a muzzle velocity of 975 meters per second.

M10-762, a copy of the Kalashnikov assault rifle

Photo: carolinashootersclub.com

The second place in popularity (and according to Bud's Gun Shop, the first) among assault rifles on the American market is occupied by various semi-automatic copies of the Soviet Kalashnikov assault rifle. For the American market they are produced, in particular, in Romania and Hungary. Meanwhile, the AK has long won the title of the most popular assault rifle and, perhaps, the most common small arms in the world. In total, the AK and its copies sold over 100 million units.

Weapons in the USA
Valera Peremyslov

([email protected]):

If anyone is interested, I can tell you how this matter stands in the USA.

Yes, we will talk about handguns (all sorts of revolvers and pistols). Federal laws allow anyone to buy a gun who has not been convicted, expelled from the military, or prosecuted for beating his wife or household. Non-immigrants can buy just like everyone else, only they must be legally in the country (I, however, have never been asked to present a visa when purchasing). States and individual cities (for example, New York) set their own restrictions, for example, in our (relatively liberal in terms of weapons) Oregon, in order to be able to buy a pistol, you must live in the state for at least 60 days. When making a purchase, you go through a police computer check to ensure that you have no criminal records - the seller calls you somewhere on the phone right in front of you, they give him the go-ahead, and the whole registration procedure takes 5 minutes. Having bought a pistol, you have the right... (by the way, there was also a procedure, finding out what is “possible” and what is “not”! Having bought the first “barrel”, I decided to find out what the local laws actually say? I went to the police and asked the locals cops about the laws. The police thought about it, and then they said: “The only thing we know for sure is that you can’t shoot at people! Go to the sheriff, there’s a sergeant there, so he knows the laws.” “Which one,” I ask, “ the difference between the police and the sheriff?" “Well,” they tell me, “it’s fundamental! We’re on the first floor of the building, and they’re on the second!” Okay, I went to the sheriff, found a knowledgeable person, and he really told me everything explained), so, weapons can be stored at home for its defense; take it to the shooting range (50-100 bucks a year in membership fees, and they even fell from a machine gun! But this is in Oregon, in other states, they say the laws are stricter) or to the forest, or anywhere, but when transporting the weapon must be locked in the trunk is unloaded, or lying openly in a visible place in the car, for example, on the front panel (!). You can go into the forest and shoot anywhere, as long as it is safe for others, and not in the National Forest - you can’t do it there. It is also possible on private lands, but you must ask permission from the owner.

Weapons (pistol-revolvers), if we consider not collectible models, but so to speak, for the average consumer - from $100, which will fall apart after a couple of hundred shots and will jam on every third cartridge, and up to $1000. PM - about 200 bucks, Ruger - about 300, Glocks and Berettas - around 500, and SigSauer and H&K - above 600. Approximate prices can be found here:

https://www.gunsamerica.com/search.cgi https://www.discountfirearms.com/ https://www.kyimports.com/ https://www.lisc.net/ https://www.bernies -sports.com/ https://pages.hotbot.com/biz/jcarmory/ https://www.guns-unlimited.com/srchads.cfm

Ammo (cheap ones, which are regular Full metal jacket, box of 50 pieces) cost something like this:

9x19 Parabellum - $7 38 Special - $7.357 Magnum - $10 .45 ACP - $10 7.62x39 (Russian production) - $140 per 1000 pieces .22 LR - $10 per box of 500 pieces

The cartridges are sold freely in many stores, you don’t need permission to buy (I think there is an age limit like 18 years old, or 21 years old? But it’s immediately clear to me that I’m already past that age, so they didn’t dig in more than once) . Many people are interested in reloading cartridges - and it works out much cheaper, and you can endlessly experiment with all sorts of gunpowders and bullets, loading cartridges for your specific pistol.

Automatic weapons are not legal in all states (in Oregon, for example, they are), but they cost much more than semi-automatic weapons. I’ve never seen it on sale, but in ads I came across, for example, fully automatic MP5s for $3500-$5000, a semi-automatic version for $2000. In a month we will have automatic weapons shooting at our local shooting range for everyone - I’ll go and see what the people have. In general, people are not particularly keen to have automatic rifles; everyone prefers semi-automatic ones. Ammo is expensive unless you reload it yourself!

Regarding the limitation of magazine capacity to 10 rounds - so far, fortunately, everything is not so dramatic - ordinary people cannot buy magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds, produced after 1994 and marked “For Law enforcement only”. If it is not marked, it means it was released before 1994 and can be freely sold and bought. These can be used without restrictions (with the exception of a couple of states like California, Hawaii, and some others where they are not allowed) both for self-defense and for a walk in the forest to relieve your soul by shooting at cans. In general, it seems that these unmarked (high-capacity) magazines are still being quietly produced somewhere, because... There are no fewer of them on sale, which is nice!

Thus, owning a gun and going outdoors for what they call here, “informal plinking” (shooting for fun?) are available to almost everyone. The law regulates only “concealed carrying,” for which you already need a special permit, you must take some minimum safety courses, and pay an annual tax. But this is already allowed only to citizens, so I don’t know the details. I only know that there is no need to present any justification for the need to carry it; if you want to carry it, pay the tax and carry it! Formally, you can carry it “unconcealed”, that is, put a gun on your belt and walk around the city, and you don’t need permission for this, but as the same sergeant explained to me, 10 people will immediately call the police that an armed psycho is walking the streets , and the police will be forced to take me away with the wording something like “disturbing public peace.” But in cars, especially in pickup trucks, which are very popular here (those small family trucks), many have a shotgun tripod mounted on the rear window, where a rifle with an optical sight, or a shotgun, dangles!

Well, if anyone is interested in anything, I will be happy to answer your questions. By the way, I highly recommend the rec.guns conference - the crowd is amazingly friendly and knowledgeable! By the way, recently in rec.guns one man from California wrote that in Russia you can now legally buy a Colt AR-15 (a semi-automatic version of the military M-16). Really, no? What is the price? They have banned these rifles in California this year.

Best regards, Valera.

Dmitry Obukhov

([email protected]):

State of Colorado, zip 81xxx. The 22LR is not considered a firearm, but is classified as an air rifle. A permit to carry is not required; shooting is allowed in one’s own area, even within the city.

In California it’s like this: you can buy a rifle/shotgun on the spot upon presentation of your driver’s license. There is no need for a license to store it; there is no license to carry it. Hunting is a different category and does not require permission from the police, but a hunting license.

The pistol is reserved, the information is sent to the police, and in about a week you can pick it up. It's just storage.

To obtain permission to carry, you must first obtain permission from the police, proving the need for a weapon (they don’t pass ;).

There is no control over storage, and this is very bad. Storage conditions are also not defined and this is even worse. Guns are sold with plastic (sometimes metal) trigger locks. So much for school shootings. And as always they rush to extremes, “ban altogether”

And here in California we have run out of Saigas. Since August 16, 2000. Today at the gun show I saw two, probably the last .308. Since the 16th, the sale of gas-operated rifles and carbines has been stopped. The rest want to register. Nobody talks about wearing it anymore. SKSs and in general all multi-shot carbines and rifles are registered with the population. It hasn't gotten to pistols yet, but the tone of the bumper stickers has changed. Like, “When they come for your guns, give them the ammo first.” And so on. I'll go to hell to Texas, away from these assholes.

PS In California, for example, God forbid you injure an idiot who even broke into your house. You will pay the doctors. So not everything is as sweet as it seems from afar.

Here: University of Illinois, Chicago.

Lott maintains that criminals generally respond to deterrence: as the risks and potential costs of criminal activity rise, criminals either commit fewer crimes or move on to other areas. The possibility of getting shot by somebody carrying a concealed weapon constitutes a substantial risk, and discourages any sort of physical confrontation. Accordingly, the states are now experiencing the largest reductions in crime are also the ones with the fastest-growing rates of gun ownership. Evidence on accidental gun deaths and suicides is also examined.

In short: there is a correlation between the number of guns and the number of violent crimes. As soon as weapons are allowed, crime goes down, where it is prohibited it goes up. One of the factors is the migration of criminals to less protected areas. I don’t think that this factor will work in the Russian Federation, where the law applies throughout the territory, and not by region.

Sergey S.

