About this Event
As discussions of potential NATO–Russia confrontation persist, this event uses the contrast between sidearms produced by Beretta and the Russian Makarov pistol to examine how design, doctrine, and real-world use shape performance in the field. Drawing on Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm, which he will present at the event, Christian D. Orr brings a practitioner’s perspective—grounded in military, security, and defense analysis experience—to explore reliability under stress, ergonomics, maintenance, and the assumptions each system makes about its user.
Moving beyond a simple comparison, the discussion opens a broader look at how weapons reflect the institutions behind them: NATO standardization versus Soviet-era simplicity, training versus durability, and how these factors influence outcomes in conflict. Through this lens, the event connects a focused technical question to larger issues of military culture, preparedness, and the realities of modern warfare.
At each of our events you can expect a warm atmosphere, an ability to network as well as complimentary refreshments.
RSVP is recommended, and donations welcomed.
Each talk is broadcasted live from our auditorium when it starts at 6:00pm EST on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567824218964
Christian D. Orr is a defense analyst, military affairs journalist, and former U.S. Air Force Security Forces officer with additional experience in federal law enforcement and private security contracting. His career includes deployments and assignments across the United States, Middle East, Europe, and Asia, providing firsthand exposure to military operations and security environments.
He brings over 37 years of shooting experience, beginning at age 14. His marksmanship accomplishments include: the Air Force Small Arms Ribbon w/one device (for M16A2 rifle and M9 pistol); Pistol Expert Ratings from U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP); multiple medals and trophies via the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) and the Nevada Police & Fires Games (NPAF). Chris has been an NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor since 2011.
He currently serves as a Senior Defense Editor at 19FortyFive and has written extensively for outlets including The National Interest and RealClear Defense, focusing on military systems, strategy, and security issues. Orr holds a master’s degree in Intelligence Studies with a concentration in terrorism and is the author of Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm, examining the history and legacy of the Beretta 92 platform.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Free Peoples of Russia House, 301 Maryland Avenue Northeast, Washington, United States
USD 0.00
