Molins No.1 Mk.5 Signal Pistol
Molins Machine Company Ltd. · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1940
Also known as: No.1 Mk.5 signal pistol, Molins 1 inch signal pistol, 1 inch Very pistol
Overview
The Molins No.1 Mk.5 is a British 1-inch (26.5mm) break-action single-shot signal pistol produced during the Second World War to fire Very pyrotechnic flare cartridges for illumination and distress signalling. Built from pressed sheet steel with checkered plastic grips, it was standard issue to the Royal Air Force and was supplied with dinghies so downed aircrew could attract passing aircraft and ships. As a flare launcher it lobs a burning signal star rather than a ballistic projectile, so muzzle velocity is low and unspecified.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 700 g (24.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 246 mm (9.69") |
| Barrel Length | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 1 inch Very signal cartridge (26.5mm) · primary — also known as 1 inch flare, Very light, 26.5mm signal
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Break Action
- Features: Break Action, Single Shot, Flanged Muzzle, Lanyard Ring, Signal Flare Launcher
Variants
- Molins No.2 Mk.5 Signal Pistol - Short Barrel Afv Pattern
Service history
Operators
- Royal Air Force · adopted 1940 · as No.1 Mk.5
- British Army
- Royal Navy
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1940-1945
Produced under wartime contract by several British firms including I.L. Berridge & Co of Leicester.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The long-barrelled No.1 Mk.5 has a belled (flanged) muzzle; the companion No.2 Mk.5 has a short barrel with a stud for latching to a through-armour fitting in British armoured fighting vehicles. When made, these pistols were not marked with a model number; many were later repaired by RAF/Enfield facilities in the 1960s-70s and engraved 'No.1' at that time. Manufactured by contractors including I.L. Berridge & Co (Berridge Ltd) of Leicester, a former knitting-machine firm converted to war production.
Background
Signal pistols of this type are universally nicknamed Very pistols after US Navy ordnance officer Lt. Edward Wilson Very, who patented his snub-nosed single-shot flare pistol in 1877 and gave the burning signal stars their name, Very lights.