9 Different Guns That are Just Awesome

There are a lot of great firearms available to shooters. Quite a few, though, are similar. In fact, some models are practically the same except for the manufacturer name somewhere on the gun. 

There are, however, some different guns in the world. Guns with both looks and function that can’t be mistaken for more popular models, such as 1911s, ARs and Gen3s. Those differences can be all kinds of things, such as barrel placement, number of barrels, simply the profile or more. 

Why these different guns came to being matters less than the fact that they did, providing shooters with something that turns heads. Some have real-world capabilities, while others are picked up just for the fun of it. 

Charles Daly Triple Threat

While it might seem like something out of a sci-fi film, the Charles Daly Triple Threat is a real three-barrel shotgun, as is the Triple Crown and Triple Magnum shotguns. Designed to provide three quick shots, the Triple Threat comes in 12, 20, 28 and .410. This break-action shotgun even has a few models, from hunting to home defense, ranging from a 28-inch barrel down to 18.5 inches. The tactical model even comes with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics. The only downsides to this range stopper is there no barrel selector and it is not cheap. 

Calico M100

The futuristic look of the Calico M100 is exhibited by its use in the movie Spaceballs. This look comes from its top-mounted helical magazine that holds 100 rounds of .22 LR ammunition; 9mm versions are also available. The magazine uses a rotating central follower operated by a spiral spring. The magazine is actually quite reliable, if also time consuming to load. Unfortunately, Calico went out of business during the Federal Assault Weapons ban of 94. Of course, after that ban ended a decade later, shooters could purchase this thin, unique and kind of different gun. 

Chiappa Rhino

No one denies the Chiappa Rhino is ugly. It just is, but looks aren’t everything when it comes to firearms, particularly different guns. That weird looking barrel, which sits at the bottom of the cylinder, provides much different feeling recoil than a standard revolver. So much, in fact, that the Rhino is much easier to shoot, particularly in .357 Mag. Even better, the Rhino is available in a wide variety of materials, colors and barrel lengths. It just might be the most advanced revolver created. 

Standard Mfg. S333 Thunderstruck Revolver

Shooters have long loved double barrels, both in long guns and handguns, such as derringers. Most, however, are not designed to fire both barrels at once, especially from a revolver. The Standard Mfg. S333 Thunderstruck fires two .22 WMR rounds, one from each barrel, at the same time, for a total of eight shots in four trigger pulls.  It features an articulated safety integral into the trigger that requires a deliberate pull for the gun to fire. This might be good since the Thunderstruck doesn’t feature a full trigger guard. 

IFG Davide Pedersoli Howdah

A replica of the Auto & Burglar pistol produced by Ithaca Company, IFG Davide Pedersoli Howdah is a 10-inch double barrel handgun that fires .45 Colt/.410 shells.  It combines fine craftsmanship with something that is fun to shoot. It features walnut stocks and case-hardened actions for a look that harkens back to years ago. This handgun was actually quite popular in several counties for quick action against dangerous animals. Today, it provides a different gun option for hunting and the range. 

Altor Corp Single-Shot Pistol

Those looking for a simple handgun don’t have to looker further than the Altor Corp Single-Shot Pistol. The Altor comes in either 9mm or .380 ACP and features only six parts. That makes it simple to operate and clean, but it can only fire one shot before reloading. This handgun looks more like a garden hose nozzle or possible a Star Trek phaser; it doesn’t really look like gun. It is also very light, so felt recoil might be significant, and is loaded by removing the barrel. Still, shooters can pick one up for around a C note, so it might be something to consider for giggles. 

KelTec Sub2000 

Another thin and light rifle that is just a little different is the KelTec Sub2000. What makes it different is its storage ability; this PCC folds in half. It puts the Sub2000 right up there regarding truck and survival guns. The latest version even folds and twists, allowing it to be folded with an optic on the Picatinny rail, a problem with earlier versions. The Sub2000 comes chambered in 9mm, 10mm and 5.7×28, using either GLOCK or FN magazines, depending on the caliber. 

Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway 

Since most veterans consider themselves different, it stands to reason that a veteran-owned company would bring out a different gun. The Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway series are single-shot, bolt action firearms, available as a rifle, a pistol or a braced pistol. The 16-inch barrel on the rifle can be easily removed for storage and transport, as well as a caliber change. The pistol barrel removes for changing calibers, from either 9mm to 5.7×28 or vice versa. They even come with a Picatinny rail for optics and threads for a suppressor. 

FN PS90 

While the FN PS90 might be the least different gun of the list, all bullpup firearms are different, especially bullpups chambered in 5.7×28. Sure, the Five Seven is a great round, but no one is going to call it standard. The PS90 is a closed-bolt blowback system with a 16-inch, hammer-forge, chrome-lined barrel and ported muzzle brake. This makes the whole rifle just over 26 inches. It also comes with a sliding trigger, enlarge trigger guard and ambidextrous controls. The accessory rail allows mounting optics and it even has backup iron sights.  

Not everyone is into different guns, as shown by the best-selling brands and models. However, those that are typically get attention at the range, at the show or just from friends who like looking, handling and shooting something different. 

By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor