Novelist Seeking Gun Assistance

[Sim G]

If the person in the story needs to have a FN pistol then the only choice would be a FN Browning High Power in 9mmx19 as these had been manufactured since the late 30's.

One of the best pistols ever designed. Way ahead for its time and still very highly regarded.

[bradaz11]

If the person in the story needs to have a FN pistol then the only choice would be a FN Browning High Power in 9mmx19 as these had been manufactured since the late 30's.

One of the best pistols ever designed. Way ahead for its time and still very highly regarded.

but a Glock is apparently better.

[Chapuis]

If the person in the story needs to have a FN pistol then the only choice would be a FN Browning High Power in 9mmx19 as these had been manufactured since the late 30's.

Based on a John Moses Browning initial design but completed by Dieudonné Saive a Belgium, so perhaps more appropriate to the story line. Just to add interest perhaps the pistol in the story could have been manufactured by FN when the factory was under German control during the war and have German markings.

[1066]

Belgium would have also been awash with the P38 and Luger P08 both in 9mmx19

[Sim G]

but a Glock is apparently better.

Having used both extensively, I’d have to say not by a country mile!!

But what the Glock is, over many other manufactures, is cheaper. And there are some guns out there at the minute, that are even beating Glock on price whilst displaying reliability equal to the Austrian plastic brick.

But, as always here, we digress....

If I was going to arm a 1960s novel, I think it would be a Walther PPK in .380. But unfortunately, done to death by James Bond.

[dromia]

You could also go the idiosyncratic rarity route to add a bit of firearm interest with a Webley Fosberry repeating revolver.

I loved mine and a stiff wrist and forearm was a definite requirement.

[Sim G]

Astra 600. 9mm Para blowback! Very well made, unusual but a very good gun.

For me, revolvers that are big bored, short in barrel!

[Union St]

Well, thank you all so much for the very good comments. I can dismiss the Glock, right? I'm thinking that my hero could be offered a small selection of, say, four guns and choses the FN based on its apparent condition. He has to dismiss the Browning because he is suspicious of the condition. I very much like the look of the Walther, but as you say, it cannot be used in literature ever again. Is there any way he can 'test' the condition and function of the gun without actually firing it?

[Ovenpaa]

What about a C96 Mauser, I know it is a bit older but would have been around in the 60's and I never managed to get more than 2-3 rounds out of one before it locked back.

[IainWR]

You could also go the idiosyncratic rarity route to add a bit of firearm interest with a Webley Fosberry repeating revolver.

I loved mine and a stiff wrist and forearm was a definite requirement.

A Webley Fosberry was the pistol of choice of one of Walter Mitty's alter egos.