Leonhardt
H.M. Gering & Co. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915
Overview
The Leonhardt is a German blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP, produced by H.M. Gering & Co. of Arnstadt during World War I. It is a near-identical rebrand of the Becker & Hollander Beholla, sharing the same fixed, pinned barrel and striker-fired single-action mechanism, and was manufactured as a stopgap secondary sidearm for the Imperial German Army amid chronic shortages of the Luger. Around 4,000 examples were built, distinguished chiefly by the 'Leonhardt' marking stamped on the slide.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 640 g (22.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Barrel Length | 75 mm (2.95") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 276 m/s (906 fps) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fixed Iron Sights, Pinned Barrel, Wood Grips
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Imperial German Army · adopted 1915
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,000 · Production years: 1915-1918
H.M. Gering & Co. of Arnstadt produced roughly 4,000 pistols sold under the Leonhardt name during WWI.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Becker & Hollander
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
Mechanically identical to the Beholla, the Leonhardt was one of several contractor rebrands of the same design (alongside the Menta and Stenda). Gering's output was small - roughly 4,000 pistols - and, unlike the Beholla, examples typically lack the maker's monogram on the grips.
Background
When Luger production could not keep pace with wartime demand, the German Army bought the simple Beholla design from any maker who could tool up for it - and the little Gering firm of Arnstadt stamped its roughly 4,000 examples 'Leonhardt', making them one of the scarcer WWI German pocket pistols today.