Legia Pistol
Anciens Etablissements Pieper · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915
Also known as: Legia, Pieper Legia
Overview
The Legia Pistol is a Belgian .25 ACP vest-pocket semi-automatic pistol produced by Anciens Etablissements Pieper of Herstal-Liege. A close copy of the FN Browning Model 1906, it is a striker-fired, blowback-operated pocket pistol fed by a detachable six-round magazine. The 'Legia Pistol' trademark was registered in 1915, with commercial production continuing into the early 1920s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Barrel Length | 54 mm (2.13") |
| Height | 79 mm (3.11") |
| 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 | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.35x16mm Browning (.25 ACP) · primary — also known as .25 ACP, 6.35mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Vest Pocket Size, Checkered Grips, Fixed Sights
Service history
Operators
- Civilian
Production
Production years: 1915-1921
Exact production figures unknown; a small-scale commercial pocket-pistol run.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Discontinued: 1921
Notes
Named after Legia, the Latin name for Liege. Marked 'ANCIENS ETABLISSEMENTS PIEPER / HERSTAL-LIEGE' and referencing Browning's patent. Sources give conflicting attribution between the Pieper firm and Nicolas Pieper; the design was reportedly derived from a patent acquired from Hippolyte Thonon.
Background
The pistol takes its name from Legia, the ancient Latin name for the city of Liege at the heart of Belgium's historic gunmaking district.