Glock Talk banner

First "Wondernine"?

5K views 60 replies 27 participants last post by  quantico 
#1 ·
The 1980s term "Wondernine" is supposed to refer to a double column "high capacity" 9mm pistol that doesn't require manipulation of safety or hammer to fire the first shot. That combination of features is why neither the Hi Power (hi cap) nor the P-38 count. The Wikipedia article mentions the MAB PA-15, but while that is an interesting pistol and has the first 15 round mag, it is really not different than a single action BHP.

The earliest production Wondernine I can find is the HK VP70, which is DAO and hi cap from 1970. The 1971 S&W 59 is the first really commercially successful Wondernine, while the Beretta 92 and CZ75 showing up in 1975. SIG didn't actually make a Wondernine available until 1983 with the P226, ever though the P220 is from 1975. Steyr GB was 1981 and Glock 1982. I can't find a date for the Star M28, and there may have been military trial versions of the Walther P88 and FN HP-DA as early as 1979 according to some sources, but that may be wrong.

Can anyone think of another gun that is earlier than these, or at least as early as 1980? Or an early non-9mm that otherwise qualifies? It is kind of amazing how few guns met the description until the mid-80s.
 
#60 · (Edited)
Man I would love a Belgium BHP! With tangent sites and that stellar bluing...

I can't think of another wonder 9 before this the BHP. Single stack sure, Luger (which not only 9mm), the Walter p38 were great starts. The BHP was a deal breaker on capacity. Like other JMB inspired designs it simply worked.

In the 80's gun mags, the wonder nine was an was an easy way to make deadline. And a ton of the manufacturers are dead now (Spanish...) but the Turks and old East Cold War companies are stepping up. E.g. Canik.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gary1911A1
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top