In the world of Free Pistol, Mr Pardini, with his PGP 75 (1975) with its bolt action, had developed something new. In the 1980’s the PGP 75 evolved into the K50; in 1990 the innovative K22 model came into production, a model which once again has a sliding bolt, that no longer rotates. On the back of this, in 2008 we developed two new models: FPM with a mechanical trigger and the FPE, the first Pardini free pistol with an electronic trigger
The range of Pardini semi-automatic target shooting pistols was completely renewed in 1991 with the arrival of the SP caliber 22lr, the GP 22 short and the HP caliber 32 S&W long wad cutter models. These models boast a series of characteristics that place them among the limited number of the best competitive firearms. Pardini’s innovative design details in order to make these guns “shootable” are numerous. First of all, the pistol’s bolt face and center of balance are closely connected: this helps to minimize the disturbance of its position while firing. Moreover, in 2001 a new lightweight counterbalance was introduced incorporating an inertial device that reduces felt recoil: consisting of four mobile steel weights, each held by a small spring in four cylindrical recesses, parallel to the barrel axis. The validity of this idea inspired Pardini in 2004 to design a new counterbalance with six mobile weights ( SP New and HP New Models);while at the same time a new frame in aluminium alloy was introduced , that was achieved by machine milling to remove material. The GP caliber 22 short model was developed in collaboration with the renowned champion German marksman Ralf Schumann. The GP Schumann established itself at the top of the Olympic Rapid fire Pistol event. In 2001 the GPE was produced, its most important feature being its electronic trigger. The Athens Olympics in 2004 was the last in which competitors shot with the 22 short caliber in the Rapid fire Pistol event. The Pardini GPE has proudly closed this era, winning the gold medal with its “customary” Schumann.
IPSC and Defense Pistols
Among all the high caliber pistols used in competitive shooting, the Pardini GT is in a place of its own for its particular birth; because in all the other cases we are faced with firearms initially conceived for self-defense or for service use that were consequently adapted for target shooting, dynamic shooting or for informal use in the shooting ranges.
Conversely, Pardini’s pistol, initially developed as a series of PC models (1993) which over time developed until becoming the current family of GT models in the year 2000, was expressively conceived for practical shooting. This origin has had a profound influence on its design and development: it is obvious, for example, that concealment is not a very important feature and has been disregarded.
The evolution of competition sport in Pardini’s planning has allowed, for the first time in this field, the development of a specific technology, able to magnify and sophisticate the characteristics of these firearms, making them highly specialized tools.
All the pistols in this series can be used “ out of the box” without any need for further customizing or any particular improvements. Its set-up, its compact structure, its prominent mechanism, its adjustable let-off and its easy use make this a product able to guarantee exceptional performances.
The family of Pardini pistols used in dynamic shooting includes the following models: “GT9”, “GT 9-1”, and “PC9S” ( cal.9) “ GT40”, and PC 40S ( cal 40 S&W), “GT45” GT45-II and GT45S (cal.45 ACP). With the introduction of the “GT45” model we also have the arrival of conversions in cal 9 and cal 40 with 5 and 6 inch barrels, together with matching slides and bolts.
Air Pistols
In a very short time Pardini has managed to produce a complete range of air pistols: the first model (“P10”, 1982) was followed, a couple of years later, by the “K58” that had the same pre-compressed operating system but was longer. This allowed the development of the cocking lever under the gun, making it easier to use.
At the end of the 80s, when the “K58” was born, the compressed air pressure system started to show its limits for competitive target shooting and the Pardini “K60” was developed, powered by CO2 and was one of the best sellers during the 90s in Italian shooting-ranges. The “K90”, a shorter and lighter model, allowed everybody to shoot, including young people and ladies, without having to face certain “traumas” like the excessive weight or reloading difficulties, typical of the old air pistols.
The “K60” only lacked that “something extra”; the enterprising decision was taken to re-design the pistol based on years of often victorious competitive shooting experience . This is how the Pardini “K2” was born and it was completely new compared to its predecessor.
It was produced just as Roberto Di Donna won the gold medal at the Olympic Games of Atlanta in 1996.
The “K2” was originally designed with a CO² supply system, continuing the path undertaken with the “K60”. Since 1998, in-line with current trends, the “K2S” was developed into an compressed air version.
With this pistol the French marksman Frank Dumoulin won the gold medal in Sydney 2000 and the Bulgarian Maria Grozdeva won the bronze medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004.
Since 2008 the production of the “K10” and “K10 Junior” has been improved with many new technical features: grip, trigger with five adjustment options, an air cylinder with a new side vision manometer, perforated barrel, a new compressed air supply valve and a compensator.