Clement Mle 1907
Charles Ph. Clement · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1907
Also known as: Clement Model 1907, Clement Automatic Pistol Model 1907, Clement 1907 6.35mm
Overview
The Clement Mle 1907 is a Belgian semi-automatic blowback pocket pistol designed by Charles Philibert Joseph Clement and built in Liege. A more compact development of his earlier 1903 design, the 1907 abandoned the striker-fired mechanism in favour of a redesigned stirrup-shaped bolt carrying an internal hammer, whose mainspring helped retard the blowback action. Chambered for the .25 ACP cartridge and fed from a six-round detachable magazine, it was a true vest-pocket pistol intended for civilian self-defence.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 395 g (13.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 119 mm (4.69") |
| Barrel Length | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Height | 85 mm (3.35") |
| Width | 24 mm (0.94") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 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 |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Internal Hammer, Stirrup Shaped Bolt, Recoil Spring Above Bolt, Fixed Barrel
Production
Production years: 1907-1909
Limited production; the .25 ACP variant is considered scarce by collectors. A 7.65mm (.32 ACP) chambering was also offered.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Charles Philibert Joseph Clement
Discontinued: 1909
Notes
The Model 1907 retained the Clement family trait of a recoil spring mounted above the bolt. Early examples carried convex serrated bolt gripping surfaces and a backstrap magazine catch; later production flattened the serrations and moved the catch to the lower left grip. The design was soon superseded by the Model 1909, which added tool-free hinged-barrel field stripping.
Background
One of a family of original Belgian pocket pistols that competed with FN-Browning's dominant designs, the Clement 1907's internal-hammer bolt was an unusual engineering answer to taming blowback recoil in a tiny .25 calibre frame.