Need Help With Firearm Research

[Bobby Twoboar]

I’ve been trying to get some information on the following firearm:

Trade Name:  L.E.S., Inc.
Manufacturer:  Rogak, Morton Grove, IL
Model:  P-18
Double-Action Semi-Auto Pistol
Caliber:  9mm
Barrel Length:  5 1/2"
Magazine Capacity:  18 rounds
Finish:  Matte Stainless Steel
Sights:  Fixed
Serial#:  1 22XX

The only written information I’ve been able to find on this is (1) it’s referenced and discussed in an article written by Gene Gangarosa, Jr., entitled STEYR’S GB:  Too Good to be True?, in the 1994 issue of Gun Digest (Page 44).  At one time, I tried to contact the author through the Gun Digest publisher but was unsuccessful and (2) it appears under L.E.S. on page 990 of the 2007 (28th Edition) Blue Book of Gun Values by S. P. Fjestad.

This firearm is unique is several aspects, the first of which is the ironic fact that it’s place of manufacture (Morton Grove) was the first Illinois suburb to enact a handgun ban.

Another interesting feature is that its barrel appears to have what is called polygonal rifling.  But as I’m no expert on the appearance of that technique, it’s one of the things I’d like to verify if possible.

What I would really like to do is obtain a copy (even a xerox copy) of the owner’s manual that accompanied this pistol when it was new.  There were supposedly some 2,300 manufactured before LES/Rogak went out of business so I think there’s a pretty good chance there’s more than several still out there in various owner’s hands.

Also if someone might be able to tell me how I could contact Mr. Gangarosa, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all.

[St. George]

Your best bet is to go to a good search engine and type in the weapon's name.

You 'should' be able to find someone who deals in firearms 'literature' and sales brochures.

It was never popular at the time - simply because it didn't work - and it was judged to be most effective when thrown...

Today - it's almost a 'collectable' - and that puts a different spin on things.

Gangarosa was/is a pretty prolific gun writer - you should be able to find him easily.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!