Arizmendi Ideal
Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga · Pistol · Discontinued · 1914
Also known as: Ydeal, Arizmendi Ideal
Overview
The Arizmendi Ideal is a compact blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol produced by the Eibar firm of Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga in Spain. Chambered primarily in .32 ACP (with smaller .25 ACP examples also made), it is a Browning-pattern automatic that was one of the firm's principal commercial models alongside the Singer, Walman and Victor. Externally derived from the FN/Pieper pocket-pistol layout of the period, it uses a fixed barrel, striker firing mechanism and a detachable box magazine, with a frame-mounted thumb safety and a magazine safety. Sold under the 'Ideal' (also styled 'Ydeal') trade name, it was one of the many near-identical Eibar pocket automatics that flooded the European civilian and wartime markets in the early 20th century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 354 g (12.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Barrel Length | 82 mm (3.23") |
| 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 | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
- .25 ACP — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety, Magazine Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights
Production
Production years: 1914-1936
Produced in Eibar until the Spanish Civil War disrupted the region's gunmaking trade; exact output unrecorded.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Francisco Arizmendi
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
Arizmendi was regarded as one of the more competent Eibar makers; the Ideal/Ydeal was sold alongside the firm's Singer, Walman and Victor pistols. Some sources also record the name applied to .25 ACP vest-pocket models.
Background
Eibar's gunmakers competed less on engineering than on branding, stamping essentially the same Browning-copy pocket pistol with aspirational commercial names like 'Ideal' to catch the eye of civilian buyers and wartime contract agents.