Martin Bascaran Thunder M1919
Martin A. Bascaran · Pistol · Discontinued · 1919
Also known as: Thunder 6.35mm, Bascaran Thunder, Martian Thunder
Overview
The Thunder M1919 is a Spanish 6.35mm (.25 ACP) blowback-operated semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol produced by Martin A. Bascaran of Eibar around 1919. A typical Eibar-pattern Browning-derived pocket pistol, it was built for concealed civilian carry and self-defense, feeding from a six-round detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 113 mm (4.45") |
| Barrel Length | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| 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) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| 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: Fixed Sights, Vest Pocket Design, Striker Fired
Production
Production years: c. 1919–1920s
Produced by Martin A. Bascaran, Eibar, Spain; exact production figures unknown.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Notes
Bascaran of Eibar marked its pistols 'Martian' and 'Thunder'; the Thunder M1919 reflects the post-WWI Spanish small-pistol industry that flooded the European market with inexpensive 6.35mm and 7.65mm Browning-pattern pocket guns. Several specifications are estimated from comparable Eibar 6.35mm pocket pistols.
Background
Eibar's gunmakers earned a reputation for cheap, mass-produced 'Ruby'-style automatics during and after the First World War. The Thunder, like its Martian-marked stablemates, was one of countless 6.35mm pocket pistols turned out for a market hungry for affordable concealable self-defense guns.