Arizmendi Velodog
Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga · Revolver · Discontinued · 1900
Also known as: Arizmendi Velo-Dog, Francisco Arizmendi Velodog
Overview
The Arizmendi Velodog is a Spanish pocket revolver built in Eibar by Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga in the early 20th century. A double-action-only, folding-trigger design with a shrouded hammer for snag-free carry, it chambered the diminutive 5.5mm/6mm Velo-Dog cartridge and was sold widely for personal defence and export. Like the original French Velo-Dog, it was a small, easily concealed self-defence revolver rather than a service weapon.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Barrel Length | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 40 J (30 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 5 m (5 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog · primary — also known as 5.5x29.6mmR, 6mm Velo-Dog, Velo-Dog Calibre
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Loading Gate Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Double Action Only Trigger
- Features: Folding Trigger, Shrouded Hammer, Pocket Size, Snag Free Design, Solid Frame
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Production years: 1900-1936
Sold in large numbers under numerous trade names; Velo-Dog-type revolver production in Eibar peaked from 1900 through World War I. Exact Arizmendi figures unknown.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
Arizmendi produced Velo-Dog-type revolvers in 5.5mm/6mm Velo-Dog, and reportedly also in 8mm Velo-Dog and 7.62mm Nagant chamberings. Marked with the Arizmendi star-over-crescent and 'F.A.' initials and 'EIBAR'; many surviving examples carry German proof/import marks, indicating export toward Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Background
The Velo-Dog was born so cyclists could fend off aggressive dogs, taking its name from 'velocipede' plus 'dog'; some were even loaded with cayenne-pepper or wax rounds. Eibar firms like Arizmendi churned out cheap copies of the French original for the export trade.