Handguns

About a generation ago, the 44 Magnum reigned as the most powerful handgun in the world. It has since been toppled in size and power by other cartridges, but not before a few handguns chambered in the round became legendary. Not only with shooters, but also the general public through pop culture.

About a generation ago, the 44 Magnum reigned as the most powerful handgun in the world. It has since been toppled in size and power by other cartridges, but not before a few handguns chambered in the round became legendary. Not only with shooters, but also the general public through pop culture.

About a generation ago, the 44 Magnum reigned as the most powerful handgun in the world. It has since been toppled in size and power by other cartridges, but not before a few handguns chambered in the round became legendary. Not only with shooters, but also the general public through pop culture.

Three of the Houston test group’s members regularly tote somebody’s version of the Colt 1911 Officer’s Model as an everyday carry pistol. The “O” Model is the same width as its big brothers but has a shorter slide, allowed by a 3.5-inch (sometimes 3.0-inch) barrel. But in today’s environment, we are a bit concerned about the ammo capacity. One of the concessions made to concealability was the reduction of the grip by a length equal to one round. Accordingly, the O Model utilizes a single-stack magazine that will carry six rounds of 45 ACP and seven when chambered in 9mm. A number of very good magazines made by folks like Rodgers and Wilson allow one additional round. The three Houston testers figure if they can’t carry much, they’ll carry big, and all wore O Models chambered in 45 ACP. At least until recently.