Echave y Arizmendi Lightning
Echave y Arizmendi S.A. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Lightning .25
Overview
The Echave y Arizmendi Lightning is a Spanish .25 ACP vest-pocket semi-automatic pistol, an Eibar-type copy of the FN/Browning Model 1906. Built in Eibar in Spain's Basque gunmaking region, it is a simple blowback-operated, striker-fired pocket pistol feeding from a detachable box magazine. Examples were exported to the United States around 1920 through the New York distributor Montague & Co.
Specifications
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| 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: Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Sights, Internal Striker
Production
Production years: c.1920
Commercial pocket-pistol production; totals unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Notes
One of numerous inexpensive 6.35mm pocket automatics produced by small Eibar workshops in the early 20th century; exact factory dimensions are not well documented.
Background
The little Lightning reached American gun counters around 1920 stamped for Montague & Co. of New York City, one of many Eibar-made .25 automatics rebranded with catchy English trade names for the U.S. mail-order market.