Arizmendi Roland
Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1914
Also known as: Roland, Arizmendi Roland Pocket Pistol
Overview
The Arizmendi Roland is a Spanish .32 ACP blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol produced by Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga of Eibar. It is one of the many Eibar pocket automatics derived from John Browning's 1906-patent striker-fired vest-pocket design, built largely by hand to cottage-industry standards. The same gun was sold under the 'Singer' trade name depending on the year of manufacture, and the Roland name was applied to inexpensive concealable pistols intended for civilian self-defence and the export trade.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 620 g (21.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Barrel Length | 80 mm (3.15") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 190 J (140 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Single Action, Heel Magazine Release
Production
Production years: 1914-1936
Produced as part of the large Eibar pocket-pistol trade; exact figures not recorded
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Francisco Arizmendi y Goenaga
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
The 'Roland' was one of several Arizmendi trade names alongside Ideal, Singer, Victor and Brunswig. Build quality of Eibar pistols of this period varied widely as many parts required hand fitting.
Background
During World War I the French military's demand for sidearms turned the Basque town of Eibar into a vast cottage-industry hub for cheap Browning-pattern automatics. Makers like Francisco Arizmendi churned out near-identical .32 pistols under dozens of fanciful trade names such as Roland, leaving collectors today to untangle a confusing web of nearly interchangeable Eibar pocket guns.