Davis-Warner Infallible
Davis-Warner Arms Corporation · Pistol · Discontinued · 1917
Also known as: Warner Infallible, The Infallible, Davis-Warner Arms Infallible
Overview
The Davis-Warner Infallible is a striker-fired, blowback-operated .32 ACP pocket pistol produced in the United States from 1917 to 1919. Developed by designer Andrew Fyrberg for the Warner Arms Corporation, it grew out of the company's earlier importation of the Austrian Schwarzlose 1908 blow-forward pistol, whose leftover tooling and parts were reused. Unlike the Schwarzlose, the Infallible used a conventional breechblock rather than an integral slide to avoid Browning's patents. Its grips were trademarked 'Blocks the Sear' in reference to its safety mechanism, though the design earned a reputation for being awkward and fragile, with roughly 7,000 to 8,000 made before production ceased.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 638 g (22.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 83 mm (3.27") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Sear Block
- Features: Fixed Sights, Concealed Carry, Pocket Pistol
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,000 · Production years: 1917-1919
Approximately 7,000-8,000 made; figures vary by source. Built using tooling and parts left over from Schwarzlose 1908 production.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Andrew Fyrberg
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
Originated as the Warner Arms 'Infallible' before the 1917 merger that formed Davis-Warner Arms Corporation. Produced in several minor type variations (Type I/II/III). The rear takedown lever and push-pin could allow the breechblock to fly rearward if reassembled incorrectly.
Background
Marketed under the optimistic name 'Infallible', the pistol struggled to live up to its billing and is sometimes derided as one of the ugliest and most awkward pocket pistols of its era, making surviving examples prized curios among collectors today.