Mann Model 1920
Fritz Mann Feinmaschinen-, Waffen- und Werkzeugfabrik · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Mann .25, Mann Vest Pocket Pistol, Fritz Mann Model 1920
Overview
The Mann Model 1920 is a German blowback-operated vest-pocket semi-automatic pistol chambered in .25 ACP. Designed by Fritz Mann and built at Suhl-Neundorf in Thuringia, it was conceived as one of the smallest and thinnest .25 ACP pistols ever made. In place of a conventional slide it used a solid one-piece milled steel frame with a barrel that protruded from the front and could be twisted out for removal, while a patented circular groove machined into the chamber caused the fired case to flow into the groove and momentarily delay the breech, allowing a lighter breechblock in the compact frame.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 230 g (8.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 104 mm (4.09") |
| Barrel Length | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Height | 69 mm (2.72") |
| Width | 18 mm (0.71") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 5-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Bar Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Slideless One-Piece Milled Frame, Removable Twist-Out Barrel, Patented Grooved Chamber Delaying Action, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Production
Estimated total produced: 20,000 · Production years: 1920-1924
Fewer than 20,000 examples are believed to have been produced across the Model 1920 and 1921 before poor sales ended production.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Fritz Mann
Discontinued: 1924
Notes
The Model 1920 carried two loaded-chamber indicators (a pin on the left side and a spring-loaded bar on the right); the later Model 1921 simplified this to a single left-side indicator and changed the grips.
Background
Fritz Mann set out to build the smallest and most concealable .25 ACP pocket pistol of its era, dispensing with a slide entirely in favor of a slim milled frame and a twist-out barrel. Despite the clever grooved-chamber delay mechanism, the unconventional design and weak post-war German market gave it only a brief commercial life.