The Galleries
- Robert E. Petersen Collection
- Ancient Firearms
- The Road to American Liberty
- Seeds of Greatness
- The Prospering New Republic
- A Nation Asunder
- The American West
- Innovation, Oddities and Competition
- Theodore Roosevelt, Elegant Arms
- World War I and Firearms Innovation
- WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Beyond
- For the Fun of It
- Firearms Traditions for Today
- William B. Ruger Special Exhibits
- Freedom's Doorway
Sokolovsky 45 Automaster Semi Auto Pistols
The Sokolovsky Automaster has been called, "The Rolls-Royce of .45 Auto pistols." The three exhibited here represent a toolroom prototype, a pre-production prototype, and a production version.
The Sokolovsky Automaster has been called, "The Rolls-Royce of .45 Auto pistols." The three exhibited here represent a toolroom prototype, a pre-production prototype, and a production version. Paul Sokolovsky's intent was to design a pistol free of all external devices such as screw heads, pins, or slide stops. A single pin is used to hold the rear sight, and the safety and magazine release are both actuated through the use of sliding flange "triggers" mounted on either side of the firing trigger. This pistol design also employs a unique system which accurately holds the barrel and slide in battery during firing, and which reduces galling from metal-on-metal contact. Stainless steel and other alloys are used in the frame, slide, and other metal parts; grips are of walnut. As with other .45 auto designs, a seven-shot magazine is housed in the butt.