Franz Stock Pistol
Franz Stock Maschinenbau & Werkzeugfabrik · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Franz Stock 7.65mm, Stock Type 1, Franz Stock Berlin
Overview
The Franz Stock Pistol is a German blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning). Designed by Walter Decker and built in Berlin from around 1920, it was an improved development of the Becker & Hollander Beholla pistol, retaining the simple fixed-barrel striker-fired design with an eight-round detachable magazine. Marked 'FRANZ STOCK-BERLIN, D.R.P.', it saw limited adoption by the Berlin police and the Austrian customs service during the Weimar era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 655 g (23.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 173 mm (6.81") |
| Barrel Length | 101 mm (3.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 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, Concealed Striker
Service history
Operators
- Berlin Police
- Austrian Customs Service
Production
Estimated total produced: 25,000 · Production years: 1920-1940
Estimated under 25,000 of the 7.65mm pistols; fewer than 50,000 across all Franz Stock pistol types.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Walter Decker
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
A smaller 6.35mm (.25 ACP) pocket model and a .22 LR target pistol were also produced. Total Franz Stock pistol output across all calibers is estimated at under 50,000 units.
Background
Carl Bernhard Franz Stock's Berlin firm was primarily a machine and tool factory; pistol manufacture was a minor sideline. The same basic design also yielded the first German self-loading .22 target pistol, which won the 1928 German shooting championship.