Tag Archives: pilot gun

An aircrewman’s best friend

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This flak-damaged M1911A1 .45-cal pistol and cap badge were worn by USAAF Sgt. Roy Zeran, 97th Bomb Group, when his B-17 was shot down on November 20, 1942, during WWII. It stopped a piece of shrapnel that would have likely ruined more than the slide of his pistol.

USAF Museum #170405-F-IO108-031

I recently got to handle a minty correct 1943-issued Remington Rand and matching holster, reportedly used by a B17 bomber pilot during the war. It was an honor.

If only guns could talk.

Bailout guns, Line of Control edition

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The latest in the long series of dust-ups between India and Pakistan across the controversial Line of Control along Kashmir saw at least one MiG-21 Bison of the IAF splashed and (according to India) a PAF F-16 likewise retired. While the Pakistanis dispute their loss, the downed MiG driver, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, spent three days as a guest in Pakistan and lived to tell the tale.

However, it looks like the Pakistanis kept his bailout gun, a Gen 3 Glock 26 9mm subcompact.

Coming soon to the PAF Museum…note the unlucky “13” rack number

Meanwhile, a battered and bloody Varthaman, shown rescued from agitated locals by Pakistani Army troops in images flashed around the world, became the stuff of legend back home for his repeated insistence when questioned on camera to only provide his name, rank and serial number, responding politely to other questions only with “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this.”

More in my column at Guns.com.