IMBEL M973
Industria de Material Belico do Brasil · Pistol · In Production · 1973
Also known as: Pistola 9 M973, IMBEL Pistola 9 M973, PST 9 M973
Overview
The IMBEL M973 is a Brazilian single-action semi-automatic pistol derived from the American M1911A1 design but rechambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge with a nine-round magazine. Built by IMBEL at the historic Itajuba arsenal, it served the Brazilian Army and security forces as a standard sidearm and retains the short-recoil action, grip safety, and manual thumb safety of its Colt parent.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1010 g (35.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1120 g (39.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 216 mm (8.50") |
| Barrel Length | 128 mm (5.04") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 253 m/s (830 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 238 J (176 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 9-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Grip Safety, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Single Action Only, M1911 Pattern, Fixed Iron Sights
Production
Production years: 1973-present
Adopted as a standard service pistol by the Brazilian Army.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Industria de Material Belico do Brasil (based on the Colt M1911A1)
Notes
Often designated 'Pistola 9 M973'. Production predates IMBEL's formal 1975 establishment, having begun at the Brazilian Army's Fabrica de Itajuba.
Background
Tracing its lineage to the Fabrica de Itajuba in Minas Gerais, the M973 reflects Brazil's long arsenal tradition of localizing proven foreign designs. By chambering the 1911 pattern in 9mm Parabellum, IMBEL gave Brazilian forces a domestically produced sidearm aligned with NATO-standard ammunition logistics.