If you’ve ever stopped a movie halfway through to find out the gun used by a certain character, this is definitely for you. We give you ten fun facts about ten popular handguns.
Glock 22
The Tax Man cometh and the Tax Man taketh away. When we think of the tax man, rarely do we think of the Glock 22. However, the Internal Revenue Service is the fourth leading spender on guns in non-Department of Defense spending. Their preferred pistol of choice? The Glock 22 & 23. The Glock 23 is a compact version of the 22 and is chambered in .40 S&W. Magazines are interchangeable between the 22 & 23, making it an ideal choice for when the tax collectors need to toss loaded magazines across a corridor.
“The number of non-Defense Department federal officers authorized to make arrests and carry firearms now exceeds the number of U.S. Marines,” noted former Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn.
Source: IRS Pistol Qualifications, IRS CI Budget Reports FY2006-2014
Beretta 92FS
What do movie favorites such as Leon the Professional, the T1000 Terminator from Terminator 2, and John McClane all have in common? If you guessed the Beretta 92FS, you have a very sharp eye. While all characters used multiple firearms throughout their respective action-packed adventures, their preferred handgun of choice is the Beretta 92FS.
For the T-1000 Terminator, this is a logical choice because the Beretta 92FS was standard issue in quite a few police precincts in Los Angeles at that time. For our favorite Italian assassin, the choice may have a bit more to do with availability.
SEE ALL Beretta 92FS DEALS
Sig Sauer P226
Before Robocop made his final transformation, he was just an ordinary beat cop with a sense or morality and courage. His pistol of choice? The Sig Sauer P226. Quintessential amongst former law enforcement, it’s taken on a new life as an everyday carry option. Chambered in 9mm, the Sig Sauer P226 has existed since 1980. Newer models are also available in .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
SEE ALL Sig Sauer P226 DEALS
Colt 1911
The United States military has maintained an arsenal of M1911s since its creation. That makes this single-action pistol the longest-running pistol in service — not just in the United States, but in the world!
SEE ALL Colt 1911 DEALS
Walther PPK
For those who appreciate the cheese and nostalgia of early James Bond films, you’ll undoubtedly pick up on the classic Walther PPK. Originally chambered in .32 ACP, the old form has disappeared in recent years and been replaced by a much sleeker, modern look. By the time James Bond got to Tomorrow Never Dies, he was slinging the much sleeker Walther P99.
SEE ALL Walther PPK DEALS
Kahr K9
Both Jodie Foster’s Erica Bain (The Brave One) and Samuel L. Jackson’s Shaft have at least one thing in common — The Kahr K9. This compact handgun is on a short list of approved pistols for off-duty NYPD officers.
SEE ALL Kahr K9 DEALS
H&K P30L
The first of many pistols that Keanu Reeves wields as trained assassin John Wick, the H&K P30L is a full-size handgun. For concealed carriers, the H&K P30SK is always a highly popular pick.
SEE ALL H&K P30L DEALS
Ruger Super Blackhawk .454 Casull
If you found yourself hitting pause when Mickey Rooney’s character admires his revolver in Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, you’re not alone. The Ruger Blackhawk chambered in .454 Casull is an extremely powerful, surprisingly compact single-action revolver. The Ruger Blackhawk hits all its marks as a concealed carry revolver except for not being double action. But, in the fictitious world of Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, why not go with what looks cool?
SEE ALL Ruger Super Blackhawk .454 Casull DEALS
Sig Sauer P229
The Sig Sauer P229 is a full-size handgun that Liam Neeson’s characters used in both Taken and Non-Stop. Arguably similar movies involving Liam Neeson being an all-around Alpha Male, this doesn’t dissuade from the rugged appeal of a full-size Sig Sauer.
SEE ALL Sig Sauer P229 DEALS
Browning Hi-Power
For fans of single-action pistols similar to the 1911, Browning Hi-Power has made its name first amongst the officers of the French Army in WWII and later among gun owners across the United States. That popularity is echoed through its use in modern film as the “go-to” pistol for those who know about pistols. And now that we’ve been on a James Bond kick, it’s only fair to point out that the Hi-Power was the pistol of choice of Daniel Craig’s Bond in Casino Royale. My how times have changed!
SEE ALL Browning Hi-Power DEALS
“The number of non-Defense Department federal officers authorized to make arrests and carry firearms now exceeds the number of U.S. Marines,”
Not exactly what I would call a fun fact. More like disturbing.Especially where the IRS is concerned.