([email protected]):

Gun laws do vary from state to state. I am not an American lawyer, so I could be wrong in the details, but the general (in the USA) picture is this: since 1994, a law has been passed prohibiting the so-called. “assault weapons” - clones of AK, M16, G3, etc. fall into this category. rifles, a number of other weapon models - there is a special list that can be found on the Internet. But the fact is that the Law recognizes a weapon as included in this list based on a combination of features, such as a detachable magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, the presence of a pistol grip, a folding stock, the presence of a flash suppressor (not to be confused with a muzzle brake-compensator), apparently also - something I might be missing. Magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds were also prohibited for pistols. For smooth-bore weapons, signs of an “assault” weapon, accordingly, subject to a ban on regular sale to US citizens, also included the presence of a folding stock, a pistol grip, a detachable magazine of more than five rounds (I could be wrong, maybe 4?), or a magazine of more than five self-loading cartridges, and belonging to a prohibited type was determined by a combination of certain characteristics - for example, you can put a butt with a pistol grip on a pump-action shotgun and lengthen the magazine to increase its capacity - this is legal. But if you make a folding stock for the same weapon, that’s already a violation of the law. Self-loading shotguns can also have a stock with a pistol grip, but in no case should the capacity of their magazine (under-barrel) exceed 4 rounds. If a self-loading gun has a detachable magazine (for example, all smooth-bore Saiga models of all calibers), then such a weapon cannot be equipped with a pistol grip stock - only a regular rifle stock (this is exactly how all Saiga models are sold in the USA). What really happened? You come to the store, for example, there are 2 seemingly identical stocks with folding stocks with a pistol grip for the SKS carbine. One is noticeably more expensive than the other. The more expensive one has a folding stock. The cheap ones are pinned, or the parts that allow the butt to fold are simply not supplied. You can buy anything. What is more expensive is the so-called. pre ban, before forbidden. What is cheaper is post ban, after forbidden, castrated. Nearby lies in a package for a cheap kit - a set of missing parts to make the post ban bed foldable (at your responsibility, respectively). Let's look at the pistols. New pistols are all sold with 10 magazines. Nearby there are stores of any capacity for the same models, often 30 chargers, the so-called. pre ban release. The difference is in price - they are more expensive, sometimes significantly, for example, for the Glock 17 pre ban, the “native” 17-round magazine now costs about $100, while 10 round post ban magazines cost about $20. At the same time, cheap high-capacity magazines made in the USA are sold everywhere, for almost any pistol. Manufacturing companies claim that they are selling off their pre-ban stocks. Well, maybe...8) The same thing with magazines for carbines and rifles, AK clones, etc. — The 1994 Law prohibited the production of such magazines, but did not prohibit trade in those already issued or purchased before the Law was adopted...8) What about the so-called. “assault rifles” based on M16, G3, etc.? In order to get out of the category of prohibited weapons, which, as I said, is determined by a combination of characteristics, post ban the clones of these weapons lost some parts, for example, flash suppressors, which, however, if desired, can be quite legally replaced with muzzle brakes-compensators. With imported weapons, G3, FN FAL, it is more difficult. In order to be able to sell them in the USA, they replaced the “native” receivers with receivers made in the USA. It must be said that not all models benefit from this - for example, G3 clones with receivers made in the USA from aluminum are sold en masse - to put it mildly, this is not exactly what you would like to have for $700-$800. Accordingly, the same, but steel parts (also made in the USA) already increase the price of the weapon more significantly. AK clones - here is a flight of fancy for a separate article (indeed, you can read it at the link below). Again, for the sake of “bypassing” the set of prohibited features, importers and manufacturers do everything they can - they change the trigger parts to those made in the USA, change the receivers (and in my opinion, they simply disfigure them), making it possible to use only special single-row 10 charging magazines (this is with the weapon has a pistol grip). Or, on the contrary, if it is possible to use the usual 30 charging magazines, they deface the butts so that they look, as my American friend said, “as if they were invented by idiots” - the so-called law requires them. “sports” stock with a cutout (hole) for the thumb. But again, since the 1994 Law stated a ban on the import of such weapons, or similar weapons, weapons with imported parts - the Americans, clinging to the literal adherence to the letter of the Law, found an excellent loophole - the “ugly” is removed and solemnly changed to something purchased in the same store “decent” with a pistol grip - but made in the USA, the wolves are well-fed and the sheep are safe. Again, there are a lot of options for sale - practically, a do-it-yourself constructor. This is all general. Now by state. A land of contrasts. From Vermont and Kentucky, where you can purchase and carry pistols and revolvers, hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns, “assault weapons” without any permits - to, for example, Washington (the capital), where there is a total ban on the sale of pistols and revolvers, hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns only with special permission from the police, a total ban on “assault weapons” - practically, the Russian Law “On Weapons”, in a single state... In fairness, I must say that states that are more or less closer to Vermont than to the capital, more.

