Model 30 Target

Next up in the Royal Armories tour is a target pistol. While we've all seen Model F Target configurations, I previously only knew about target versions of the service pistols.

Now, I could also surmise a lot about what they might look and work like. Target configured service pistols are, or at least were, common in Europe. I would guess not for expediency, but a shooting sport or three that allowed lots of modifications as long as it was basically the service pistol. Think of National Match rifle competitions in the US.

The Model 30 Target is actually surprising in it's lack of customization. Unlike the target variations of HK, Llama and Beretta service pistols, there is no counterweight or brake, and no custom stocks. The trigger is also not outstanding on the one I got to try out, and the safety is not especially well located, nor does it have especially positive action.

The gun as a whole is interestingly odd. Though you wouldn't know it from the right side:

Normal frame, normal stocks, normal slide and barrel. Nicer but not extravagant sights. Not even big mag bumpers.

But the left side:

Extended mag release, blocked safety lever, and a frame mounted safety! That's pretty crazy.

Read a bit more about it, and click through to see bigger versions of these photos, on the M28, 30, and 31 page.