What is the next major advancement for pistols?

[Eagle103]

I'm also in the optics camp. Modern handguns are in most cases extremely reliable, about as small as they can reasonably be regarding physics and mechanical necessities, and the projectiles are reasonably effective. The issue for most of us is putting it on target. I can see red dots and lasers continuing to get smaller and more integrated as well as easier to use and more cost effective. Beyond that is where things could really get interesting. Enhanced computer aided target acquisition, aimpoint stabilization etc. but those types of things may only be practical for larger weapons, at least initially.

 

[Texas10mm]

A red dot using light wave interference technology. A couple of emitters in something that's low profile and no bigger than a standard rear sight. But it would project a red dot in the air for use as an aiming point. No lenes, no housing. Just the dot.

 

[theotherwaldo]

Sights,
They are the weakness of the short gun.
I was working on a design where a dimmable LED in the receiver fed light into optical fibers that are crimped into recesses in the slide and are threaded into holes in the sights.
The LED is turned on by turning off the safety.

 

[theotherwaldo]

-I was inspired by the fact that every time I've needed a gun, the light level was too high to quickly pick out the night sights but too dim to clearly see the front sight.
I had a LaserMax guide rod laser the last time but I was too busy using my off hand to activate the device.
Luckily, I didn't have to fire and the police took care of the problem a few days later.

 

[mrmeval]

This requires some field research. Who has a 7.62x25 they want to donate?

On a slightly more serious note, Hydrogen powered caseless. Gas and projectiles in one magazine. Business in the front of the mag, party in the back. A srping would feed the projectiles as usual and gas pressure would operate the small internals to chamber and fire. Gas explosion would be contained by the "slide" that wouldn't slide.
I can't profess to knowing the amount of gas needed per shot for such a device or the energy in any certain amount of gas, but it would work. Maybe oxy/acetylene? Propane? Mapp? I'm open to testing prototypes if anyone wants to make one?
For all of you physics guys and gals out there, is it possible to have an appropriate amount of energy stored in a gas mixture toe propel a bullet or is it better to start with a solid propellant like we have now?

The military has never embraced it. They did test the concept. Hydrogen is out as it embrittles metal.
This guy was assassinated for providing such technology to the Iraqis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Bull

 

[Bigborgel]

Someone needs to design/manufacture a double stack .22lr mag that won't jam.

 

[Texas10mm]

Someone needs to design/manufacture a double stack .22lr mag that won't jam.

I've had good luck with my 16 round SR22 mags.