I repeat once again - I’m not an expert on American laws, I could have made some inaccuracies, but I think I outlined the general picture in a recognizable way...

Nabludatel

([email protected]):

Firstly, I live in the Midwest, in a “corn”, treeless, densely populated area, so my observations relate only to this particular zone. I don’t know the statistics; I can judge only by two factors: what I see at the shooting range and what’s on sale. I think the second factor is more reliable, because they sell what people buy, although the observations of the first and second basically coincide. I would split the stores

USA into three categories:

Department stores (WalMart and the like with gun departments) and hardware stores. There are such stores in any town with a population of 5 thousand or even less. And most Americans shop there for everything, so they sell what is in regular demand. These usually sell only new weapons and usually only long-barreled weapons; the assortment includes a dozen or two shotguns and the same number of rifles. Typical range:
Semi-automatic shotguns: Mosberg 835, Beretta, Winchester, Benelli, Browning. Each also comes in variants with different barrels and stocks. Prices $400-$600.
Single-barrel single-shot calibers 12, 20, 410. Price $80.
I have never seen double-barreled guns in department stores and hardware stores.
22LR rifles: Henry, lever (Henry loop), tubular magazine, trigger $180.
Henry, pump action, tube magazine, trigger $180.
Browning, lever action, tube magazine, trigger $400.
Marlin, semi-automatic, tubular magazine, $100, also stainless steel, $120.
Marlin, bolt, detachable magazine black $160, stainless steel $180.
Ruger semi-automatic 10/22 in black with wood and plastic with stainless steel, $180-$240.
Similar rifles in 22Mag caliber, except Ruger and Browning.
Centrifugal rifles:
Similar Marlin and Browning cal 30-30.
Savage, bolt-action, 243, 270, 7mm mag, 30-06 in stainless and regular, plastic or wood stock, $370.
Ruger, bolt, calibers: 223, 243, 7mm mag $485.
Well, and also a single-shot weapon loaded from the barrel. There are 5-7 types of this, both replicas of the 19th century and modern ones, muskets and revolvers. Hunting with such weapons, like hunting with bows, has a much longer season and this makes it popular.
Cartridges Winchester and Federal 12, 20 in a wide range, types 20 and 410 types 4-6.
22LR cartridges of types 10, 22mag.
Pistol cartridges: 25AUTO, 32AUTO, 380, 38special, 357mag, 9mm Luger, 44special, 44mag, 45ACP, 45LC.
Rifle cartridges: 222, 223, 243, 7mm mag, 30-30, 30-06, 7.62x39, 270.

This is something that is sold around the clock, 365 days a year.

Large general sports stores. In large cities (50-100 thousand population or more). The range of these ones is much wider. There are usually both new and consignment weapons in good condition. The choice is 3-4 times wider. There are already double-barreled guns here. And there are 20-30 short-barreled species.
Specialized hunting and weapons stores, from large to small. In these you can find anything from a rusty Turkish Mauser 1898 whose butt is so chipped that it’s hard to tell what it’s made of for $40, or a World War II anti-tank rifle, to the most modern elite one. The assortment usually reflects the preferences of the store owner and the local public. Saiga can also be found in these.
Trade fairs. Here you can see weapons, ammunition and everything related to military equipment and history, from knightly armor and rusty spurs found in the garage to the most modern and expensive small arms. Who will bring something there?

At the shooting range.

