High Standard HDM

Infobox Weapon
name= High Standard HDM


caption= High Standard HDM
origin=flagcountry|United States
type=Suppressed Semi-automatic pistol
is_ranged=yes
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=
service= 1942 to Current
used_by= OSS, US Special Operations Forces, CIA
wars= World War II, Cold War
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight= (47 oz), empty
length= (13.815 in) Suppressor length x diameter= (7.75 x 1.0 in)
part_length= (6.75 in)
height= (5 in)
crew=
cartridge=.22 LR
caliber=
action=Blowback, SA
rate=Semi-automatic
velocity=1,260 ft/s (384.1 m/s)
range=
max_range=
feed= 10-round single column, detachable box magazine
sights= fixed Iron sights

The High Standard HDM is a modified High Standard HD model semiautomatic target pistol equipped with an integral sound suppressor. Originally adopted by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, the pistol is still found in US Inventories including that of the CIA, United States Marines, and Special Forces. Because of legal concerns during wartime, full metal jacketed .22 LR rounds were developed for this pistol.

Overview

The High Standard HDM is a conventional blowback-operated semiautomatic pistol fitted with an integral suppressor decreasing its report in excess of 20 dB. This pistol design was originally delivered 20 January 1944 and original contract models were blued with a Parkerized (phosphate) finish on the suppressor. Follow on models were completely Parkerized. Post World War II models produced for the CIA were also blued. The 10-round box magazine was interchangeable with that of the Colt Woodsman. The weapon has a frame mounted safety lever on the left in a similar position to the M1911A1 and Browning Hi-Power. The front sight is a fixed blade with a square notch rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage zero.

Operational traits

This weapon uses a heel-mounted magazine release. It is effective at short ranges when the low energy of the round fired is taken into account. The design is simple and typical of the period in which it was designed.

ee also

*High Standard Manufacturing Company
*High Standard .22 Pistol
*List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces

References

* [http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/OSSPistol.PDF Small Arms Review Article]

External links

* [https://www.cia.gov CIA] official website
* [http://www.highstandard.com High standard] (manufacturers) website
* [http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/OSSPistol.PDF Small Arms Review Article]
* [http://www.forcerecon.com/strongmenarmed3.htm Reference at USMC Force Recon Association site.]

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