I was given a bunch of pistols and pistol parts by a friend of mine a few months ago. He used to run a pawn shop that closed in 2007, and he had a bunch of pistols after closing that needed parts for them to be functional. In the grpup were these two pieces of junk. They were complete pistols and function fine.

The top one is an RG 23 in 22LR. The bottom is a Clerke 1st in 32 S&W.

I knew that Clerke made starter pistols, but had no idea they actually made this thing. Reading up on it I found that it sold new in 1973 for $15.00! I have to say that it is the WORST pistol I have ever handled. I don't think I will even shoot it it's so bad. Pot metal frame of course. Only steel parts are the cylinder, barrel liner and some of the internal parts. I have read you might be able to shoot 100 rounds through it before the firing pin either breaks of gets worn out.

The RG 23 is a step above the Clerke! It is one of the later ones made in the early 80s when RG started assembling them in the U.S., not one of the original German imports that came in before the 1968 gun contol act made them illegal to import. I actually took this one to the range a few weeks ago and it worked fine, but I don't think it has a long service life. Pot metal frame with steel cylinder and barrel. Interesting way to add a top strap to the barrel. This one is a step up from the RG 10 or 14, which I have handeled each of those and they are dangerous to say the least.

Fit and finish on both pistols leave a lot to be desired to say the least!

Not shown here is the Bryco Jennings 9 that also came with the group. Next to these two pistols, the Bryco seems like a well made pistol!

So, what are your thoughts on these two Saturday Night Special examples? What do you think is the worst modern pistol ever made? For me, it is hands down the Clerke 1st. Thank goodness Clerke didn't make a 2nd!