Kolibri 2.7mm
Georg Grabner · Pistol · Discontinued · 1914
Also known as: 2.7mm Kolibri, Kolibri Car Pistol
Overview
The Kolibri (German for 'hummingbird') is the smallest commercially produced centerfire semi-automatic pistol in the world, designed by Austrian watchmaker Franz Pfannl and manufactured by Georg Grabner. Introduced in 1914 and derived from Pfannl's earlier Erika pistol, it fired the tiny 2.7mm Kolibri cartridge from a smoothbore barrel using a simple blowback action and an internal striker. Marketed as a discreet lady's defense and novelty pistol, its 0.2 g bullet at roughly 4 joules made it ballistically negligible, and it is generally regarded as a curiosity rather than a serious weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 220 g (7.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 67 mm (2.64") |
| Barrel Length | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4 J (3 ft·lbf) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 2.7mm Kolibri · primary — also known as 2.7x9mm Kolibri, 2mm Kolibri
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Smoothbore Barrel, Internal Striker, Worlds Smallest Centerfire Pistol, Novelty Vest Pistol
Variants
- Kolibri 3mm — Larger Caliber
Production
Estimated total produced: 3,500 · Production years: 1914-1938
Estimates conflict (~3,500 vs fewer than 1,000); production interrupted by World War I.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Franz Pfannl
Discontinued: 1938
Notes
Sources disagree on production figures (~3,500 vs <1,000 total) and on the production end date (1920s vs 1938). Magazine capacity cited as 5 or 6 rounds; 6 used here. A 3mm Kolibri variant was also offered. Loading the tiny rounds reportedly required tweezers.
Background
The Kolibri was sold in an embroidered silk purse small enough to vanish into a palm, conceived as discreet self-defense for women. Period commentary suggested its 3-grain bullet was more credible as a deterrent against stray dogs than against an armed assailant.