Lignose Einhand
Lignose AG (Abteilung Suhl) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1922
Also known as: Einhand, Einhandpistole, Bergmann Einhand, Lignose Model 2
Overview
The Lignose Einhand is a German blowback-operated, semi-automatic vest pocket pistol chambered in 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP). Its defining feature is a one-hand cocking mechanism: the front curve of the trigger guard doubles as a cocking lever, so pulling it rearward with the trigger finger retracts the slide, chambers a round, and cocks the action without the off hand. Designed by Louis Schmeisser around 1910 and first built by Waffenfabrik Bergmann as the Bergmann Einhand, production was taken over by Lignose AG of Berlin (Abteilung Suhl) from 1922 until roughly 1928, giving the design its 'Einhand' (one-hand) name.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 370 g (13.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 113 mm (4.45") |
| Barrel Length | 54 mm (2.13") |
| Height | 80 mm (3.15") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| 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 | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: One Hand Cocking, Trigger Guard Cocking Lever, Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Sights
Variants
- Lignose Einhand Model 2A — Extended Grip
- Lignose Pistole 3A — Conventional Slide
Service history
Operators
- German civilian market
Production
Production years: 1922-1928
Originally produced by Waffenfabrik Bergmann from 1912 (as the Bergmann Einhand); Lignose AG manufactured it from 1922 to about 1928.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1928
Notes
The base model holds six rounds; the Model 2A adds an extended grip and a nine-round magazine. The later Pistole 3A, designed by Hugo Schmeisser, dropped the one-hand cocking mechanism for a conventional slide.
Background
The Einhand earned its name, German for 'one-handed', from a brass cocking piece integrated into the trigger guard that let a shooter rack the slide and ready the pistol using only the trigger finger of the firing hand, a feature marketed to those who might need to draw and ready the gun while the other hand was occupied.