For ages, handguns made of metal have been the mainstay of military and special operations (spec ops) units all over the globe. Although the contemporary market is mostly made up of pistols with polymer frames, the solidity, the safety, proven durability, and the reliability of traditional metal designs still keep them in the game, in line with professionals. The top five most influential metal handguns are recapped here that left the imprint of the most secretive forces, with hardly any rank surpassing the legendary CZ 75.
5. Smith & Wesson Model 686
It might be weird for a revolver to be featured alongside a list of semi-autos, yet the Model 686 represents the very essence of why it has to be there. It is a .357 Magnum revolver that was made of stainless steel, and it became famous in the 1980s due to its precision and robustness. Also, it was not only good for shooting ranges because it came with adjustable sights, well-balanced handling, and multiple grip options, allowing for such usage.
Even though semi-automatic guns with high capacity became the standard in military weaponry, the 686 has always had a loyal fan base. Its spectacular old-school production has its fans in that even examples from the 1960s-1970s times that have been handled rigorously can still function perfectly today.
4. SIG Sauer P226
The SIG Sauer P226 was designed for the U.S. XM9 pistol trials, and the gold standard for service pistols was set right after it was introduced. The combination of the full-size DA/SA model and the alloy frame gives out the desired points of accuracy, reliability in difficult situations, and easy handling. Moreover, features such as a decocking lever, firing pin block, and comfortable grip gained a lot of sympathy for the arm among military and law enforcement units worldwide.
Among P226 users are Navy SEALs and elite counter-terror units in Europe, situations where they have had to rely on its performance, and it has never let them down. The qualities of it have made this gun still operational long after new designs came to light.
3. Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a silver-screen example of the tremendous influence of a non-metal-framed pistol. It was compact, lightweight, with a 15-round capacity, and it was the standard for modern duty pistols. Its polymer frame, Safe Action trigger, and low-maintenance design made it ideal for special operations units needing a reliable, concealable sidearm. The trust in the Glock 19 by Navy SEALs and other elite units over the years is what has secured it the position as one of the most reliable combat pistols in the whole world.
2. Beretta 92 / M9
In 1985, the Beretta 92 (or M9) was selected as the standard-issue U.S. military sidearm and went on to serve in numerous wars. It had an aluminum alloy frame, was open-slide designed, and had a smooth DA/SA trigger that facilitated handling and precision shooting. Other than the features already mentioned, ambidextrous controls, a 15-round magazine, and a solid balance were what made the Beretta 92/M9 a versatile choice for military and police units both at home and abroad. Not only has the Beretta 92 been a military star in many operations, but it has also been the source of inspiration for modern pistol manufacturing, making it entrenched in history as a sidearm icon.
1. CZ 75
The CZ 75 is at the very top of the list, and it is considered a classic example of a handgun that paved the way for revolutionary armaments with its very first showing back in the 1970s. In the old days of Czechoslovakia, the brothers František and Josef Koucký went against the grain of that time’s conventions with their highly durable all-steel frame, the internal slide rails that made the gun much more accurate, and the DA/SA trigger.
The Browning-like linkless cam mechanism in their design diminished the blow of the recoil and lengthened the lifespan of the pistol, which is something that made the CZ 75 very popular among armies, police forces, and shooting enthusiasts.
The main qualities that have made the CZ 75 be acclaimed all over the world are its ruggedness, working fine even in extreme cases, and comfort for the user. The source of its worldwide fame, especially in Europe and the Middle East, is the fact that it was not patented globally during the Cold War and thus, it became the inspiration for numerous clones that range from some being almost indistinguishable to others being altered in some way and among the versions like the CZ 75 Compact, PCR, and P-01 which are still used to keep the platform updated.
Fifty years later, military and law enforcement units are still employing the CZ 75 in active duty; it keeps winning shooting competitions, and it is among the most valuable collections. As one of the very few handguns hardly overtaken by one other in terms of endurance and continued relevance, the combination of its toughness, precision, and comfort has made it, indeed, a true benchmark in the realm of military and special operations firearms.