5 most important handguns

[Nyles]

Hmm. My $.02:

Colt 1849 Pocket - Not the first revolver, but it really popularised the idea on the commercial market, and was Colt's best selling commercial percussion revolver. In fact I'd have to check the numbers but it was probably their best selling percussion gun period.

FN Browning 1900 - The first handgun with the magazine in the grip and a slide around the barrel, thus setting the stage for pretty much everything that came after it. Also popularised the automatic on the market. Brilliant design too - used the mainspring as the striker spring!

Lefaucheux Model 1854 - The first successful cartridge-firing revolver, adopted by the French navy and widely sold in Europe and North America, and probably did more than any other gun to popularise metallic cartridges worldwide.

Hmm... I'm rushing out the door for a social engagement, but two more when I get back.