Clement Mle 1903
Charles Ph. Clement · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1903
Also known as: Clement Model 1903, Clement Automatic Pistol Model 1903
Overview
The Clement Mle 1903 is a Belgian semi-automatic blowback pocket pistol designed by Charles Philibert Clement and built in Liege. An original design rather than a Browning copy, it is most distinctive for its recoil spring mounted above the bolt and its magazine catch set into the backstrap. The pistol originally chambered the proprietary 5mm Clement cartridge, with later examples adapted to the more commercially successful .25 ACP.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 440 g (15.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Barrel Length | 69 mm (2.72") |
| Height | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Width | 24 mm (0.94") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 313 m/s (1027 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 88 J (65 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5mm Clement (5x18mm SR) · primary — also known as 5mm Clement Auto, 5x18mm Clement, 5mm Charola
- 6.35x16mm Browning SR (.25 ACP) — also known as .25 ACP, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Recoil Spring Above Bolt, Backstrap Magazine Release, Fixed Barrel
Variants
- Clement Mle 1903 (.25 ACP) — Alternate Caliber
Production
Production years: 1903-1908
No precise total survives; the original 5mm Clement 1903 is considered extremely rare by collectors. The design lineage influenced Smith & Wesson's .35 Automatic Pistol of 1913
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Charles Ph. Clement
Discontinued: 1908
Notes
The 5mm Clement cartridge fired a long, lightweight bullet that was inadequately stabilized and tended to tumble in flight. The Clement firm built successor models (1907, 1908, 1910, 1912) and a revolver before the First World War ended its business.
Background
An original Belgian rival to Browning's FN pocket pistols, the Clement 1903's design lineage crossed the Atlantic to become the basis for Smith & Wesson's first semi-automatic pistol, the .35 Automatic Model of 1913.