It’s hard to say here, there’s so much, it’s like identifying the most popular car brand in the USA. The place where I shoot is not elite - it’s free. A plot of land of 2 hectares, with a rampart located 50 meters from the car parking. People come from all over the area; there are no forests in our area, only private corn fields for hundreds of kilometers. Sometimes it's a bit cramped and the range is only 50m, but for me, as for many, it's a little expensive to pay $10 an hour for a paid shooting range. I’ve never seen double-barreled guns (I think they shoot them in paid places), only pumps and semi-automatic guns, the ones they sell in department stores. Everyone comes with their own primitive machine - a throwing machine and shoots, 5-10 people. And with rifled people there are 20-30. Most people bring several weapons of different types at a time; many people are not close to traveling. Of course, 80% of the shots on the range are done with 22LR, due to the cheapness of the ammunition at $9 for a pack of 550 rounds. Weapons are very different, the most popular I think are lever guns (Henry loop) Winchester, Marlin, Henry, Rossi, Browning. They differ in price and quality, but are very similar, have been produced for more than 100 years and are found in almost every rural home. At 50 m, the accuracy is good, but with a $30 pipe, cola cans fall one after another. And then we simply have nowhere to shoot. The rifles are simple and safe, especially the Browning; the trigger is retracted along with the guard when loading. Even better, I like pump-action rifles based on the Winchester designed by Browning himself. The trigger is also open, and you can reload very quickly, almost like a semi-automatic, but unlike a semi-automatic, it never jams. I used up thousands of rounds myself. Their disadvantage is that most of them do not provide for the installation of optics. Bolts with heavy barrels (for example, Marlin) may be more accurate, but at 50 meters I did not feel this. Among 22LR semi-automatics, the cheapest Marlin with an under-barrel magazine is popular, and the Ruger 10/22 has the best reputation. One thing to keep in mind is that in most of the Midwest (where I live) the only big game is deer, there are a lot of deer, I see a fresh deer carcass on the road about once a week. Almost everyone living here has had, or barely avoided, a collision with a deer on the road. But hunting deer with rifles is prohibited - the area is too densely populated, houses are evenly distributed over the land every 300-800 m, roads every 1.5 km, the land is all private, the consent of each owner is required for hunting. Deer are hunted here with smoothbore (with rifled and smooth barrels), muskets, heavy revolvers (357 mag and above) and bows. A good center-fire rifle is for hunting trips in sparsely populated states and Canada. Therefore, among centrifugal rifles for local shooting at milk cans with water, the Chinese SKS are probably the most popular. A cheap rifle and, most importantly, the cheapest cartridges (4 times cheaper than American ones). The AK-47 in semi-automatic form is also popular. But after the SKS, the next most popular is still not the AK, but cowboy rifles with a Henry loop. The caliber is most often 30-30, but there are also revolver calibers 38sp/357mag, 44mag, 45LC, and more powerful rifle calibers 45-70, 444marlin. The 30-30 cartridge is still considered by many to be the best cartridge for deer. Ruger Mini-14 (223) and Mini-30 (7.62x39) semi-automatic machines are also popular. Old or restored military rifles of all countries, times and technical condition are also popular (including Mosin). 7.62x54R cartridges produced in socialist countries are also inexpensive, and refurbished rifles look like new and are available everywhere for $100 - $130. Short-barreled rifles are very different, popularity is approximately the same for pistols and revolvers. Here, too (as in the recent discussion about double-barreled guns - horizontal, vertical, hammer...) each type has its own adherents. Of course, the most popular caliber at the shooting range is 22LR for both pistols and revolvers. The revolver is more popular, 9-shot Tarus 94, Harrington and Richardson 999, Smith-Wesson small (J) size, Rossi, Ruger SP101 and non-self-cocking cowboy Rugers too. Self-loading 22LR pistols are also mostly Ruger. Former police officers and civilian security guards are loyal to the classic 38sp/357mag mid-size self-cocking revolvers, like the Colt Python, Smith & Wesson 19, 65, 66, 686..., Ruger GP100, Tarus, Rossi. In general, a self-cocking revolver of medium and small size (J frame from Smith-Wesson and its clones from Tarus and Rossi) and Ruger's SP-101 are the most popular short-barreled ones. Fans of cowboy competitions use non-self-cocking classic revolvers from Ruger in caliber 38sp/357mag and 45LC. Older former military personnel (who served in Vietnam) usually prefer the Colt 1911 and its variants and the 45ACP cartridge. There are a lot of these pistols, both old ones discharged from the army, and new, stainless ones with bells and whistles. The younger generation prefers pistols in the 9mm Luger (just 9mm) and 40SW calibers. Beretta 92 and its clones, plastic Glocks, Rugers, Smith-Wessons, Tarusas. I have never seen old foreign military pistols and revolvers at the shooting range: Luger, Walter RR, Walter P38, Mauser 96, Vebley, Nagant (this is the only one I shoot with), TT, Makarov..., although they are usually not available in small stores and at fairs very expensive. The 9mm cartridge is usually one and a half times cheaper than any other cartridge, apparently due to its mass availability, a little more expensive than the 38sp, equal in popularity. Every time you go to the range you will see at least one hunter with a heavy 45LC/454 or 480 Ruger or Tarus revolver. Sorry, not a very structured and organized message. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer.

