Helfricht Pistol
A. Krausser Waffenfabrik · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Helkra, Helfricht Selbstladepistole
Overview
The Helfricht is a German .25 ACP blowback semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol designed by Hugo Helfricht of Zella-Mehlis, who patented the design in 1920. It was manufactured and sold by Alfred Krausser's A. Krausser Waffenfabrik under the 'Helkra' brand name. The pistol is notable for its slide and breechblock formed from a single piece of steel and a distinctive split ejection port milled from both the slide and frame, which only aligns when the slide is fully cycled to the rear. Produced in four variations during the 1920s, fewer than 4,000 examples were made.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 323 g (11.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 105 mm (4.13") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| 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 | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| 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 Design, Concealed Hammer, Split Ejection Port, One Piece Slide Breechblock, Fixed Sights
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,000 · Production years: 1920-1929
Fewer than 4,000 pistols produced across four variations; manufacturing concentrated around 1922-1923 in Zella-Mehlis
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Hugo Helfricht
Discontinued: 1929
Notes
The 'Helkra' brand name was coined by combining the first three letters of the names Helfricht and Krausser. Four distinct variations were produced, differing in grip style, safety lever configuration, and barrel/slide alignment; the third variation is the most commonly encountered.
Background
Hugo Helfricht patented his pocket pistol in 1920, but lacking manufacturing capacity he partnered with fellow Zella-Mehlis maker Alfred Krausser, whose firm produced and marketed the gun under the portmanteau brand 'Helkra'.