D.E. Watters

A Brief History of FBI Semiauto Pistols

After the Miami/Dade Shootout of April 11, 1986, the FBI was not completely satisfied with the commercially available pistols in 9x19mm and .45. Until a suitable semi-auto service pistol could be selected for general issue, individual agents were would still be issued S&W Model 13 revolvers. In August 1987, the FBI formed its Weapons EvaluationContinue reading “A Brief History of FBI Semiauto Pistols”

Springfield Armory’s Forgotten AR-15: The XM15

Despite what several gunwriters are claiming, the Springfield Armory Saint is not their first AR-15 rifle. Their first was the XM15, introduced circa 1982-83. However, Springfield has very good reasons to try to sweep the XM15 under the rug. It appears that in 1983, Springfield (or their fraternal sibling Rock Island Armory, Inc.) wrangled aContinue reading “Springfield Armory’s Forgotten AR-15: The XM15”

Commercial Timeline of Colt M1911, Clones, and Variants

1911 – Colt M1910 trials model officially adopted as the M1911 (March 29); First order received (April 21) 1912 – First production M1911 delivered to the US Army (January); Colt Government Model commercially introduced; Springfield Armory (MA) begins tooling up to produce M1911 under license. (December) Under the terms of the license agreement, the governmentContinue reading “Commercial Timeline of Colt M1911, Clones, and Variants”

Patents for a New Kimber Hi-Cap, Optics Ready M1911

I went spelunking again in the USPTO database and found two recent patents awarded to Kimber. It looks like they want a piece of the market currently occupied by the Wilson Combat X9-series. Alas, the aesthetics are aimed at the current Gucci Glock plastic surgeon market. I’m suspicious that the stock panels are only heldContinue reading “Patents for a New Kimber Hi-Cap, Optics Ready M1911”

Patent for a New Heckler & Koch Bolt-Action Rifle

Engineers at Heckler & Koch’s Columbus, Georgia facility seem intent on offering a competitor to the Ruger Precision Rifle and the Barrett MRAD. Just this week, the US Patent & Trademark Office awarded US Patent #11,293,715. The patent drawings show a rifle with a rear locking bolt, hinged upper/lower receiver, folding stock, and a detachableContinue reading “Patent for a New Heckler & Koch Bolt-Action Rifle”

Greg Ferris “HZ-57” Modular Pistol

Today’s Throwback Thursday pistol is a mid-1980s build from San Antonio, TX-area gunsmith Greg Ferris. You may remember Mas Ayoob, Kerby Smith, and The Blue Press writing up Ferris’ two gunfights with local gang bangers who tried to rob his store. The first incident ended with one robber getting chewed up with 12 Gauge buckshotContinue reading “Greg Ferris “HZ-57” Modular Pistol”

John Nowlin Sr. Racegun Revolvers

Sorry for the belated start of Wheelgun Wednesday. Today, we have a couple of revolvers from the late John Nowlin Sr., a gunsmith better known for his semi-pistols and match barrels. First up is a Smith & Wesson Model 64 modified for Bianchi Cup/NRA Action Pistol competition. Second is a hard-chromed Smith & Wesson ModelContinue reading “John Nowlin Sr. Racegun Revolvers”

Mike LaRocca 10mm Revolver Conversion

For Ten-Millimeter Tuesday, we have a 10mm conversion of a Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 suitable for either pin shooting, USPSA Revolver, or ICORE competition. Mike LaRocca is better known for his street-worthy custom carry guns, but once upon a time in the 1980s, he did build comp guns. Prior to going solo, LaRocca hadContinue reading “Mike LaRocca 10mm Revolver Conversion”

Terry Tussey’s Kimber Concept Guns

For MIM Monday, we have a few concept guns built by the late Terry Tussey for Kimber. These were ideas for what became the Ultra RCP II. As you can see, they used very little of Tussey’s ideas. First up is a five-shot subcompact with a bonus chopped-down .22 LR conversion kit. Note the shortenedContinue reading “Terry Tussey’s Kimber Concept Guns”

Pachmayr “Combat Special” Combat Commander

Here is one you don’t see every day – a Pachmayr Combat Special conversion of a Colt Combat Commander. This one is kind of basic, with wrap-around Pachmayr Signature stocks and a Pachmayr rubber-coated mainspring housing. The Wilson #68 grip safety appears to have been added after the fact, as Pachmayr would have used oneContinue reading “Pachmayr “Combat Special” Combat Commander”