Destructor

Iraola Salaverria y Cia · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915

Also known as: Destructor Auto Model, Iraola Salaverria Destructor

Overview

The Destructor is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol built by Iraola Salaverria y Cia of Eibar during the early 20th century. A classic Eibar-type design derived from the Browning-pattern Ruby pistol, it chambers the .32 ACP cartridge, feeds from a detachable single-stack magazine, and was produced in large numbers during and after the First World War for commercial sale and military contracts.

Specifications

Weight (empty)833 g (29.4 oz)
Overall Length155 mm (6.10")
Barrel Length87 mm (3.43")
Height125 mm (4.92")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity9 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity300 m/s (984 fps)
Muzzle Energy200 J (148 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1915-1930

One of many Eibar workshops mass-producing Ruby-type pistols during and after WWI.

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Discontinued: 1930

Notes

"Destructor" was a trade name applied to Eibar-pattern pistols made by Iraola Salaverria y Cia; a smaller 6.35mm (.25 ACP) vest-pocket version was also produced.

Background

During the First World War the French army's desperate need for sidearms was met by dozens of small Eibar workshops in the Basque Country, each turning out Browning-pattern pistols under a bewildering array of trade names. Iraola Salaverria's "Destructor" was one such gun, cranked out alongside countless near-identical Ruby copies to arm French poilus and fill the civilian export market.