20th Century Replica Guns

The twentieth century section groups the guns that defined the modern era: the 1911, the Luger, the Makarov, the Tokarev and the Soviet and American service pistols that followed. Two sub-sections split the catalog into Soviet Union and American Replica Guns, so a collection can be built around one side of the Cold War or around both.

Collectors tend to build this period by country and by year rather than by model. A Luger, a Makarov and a 1911 on one shelf tell a story that three random pistols do not, and the finishes help: blued steel for service issue, nickel for ceremonial, and antique grey for anything that has been carried.

Choosing a Replica Pistol

Semi automatic replicas are judged on three things: the profile, the finish and the weight. The 1911 pattern is the most requested because it is instantly recognisable on camera, and the same frame is offered in government, commander and compact lengths. A full size 1911 with wood grips reads as a service pistol from the 1940s; the same gun in nickel with black grips reads as a 1980s movie prop.

Weight matters if the replica is going to be carried in a holster all day at an event. Zinc alloy frames sit between a pound and two pounds depending on model, which is close enough to the real thing to feel right on the belt without dragging trousers down. Check the model page for the exact figure before you buy a holster, because holsters are cut for specific frame sizes.

Common questions

Is the magazine removable?
Yes, on most models the magazine is removable and the slide locks back, exactly like the original pistol, but the magazine cannot hold or feed ammunition.

Can I field strip it?
Yes, most 1911 and Beretta pattern replicas strip the same way as the original. Work slowly: the parts are cast, so forcing a stuck pin will bend it.

Does it come with a case?
Models are supplied in a plain cardboard box. Presentation boxes and felt-lined cases are sold separately in the display section of the catalog.

20th Century Replica Guns