Sunday Showcase Recap

Recap on The 8/4 Sunday Showcase

The Colt Government MKIV Series 70 chambered in 9mm Steyr is a rare firearm primarily due to its limited production and the niche nature of its chambering. The Series 70, introduced in the 1970s, was largely produced in the more popular .45 ACP and 9mm Luger calibers. The decision to chamber a small batch in 9mm Steyr, a cartridge originally designed for the Steyr M1912 pistol and not widely used beyond that, makes this variant particularly uncommon. The 9mm Steyr cartridge is longer and less tapered than the 9mm Luger, which did not gain widespread adoption and contributed to the limited appeal of this specific Colt model. Production numbers for the 9mm Steyr variant of the Colt Government MKIV Series 70 are not well-documented, but it is widely believed that only a few hundred units were made. This small production run was likely due to the limited market demand for a 1911-style pistol chambered in 9mm Steyr, as most users preferred the more readily available and popular calibers.

The rarity is further compounded by the fact that many of these pistols were likely exported, used extensively, or lost over time. Consequently, the number of these pistols that remain in the United States is extremely limited. Estimates suggest that only a small fraction of the original production run remains in circulation within the U.S., making them highly sought after by collectors. In summary, the Colt Government MKIV Series 70 chambered in 9mm Steyr is rare due to its limited production, niche cartridge, and the passage of time. While exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, the original production run likely consisted of only a few hundred units, with an even smaller number still remaining in the United States. This scarcity, coupled with the unique chambering, makes it a prized possession for firearm collectors and enthusiasts.

The Ruger LC9 (standing for "Lightweight Compact 9mm") is a 9mm caliber, recoil-operated, locked breech, hammer fired, semi-automatic pistol announced by Ruger at the 2011 SHOT Show. This pistol has safety features, including a loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect safety, that allow it to be sold in California and Massachusetts.

The LC9 has a 3.12-inch (8 cm) barrel and is 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4.5 inches (11 cm) tall. The LC9 is 0.9 inches (2 cm) wide and weighs 17.1 ounces (485 g) with an empty magazine. It features a black polymer (glass-filled nylon) frame and a blued alloy steel slide and barrel. The gun ships with one magazine, including two interchangeable base pads—one that fits flush with the frame and the other (fitted to the magazine from the factory) that provides a grip extension of about 0.5 inches (1 cm). The Ruger LC9 was chosen as the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence's Handgun of the Year in 2011.

The Ruger LC9 (standing for "Lightweight Compact 9mm") is a 9mm caliber, recoil-operated, locked breech, hammer fired, semi-automatic pistol announced by Ruger at the 2011 SHOT Show. This pistol has safety features, including a loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect safety, that allow it to be sold in California and Massachusetts.

The LC9 has a 3.12-inch (8 cm) barrel and is 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4.5 inches (11 cm) tall. The LC9 is 0.9 inches (2 cm) wide and weighs 17.1 ounces (485 g) with an empty magazine. It features a black polymer (glass-filled nylon) frame and a blued alloy steel slide and barrel. The gun ships with one magazine, including two interchangeable base pads—one that fits flush with the frame and the other (fitted to the magazine from the factory) that provides a grip extension of about 0.5 inches (1 cm). The Ruger LC9 was chosen as the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence's Handgun of the Year in 2011.

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981 and has been a staple among Collectors and Shooting Enthusiasts ever since. The 686 has been available with 2.5,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 in barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special order from S&W's Performance Center custom shop, or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths.

Through the years, there have been several variations on the Model 686. The Model 686 Classic Hunter was introduced in 1988 and has a 150 mm (6 in) barrel and a non-fluted cylinder; the Model 686 Black Stainless was introduced in 1989 and has either a 100 or 150 mm (4 or 6 in) barrel with a black finish, with production limited to 5000; the Model 686 National Security Special was introduced in 1992 and has a 76 or 102 mm (3 or 4 in) barrel; the Model 686 Target Champion was introduced in 1992 and has a 150 mm (6 in) match-grade barrel, adjustable trigger stop, and walnut grips; the Model 686 Power Port was introduced in 1994 and has a ported 150 mm (6 in) barrel; the Model 686 Plus was introduced in 1996 and has a 64, 76, 102, or 152 mm (2.5, 3, 4, or 6 in) barrel, adjustable sights, 7-shot cylinder, and Hogue rubber grips.