talia (former)

(forum on guns.ru):

Fully automatic weapons, shotguns and shotguns, flashlights, and silencers are all Title II NFA weapons. A fully automatic weapon can be purchased if it was manufactured and registered before May 1986 (“Transferable”) and, of course, if it is legal in the state where the buyer lives and that particular buyer is eligible to own such a weapon. Everything else in Title II NFA is still in production and the acquisition rules are the same. You can buy all this from a Class 2 dealer in your state, but if the dealer is in another state (for example, you are buying online or from a catalog), then first the weapon (or suppressor) must be delivered to the Class 3 dealer in your state and then to you.

What is needed for such a purchase? Buyer must be a US citizen over 21 years of age, never convicted and not an idiot. The buyer is required to fill out a special BATF form, which must be signed by the chief of police or sheriff that the buyer has provided compelling reasons that he really needs this purchase (I don’t even know how I would justify the purchase of an M16 with a silencer) and that the buyer will use the purchase only in legal affairs. Tax - $200 for assault rifles and silencers, two sets of fingerprints and 2 photographs. This all takes approximately 3 months and if all is well, the buyer receives a Form 4 from BATF and completes the transaction.

Cartridges are freely sold to persons over the age of:

18 years old - cartridges for shotguns and rifles;
21 years old - pistol cartridges.

In the states of Illinois, Florida, California, the District of Columbia and New York City, cartridges with armor-piercing bullets, tracer bullets, devastators, and penetrators are prohibited.

What weapons are allowed in the USA

The United States of America today is perhaps the only civilized country in the world in which the acquisition, carrying, and use of weapons is the norm.
US weapons legislation is considered the most loyal. According to universal American laws that apply to all citizens of the country, the average American has the right to own:

short-barreled weapons (pistols, revolvers),
smoothbore (hunting rifles, semi-automatic and automatic carbines, shotguns),
automatic weapons (automatic, assault rifles and machine guns),
grenade launchers, artillery pieces,
tanks and other armored vehicles,
helicopters and airplanes (!).

Large-caliber guns and certain types of ammunition are prohibited - armor-piercing, cumulative and inhumane cartridges. It is necessary to dismantle missile weapons on aircraft; cannon weapons are acceptable (it’s surprising that no one thought of shooting up a school or a hated office with air cannons). A separate ban applies to the acquisition, manufacture and sale of non-metallic weapons that are not detected by metal detectors.

Curious: a US resident can buy a machine gun. But - only a converted one, which is not considered an “assault weapon”. To ban, it is enough to match 2 characteristics from the list:

bayonet,
handle,
folding stock,
large detached store,
flame arrester,
hanging equipment,
semi-automatic mode.

Therefore, many weapons manufacturers specially modify the models supplied to the general US market so that without serious modifications the weapons cannot be sold to ordinary buyers.

Despite all the loyalty to firearms, US legislation takes a harsh view of the cold: in most states, the carrying of folding knives with a spring mechanism for opening is prohibited. So, the usual “butterflies” with a blade length less than a palm are grounds for arrest here.

A non-US citizen can also purchase a weapon if he is in the country legally and is not prohibited from obtaining a license. A Resident card is enough.

SIPRI summed up the global arms trade in 2016-2020

The report on the state of global arms trade in 2016-2020, published by SIPRI, indicates that for the first time since 2001, its volume did not increase compared to the previous five-year period, and the main exporters remained the United States and Russia, although the volume of arms sales to the Russian Federation decreased by 22 %.

“It is too early to conclude that the 20-year period of rapid increase in arms supplies is over,” says SIPRI expert Peter Weseman. — The economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic may still force a number of states to reconsider their arms import volumes in the coming years. At the same time, even at the height of the pandemic in 2022, some countries signed large contracts for the supply of major types of weapons.”

