Papa Nambu
Koishikawa Arsenal · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1906
Also known as: Nambu Type A Modified, Nambu Model 1906, Modified Type A Nambu, Pistol Type A Modified 1906
Overview
The Papa Nambu (Nambu Type A modified, sometimes called the 'Modified Type A') was the production-refined successor to the Grandpa Nambu, introduced in 1906 at the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal. It retained the locked-breech short-recoil action and 8x22mm chambering of its predecessor but added an enlarged trigger guard for gloved hands, a swiveling lanyard loop, an aluminum (rather than wood) magazine baseplate, and removed the shoulder-stock attachment slot.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 900 g (31.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Barrel Length | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 280 J (207 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x22mm Nambu · primary — also known as 8mm Nambu, 8mm Japanese, 8x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety
- Features: Enlarged Trigger Guard, Swiveling Lanyard Loop, Aluminum Magazine Baseplate, Tangent Rear Sight, Locked Breech
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Navy · adopted 1909 · as Nambu Type A
- Imperial Japanese Army Officers (private purchase)
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,300 · Production years: 1906-1928
Approximately 10,300 units total: 4,600 at Tokyo Artillery Arsenal (1906-1923) plus 5,700 by Tokyo Gas & Electric (1909-1928).
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Kijiro Nambu
Discontinued: 1928
Notes
Although extensively marked 'Army Type', the Papa Nambu was never formally adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army; the Navy adopted it in 1909 and Army officers purchased copies privately as their personal sidearms. Production was split between the Tokyo Artillery Arsenal (4,600 units, 1906-1923) and the Tokyo Gas & Electric company (5,700 units, 1909-1928).
Background
Despite carrying 'Army Type' markings, the Papa Nambu was never officially adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army - only by the Navy. Officers who wanted one bought them out of pocket, making the Papa one of the few standardized service pistols of any major power that was simultaneously an unofficial private-purchase sidearm.