Weapons That Changed the World

S02:E04 - Spec Ops Pistols

Special Forces often work deep behind enemy lines. Their missions are secret, their weapons top of the line. When all hell breaks loose, the Spec Ops Pistol is their last line of defense. Follow host Wil Willis as he launches a mission of his own to test the greatest special operations pistols past and present. The pistol of choice for many special operatives, including the United States Navy SEALS, is the Mark 25, better known as the Sig Sauer p266. It fires the classic 9mm Parabellum round out of a 15 round magazine. Wil puts this famous sidearm to the test, first by submerging it in water then firing it against a rival handgun the 45 caliber H&K Compact Tactical. But caliber size is just one factor when choosing a weapon that could save your life. The type of ammo can also be a factor. Wil fires regular rounds and hollow point bullets against reactive targets with explosive results…all captured at 10,000 frames a second. To see how modern soldiers got these state of the art side-arms in their grasp, Wil examines the origins of the Spec Ops Pistol. He travels to the National Firearms Museum to shoot a piece of a history, an 1860 Colt Army. This 44-caliber revolver once belonged to Mosby Rangers, who conducted secret missions behind enemy lines during the US Civil War. This multi-shot, concealable weapon was vital to such daring raids. Next is the German “Broomhandle” C96 Mauser, the first practical semi-auto pistol used in battle. Wil lines this breakthrough weapon up against the best revolver of the era with fascinating results. Then, the infamous German Luger goes shot for shot against the Soviet Tokarev blasting at a torso target packed with explosives. Then the massive Desert Eagle goes against the Glock 17. Finally, Wil must use a Webley Mk6 Revolver, James Bond’s pistol of choice- the Walther PPK - and the H&K 45 CT in the ultimate Spec Ops Pistol challenge against multiple targets in a variety of undercover scenarios.