Carpati Md. 74
Fabrica de Arme Cugir · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1974
Also known as: Pistol Carpati Md. 1974, Md. 74
Overview
The Carpati Md. 74 is a Romanian compact double-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) and built at Fabrica de Arme Cugir. A straight-blowback design loosely based on the Walther PP family but with a lightweight duralumin frame, it served as the standard sidearm of the Romanian police and replaced the Tokarev TT in many roles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 520 g (18.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 168 mm (6.61") |
| Barrel Length | 91 mm (3.58") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 285 m/s (935 fps) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, .32 Automatic
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker
- Features: Double Action Single Action Trigger, Fixed Sights, Duralumin Frame
Variants
- Carpati Md. 95 — All Steel 380
Service history
Operators
- Romanian Police · adopted 1974
- Romanian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Romanian Revolution (1989)
Production
Production years: 1974-2020
Long-running police and commercial production at Cugir
Origin
Country of origin: Romania
Discontinued: 2020
Notes
Construction is similar to the Walther PP/PPK but it is not a direct copy; the body is made of duralumin. A later commercial Md. 95 variant moved to heavier all-steel construction in .380 ACP.
Background
Named after Romania's Carpathian Mountains, the little Carpati was the everyday sidearm of Romanian police for decades and is one of the most commonly encountered post-war Romanian handguns.