Azanza y Arrizabalaga M1916
Azanza y Arrizabalaga · Pistol · Discontinued · 1916
Also known as: Ruby (AA), A.A. Reims, Modelo 1916
Overview
The Azanza y Arrizabalaga M1916 is a Spanish semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP, built in Eibar as one of the many Ruby-pattern handguns supplied to the French Army during the First World War. It uses an unlocked straight-blowback action derived from the FN Browning Model 1903/1910 layout, feeding from a nine-round detachable box magazine with a heel release. Cheap, simple, and produced in large numbers under subcontract, examples were marked with the maker's code 'AA' in an oval for French military acceptance.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 85 mm (3.35") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 193 J (142 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 ACP, 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mm Browning SR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Heel Magazine Release, Lanyard Loop
Service history
Operators
- French Army · adopted 1916 · as Pistolet Automatique de 7 millim.65 genre "Ruby"
- Italian Army · adopted 1916
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1916-1919
One of dozens of Eibar subcontractors meeting French wartime demand for Ruby-type pistols; exact output for Azanza y Arrizabalaga is not separately documented.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
Produced by Azanza y Arrizabalaga of Eibar under the broad French Ruby-pistol contracts coordinated through Gabilondo y Urresti. French-accepted guns carry an oval 'AA' maker code and acceptance stars near the magazine well. The firm also marketed pistols under trade names such as 'Reims' and is later associated with the Jo-Lo-Ar name.
Background
When the French Army's huge 1915 Ruby contract outstripped Gabilondo y Urresti's capacity, production was spread across a network of small Basque gunmakers in Eibar, including Azanza y Arrizabalaga, whose 'AA' marking lets collectors identify their guns among the otherwise near-identical Ruby variants.