Le Français
Manufacture Française d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne (Manufrance) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1914
Also known as: Le Francais, Manufrance Le Français
Overview
The Le Français is a French double-action-only semi-automatic pistol designed by Étienne Mimard and manufactured by Manufrance (Manufacture Française d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne). Introduced in 1914 in .25 ACP, it holds the distinction of being one of the first pistols to operate solely in double-action-only. Instead of racking a slide, the user releases a catch to tip the barrel up to load the first round, after which the pistol self-loads from the magazine. Larger Policeman and Army models followed, the latter chambered in 9mm Browning Long.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 157 mm (6.18") |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm (3.43") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 87 J (64 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35mm Browning, 6.35x16mmSR
- 9mm Browning Long — also known as 9x20mmSR, 9mm BL
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Double Action Only Trigger
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Double Action Only, No Manual Safety, No Slide Lock, Self Loading After First Shot
Variants
- Le Français Pocket — Pocket Model
- Le Français Policeman — Police Model
- Le Français Armée — Military Model
Service history
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1914-1969
Produced in Pocket, Policeman and Army models across more than five decades by Manufrance
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Étienne Mimard
Discontinued: 1969
Notes
Because the Le Français cannot be hand-cycled like a conventional pistol, the very first cartridge must be loaded by tipping the barrel; this distinctive break-open feature also doubles as a loaded-chamber and cleaning access.
Background
The Le Français was the first pistol designed to fire double-action-only - and it had no slide to rack at all; to chamber the first round you simply flipped the barrel up like a break-action shotgun.