The YAVUZ 16 Regard is positioned within the full-size service pistol category. Chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum, it reflects NATO-standard ammunition compatibility and widespread logistical availability. The platform follows the proven Browning-type short recoil operating principle, in which the barrel and slide recoil together briefly after firing before unlocking to cycle the next round.

Operational Role and Purpose

The primary role of the YAVUZ 16 Regard is:

• Law enforcement service pistol
• Personal defense sidearm
• Security and duty carry
• Civilian defensive and range use

Its 18-round magazine capacity provides extended engagement capability compared to traditional 15-round service pistols.

Doctrine and Employment Concept

The pistol employs a traditional DA/SA trigger system:

• First shot: Double Action (longer, heavier trigger pull for safety)
• Subsequent shots: Single Action (shorter, lighter trigger pull)

This configuration balances safety and rapid follow-up shot capability. The exposed hammer allows visual and tactile confirmation of the weapon’s status.

Platform Architecture

The YAVUZ 16 Regard features:

• Steel slide
• Alloy metal frame
• Cold hammer-forged barrel (125 mm)
• External hammer
• Manual safety lever
• Firing pin safety
• Loaded chamber indicator

The metal frame adds weight compared to polymer-framed pistols, which can contribute to improved recoil absorption and stability during rapid fire.

Survivability and Safety Concept

The pistol incorporates multiple mechanical safety mechanisms:

• Manual thumb safety
• Firing pin safety
• Loaded chamber indicator

These features are designed to prevent accidental discharge and provide situational awareness regarding chamber status.

As a handgun platform, it does not incorporate ballistic protection features; survivability depends on user tactics and protective equipment.

Accuracy and Ballistic Performance

The 125 mm cold hammer-forged barrel enhances barrel life and structural uniformity. While manufacturer-published grouping data is not publicly detailed, full-size 9 mm service pistols typically maintain effective engagement ranges up to approximately 50 meters.

Muzzle velocity depends on ammunition type; specific official velocity data for this model is not publicly detailed.

Integration and Ecosystem

The YAVUZ 16 Regard is compatible with:

• Standard 9x19 mm NATO ammunition
• Various projectile types (FMJ, JHP, etc.)
• Standard service holsters
• Spare magazines

It is a standalone small-arms platform and does not incorporate digital battlefield integration systems.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• High 18-round capacity
• Proven DA/SA trigger system
• Durable metal frame construction
• Cold hammer-forged barrel

Limitations:

• Heavier than polymer alternatives
• No publicly confirmed optics-ready slide cut
• Limited modular grip customization

Variants and Export

The YAVUZ 16 family includes different finish and sight configurations. GİRSAN exports firearms internationally; however, publicly confirmed country-specific inventory data for the Regard variant is limited.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Overall length: 217 mm
• Barrel length: 125 mm
• Height: 137 mm
• Width: 33 mm
• Weight (unloaded): approx. 874 g
• Magazine capacity: 18 rounds

Operating System

• Operation: Short recoil, locked breech
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Trigger system: DA/SA
• External hammer

Ammunition

• Caliber: 9x19 mm Parabellum
• NATO compatible

Sight System

• Dovetail front sight
• Fixed rear sight
• Replaceable sight options (public data limited)

Safety Systems

• Manual safety
• Firing pin safety
• Loaded chamber indicator

Logistics and Maintenance

• Standard detachable box magazine
• Field stripping achievable by trained user
• Single-operator platform

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YAVUZ 16 Regard used for?

• It is primarily designed as a service and defensive pistol for law enforcement, security personnel, and civilian self-defense users.

What is its effective range?

• Like most full-size 9 mm service pistols, its practical effective range is approximately 50 meters under typical conditions.

How many rounds does it hold?

• The standard magazine capacity is 18 rounds of 9x19 mm ammunition.

Is it polymer or metal framed?

• It features a metal (alloy) frame with a steel slide, contributing to durability and recoil control.

What type of trigger does it use?

• It uses a traditional DA/SA trigger system with an exposed hammer.

Is it NATO compatible?

• Yes, it is chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum and compatible with NATO-standard ammunition.

How does it compare to other service pistols?

• It competes in the full-size, metal-framed DA/SA service pistol segment. Compared to polymer-framed pistols, it offers greater mass for recoil management but at the cost of increased weight.

Sources

• GİRSAN official product catalogs
• GİRSAN official website product listings
• Publicly available technical brochures
• Open-source defense and firearms industry publications