The volume of international supplies of major weapons in 2016-2020 was 0.5% lower than in 2011-2015, and 12% higher than in 2006-2010.

Main exporters

The top five among 65 arms exporters over the past five years were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China. Together they accounted for 76% of all major arms exports. The actual volume of arms trade remains close to the highest level since the end of the Cold War.

The world share in major arms exports of the 10 largest exporters in 2016-20 is as follows: USA - 37%, Russia - 20%, France - 8.2%, Germany - 5.5%, China - 5.2%, UK - 3.3%, Spain - 3.2%, Israel - 3.0%, South Korea - 2.7%, Italy - 2.2%, other countries - 9.6%.

The United States continues to be the world's largest arms exporter, with the share of American exports in the global arms trade increasing from 32% over this period. Over the past five years, the United States has sold weapons and military equipment to 96 countries, far more than other arms suppliers.

Between 2011 and 2022, American arms exports grew by 15%, further widening the gap between the United States and Russia.

Almost half of arms supplies from the United States in 2016–2020 (47%) fell on the Near and Middle East. The growth was 28% compared to the previous five-year period.

A particularly significant increase in supplies from the United States is noted in three countries in the region - Israel (335%), Qatar (208%) and Saudi Arabia (175%). The main buyer (24%) is Saudi Arabia.

Russia, which accounted for 20% of global volume, reduced its sales by 22%, which is approximately the same as the level of 2006-2010. The main reason for the fall is a 53% reduction in supplies to India. An increase in export volumes to China (by 49%), Algeria (by 49%) and Egypt (by 430%) could not compensate for Indian losses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi continued to be the main recipient of Russian weapons, absorbing 23% of total Russian exports. The next countries, China and Algeria, accounted for 18% and 15% respectively in 2016-2020.

“In 2016-2020, Russia exported weapons to 45 countries, while in 2011-2015, 53 countries received Russian weapons. At the regional level, Russian arms exports to Asia and Oceania decreased by 36% compared to 2011-2015. Exports of Russian weapons to the countries of the Middle East increased by 64%, and to African countries by 23%. In 2016-2020, Russia exported weapons to 10 countries in the Middle East, while in 2011-2015, Russia supplied weapons to 7 countries in the region,” TASS quotes SIPRI researcher Alexandra Kuimova.

The world's third-largest arms exporter is France, which in 2016-2020 increased sales of major types of weapons by 44% and provided 8.2% of the global arms market.

The Middle East accounts for 48% of French arms exports, Asia and Oceania - 36%. Of the 69 states to which France supplied major types of weapons in 2016-2020, three - India, Egypt and Qatar - together received 59% of French arms exports. Aircraft deliveries accounted for 45% of French arms exports in 2016–2020, with ship deliveries reaching 17%.

Germany remains in fourth place among the world's largest arms suppliers. Over the past 10 years, the country has increased arms exports by 21%, accounting for 5.5% of the global arms trade. Germany's main clients include South Korea, Algeria and Egypt.

Although Germany imposed tighter restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia from 2016–2020, the Middle East received 23% of German arms exports during this period, making it the second largest recipient of German arms regionally (38% of German exports were from Asia and Oceania). This figure was mainly achieved through the delivery of three submarines to Egypt. Deliveries of ships, including 11 submarines, accounted for 46% of total German arms exports in 2016-2020, while deliveries of armored vehicles accounted for 15%.

China closes the top five of the world's largest arms exporters. Its sales volumes have declined by 7.8% over the past five years to account for 5.2% of global military trade. The main buyers of Chinese weapons were Pakistan, Bangladesh and Algeria.

Main importers

The share of the 10 largest arms importers in global arms imports in 2016-2020 is as follows: Saudi Arabia - 11%, India - 9.5%, Egypt - 5.8%, Australia - 5.1%, China - 4.7% , Algeria - 4.3%, South Korea - 4.3%, Qatar - 3.8%, UAE - 3%, Pakistan - 2.7%, other countries - 45%.

Most weapons are exported to the Middle East. The share of imports of major types of weapons in this region over the past five years has increased by 25% compared to the previous similar period. This was a reflection of regional strategic competition between several states in the Gulf region.

The world's largest arms importer, Saudi Arabia, increased arms purchases by 61%. The main suppliers of weapons to the kingdom are the United States (79%), Great Britain (9.3%) and France (4%).

