Melior Model 1920
Robar & Cie · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Melior New Model 1920, Melior 1920
Overview
The Melior Model 1920 is a Belgian blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol produced by Robar & Cie of Liege. Chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning) and fed from a 7-round single-stack magazine, it superficially resembles the FN Model 1910 but uses a distinctive internal design in which a separate breechblock is inserted into the rear of the slide and held by a locking plate. The pistol was offered with both a grip safety and a manual safety and was a commercially successful civilian self-defense and pocket pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 625 g (22.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Barrel Length | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| 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: Grip Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Concealed Hammer, Fixed Sights, Removable Breechblock
Production
Production years: 1920-1955
Production halted during the German occupation of Belgium and resumed afterward, continuing into the early 1950s.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: H. Rosier
Discontinued: 1955
Notes
The Model 1920 derived from earlier Rosier patents filed in 1913-1914. After roughly 50,000 units, the full-length grip safety was replaced with a half-length grip safety. The line was also offered in .25 ACP, .22 LR, and 9mm Short (.380 ACP).
Background
Robar marketed its pistols under the 'Melior' brand, and the 1920 model's resemblance to the popular FN 1910 made it a competitive entry in the crowded Belgian pocket-pistol market of the interwar years.