MAB PA-8
Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne (MAB) · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1966
Also known as: MAB P-8, MAB Pistolet Automatique 8
Overview
The MAB PA-8 (also styled P-8) was a French semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1966 by Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne alongside its better-known double-stack sibling, the PA-15. The PA-8 shared the PA-15's unusual delayed-blowback action with a Savage-Searle-type rotating barrel, but used a slimmer single-stack magazine holding 8 rounds of 9x19mm Parabellum instead of the PA-15's 15. Aimed at commercial and export buyers who preferred a thinner grip, the single-stack PA-8 proved far less popular than the high-capacity PA-15 and was discontinued shortly after introduction.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Height | 138 mm (5.43") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 456 J (336 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Frame Mounted Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Savage Searle Rotating Barrel, Single Stack Magazine, External Hammer, Fixed Dovetailed Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French civilian export market
Production
Production years: 1966
Short-lived single-stack version; produced in small numbers before being dropped in favor of the double-stack PA-15
Origin
Country of origin: France
Notes
The PA-8 is the short-lived single-stack variant of the PA-15; the model number refers to its 8-round magazine capacity. Because so few were made, detailed individual specifications are scarce and most figures are inferred from the closely related PA-15.
Background
Released the same year as the record-setting 15-round PA-15, the PA-8 was MAB's answer for shooters who wanted a slimmer grip, but the market overwhelmingly favored the high-capacity model and the 8-round version quickly faded into obscurity.