Qatar increased imports of weapons and military equipment by 361%. The main arms suppliers to this Gulf monarchy are the United States (47%), France (38%) and Germany (7.5%).

The United Arab Emirates' arms imports are down 37%, but several major weapons contracts, including a deal to buy 50 U.S. 5th-generation F-35 fighter jets signed in 2022, suggest the country will ramp up arms imports to the United Arab Emirates. significantly larger volumes.

Egypt has increased its arms purchases by 136% over the past 10 years. The country, which rivals Turkey in developing hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean, has invested heavily in strengthening its navy. Cairo's main arms suppliers are Russia (41%), France (28%) and the United States (8.7%).

Algeria's arms imports were 64% higher in 2016–20 than in 2011–15, making it the world's sixth-largest arms importer. Russia remained Algeria's largest partner. Russian arms supplies included 16 combat aircraft, 42 combat helicopters and two submarines. Other notable deliveries to Algeria included two frigates from Germany and two frigates from China. The main arms suppliers to Algeria are Russia (69%), Germany (12%) and China (9.9%).

Turkish arms imports fell by 59% between 2011 and 2022. This was largely influenced by the US refusal to sell 5th generation F-35 fighter jets to Ankara in 2022 after Turkey purchased the S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system from Russia.

To reduce dependence on imports, Türkiye is also increasing domestic production of key weapons. The main arms suppliers to Turkey are the United States (29%), Italy (27%) and Spain (21%).

However, an 81% decrease in arms supplies from the United States to Turkey means that Ankara has ceased to be the third largest partner of the American defense industry.

Arms imports by Azerbaijan and Armenia accounted for only 0.7% and 0.3% of global supplies in 2016–2020. However, many of the supplied weapons played a key role in the fierce fighting between the two countries in 2022.

In 2016-2020, a total of 94% of weapons imported for the Armenian Armed Forces came from Russia. These include air defense systems, combat aircraft, ballistic missiles and artillery. Azerbaijan's arms imports in 2016-2020 were more than 2.5 times higher than in Armenia. The volume of arms and military equipment supplied to Azerbaijan by Israel amounted to 69%, and by Russia - 17%. Israeli supplies included drones, ballistic missiles and loitering munitions, while Russia supplied Baku mainly with armored vehicles and artillery.

The best pistols in Europe

Beretta 92 (Italy)

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

Beretta 92 length is 217 mm, caliber is 9 mm, cartridge is 9x19 mm Parabellum. The pistol compares favorably:

smooth body shape, which allows quick removal without getting caught on clothes;
ease of aiming;
excellent speed and accuracy of fire.

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

Glock-17 (Austria)

Glock 17, with which the Austrian company “shot”, occupying a significant share of the short-barreled weapons market.
The most powerful 9 mm caliber pistol, which also claims to be the most reliable in the world, which became a true milestone in the development of short-barreled firearms, was designed in 1980 by the Austrian Gaston Glock for armed forces and police of the home country. The previously little-known company Glock won the competition by successfully implementing its know-how - the use of durable heat-resistant polymers.

Currently, the Glock 17 is in service with security forces in over 30 countries. The company produces several modifications for various cartridges, and the classic 17-round model fires 9x19 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 into the ready-to-fire position due to the absence of a safety lock.

Walther P99 (Germany)

Walther P99, in addition to black, is painted in dark green tones.
Created by designers of the famous German company in the mid-1990s and chambered for the 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge. It is in service with individual departments and special forces in 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. Equipped with an adjustable sight, a device for mounting a flashlight or laser designator.

FN Five-seveN (Belgium)

FN Five-seveN: small caliber, but good pistol
Produced since 2000 by Fabrique Nationale (FN). The words five and seven in the name correspond to the 5.7 mm caliber. Shoots FN's own 5.7x28mm cartridges.

It is produced in modifications with three magazine capacities - 10, 20 and 30 ammunition. Popular on the civilian weapons market and as a weapon for special forces, including American ones. Length - 208 mm, weight - 744 g.

Heckler and Koch USP (Germany)

This is the Heckler and Koch USP in .45 caliber.
Introduced to the public in 1993, designed at Heckler & Koch under the supervision of Helmut Weldle. Adopted by the German army. There are many variations of different lengths and weights, for different cartridges. Very accurate and reliable.