Ask Ian: Single Feed vs Double Feed Pistols

Cool Forgotten Weapons merch! Asked by Tyler on Patreon: “Why are there so few double stack/double feed handguns? I can only think of a couple off the top of my head. It makes the worst part of handgun shooting (loading the magazines) a complete non-issue.“ There are a series of interacting considerations when choosing between single feed and double feed. Single Feed: - Magazines are less reliable; constricting from two columns to one adds friction (this is magnified as capacity increases) - Firearms are easier to design; the cartridge is always presented in the same place - Pistol slides may be slightly narrower Double Feed: - Magazines are more reliable (also less susceptible to a bit of dirt fouling them) - Guns are harder to design; must accommodate two different feed po