Brixia M1913

Metallurgica Bresciana gia Tempini · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1913

Also known as: Pistola Automatica Modello 913 tipo Regia Marina, Glisenti Brixia M1913, Brixia Model 1913

Overview

The Brixia M1913 was an Italian semi-automatic pistol developed from the Glisenti Model 1910 and chambered for the reduced-power 9mm Glisenti cartridge. Produced by Metallurgica Bresciana gia Tempini of Brescia (whose Latin name, Brixia, gave the pistol its commercial designation), it was offered as a simplified and strengthened version of the earlier service pistol. The M1913 shares the short-recoil, striker-fired locked-breech mechanism with a separate rectangular bolt, but its frame was reinforced, its profile streamlined, and the grip safety of the M1910 was deleted. None of its parts interchange with the original Glisenti. Around 5,000 were delivered, chiefly to the Italian Navy.

Specifications

Weight (empty)950 g (33.5 oz)
Overall Length207 mm (8.15")
Barrel Length95 mm (3.74")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity7 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity320 m/s (1050 fps)
Muzzle Energy410 J (302 ft·lbf)
Effective Range15 m (16 yd)
Maximum Range30 m (33 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Base model

Glisenti-M1910

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 5,000 · Production years: 1913-1914

Approximately 5,000 pistols delivered, primarily to the Italian Navy (Regia Marina).

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Designer: Bethel Abiel Revelli

Discontinued: 1914

Notes

Official Italian designation Pistola Automatica Modello 913 tipo Regia Marina. Despite the strengthened frame, the gun was still restricted to the low-pressure 9mm Glisenti load and could fail catastrophically if fired with full-power 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition.

Background

Brixia is the ancient Roman name for the city of Brescia, home of the Metallurgica Bresciana gia Tempini works that built the pistol. Like the Glisenti it derived from, the Brixia will happily chamber a 9x19mm Parabellum round because the two cartridges are dimensionally identical - but the gun's action is built only for the weaker 9mm Glisenti load, so firing Luger ammunition risks blowing the pistol apart.