Echave y Arizmendi Protector
Echave, Arizmendi y Cia (Echasa) · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1920
Also known as: EA Protector, Protector 6.35mm
Overview
The Echave y Arizmendi Protector is a Spanish 6.35mm (.25 ACP) blowback semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol produced in Eibar, Spain. Sold under the 'Protector' trade name, it is an Eibar-type derivative of the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket / Browning Baby pattern, using a simple blowback action, an internal striker (hammerless) firing mechanism, a detachable box magazine, and a manual thumb safety at the rear of the frame together with a magazine safety. Like most Eibar pocket pistols of its era it was an inexpensive, concealable civilian self-defense arm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 360 g (12.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Barrel Length | 54 mm (2.13") |
| Height | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Width | 20 mm (0.79") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker 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 | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| 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 Thumb Safety, Magazine Safety
- Features: Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Sights, Hammerless Striker
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Production years: 1920-1936
One of numerous Eibar-type pocket pistols produced by Echave y Arizmendi; exact figures for the Protector trade name are unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
'Protector' was one of several trade names (alongside Bronco, Basque, E.A., Lightning, Pathfinder and Renard) under which Echave y Arizmendi marketed its small Browning-pattern pocket pistols. Exact dimensions were not individually published for the Protector-branded model; the figures given are typical of the 6.35mm Colt Vest Pocket-type pistols it copied.
Background
Echave y Arizmendi, founded in Eibar in the early 1910s, marketed near-identical .25 pocket pistols under a whole catalogue of names, letting a single blowback design masquerade as 'Protector,' 'Bronco,' 'Lightning' and more to reach different export markets.