Menz PB Special
August Menz Waffenfabrik · Pistol · Discontinued · 1935
Also known as: Menz P.B. Spezial, Menz Model PB Spezial
Overview
The Menz PB Special is a German double-action semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP. Introduced around 1935 by August Menz of Suhl, it was designed as a modern competitor to the Walther PP and PPK, featuring a fully enclosed barrel, an exposed hammer, and a slide-mounted safety. The designation 'PB' stands for 'Polizei und Behorden' (Police and Authorities), reflecting its intended market. A distinctive feature was a kit of interchangeable barrels allowing the pistol to fire small-caliber practice and 9mm Short ammunition without changing the magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 595 g (21.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 85 mm (3.35") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 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 | Galalith |
| Finish | Salt Blue |
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: Manual Safety
- Features: Exposed Hammer, Interchangeable Barrels, Enclosed Barrel, Slide Mounted Safety, Magazine Witness Holes
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000 · Production years: 1935-1940
Roughly 800 produced under August Menz; about 200 more assembled by Bergmann Erben after Menz was absorbed circa 1937-1938. Documented serial range 3061-3988.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Adalbert Kadits
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
The trigger uses a long double-action first pull that cocks the exposed hammer, after which single-action fire is possible. Cartridges eject through a port on the right side rather than at the top, unlike earlier Menz models. Disassembly is accomplished by unlatching the hinged trigger guard.
Background
The PB Special was August Menz's answer to the runaway success of Walther's PP-series pistols. Though it borrowed the skeletonized grip frame and double-action layout, its internals were quite different, and only about a thousand were made before the company was wound up on the eve of World War II, making it a scarce collector's piece today.