Pardini GPE
Pardini Armi S.r.l. · Pistol · Discontinued · 2001
Also known as: GPE Electronic, Pardini GP Electronic
Overview
The Pardini GPE is an Italian semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Short and built for the ISSF 25 metre Rapid Fire Pistol event. Introduced in 2001 as an evolution of the GP Rapid Fire line developed with champion Ralf Schumann, it was the first Pardini pistol fitted with an electronic trigger, offering an essentially travel-free, instantaneous release for the discipline's rapid five-shot strings. A lightweight inertial counterbalance using four spring-loaded mobile steel weights reduces felt recoil, and the fully adjustable anatomical grip lets shooters tailor the fit. The GPE won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, the last Games contested with the .22 Short cartridge in Rapid Fire Pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1050 g (37.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Barrel Length | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Sight Radius | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 10 N (2.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 250 m/s (820 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 60 J (44 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Electronic Trigger, Adjustable Trigger, Adjustable Grip, Anatomical Grip, Recoil Compensating Weights, Adjustable Sights
Production
Production years: 2001-2004
Competition-only target pistol produced in limited numbers for ISSF Rapid Fire Pistol shooters
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Pardini Armi (with Ralf Schumann)
Discontinued: 2004
Notes
The .22 Short chambering was mandated for the ISSF Rapid Fire Pistol event through the 2004 Olympics; the discipline switched to .22 LR afterward, and Pardini replaced the GPE with the SP Rapid Fire model.
Background
The GPE closed out the .22 Short era of Olympic Rapid Fire Pistol shooting: Ralf Schumann took gold at the 2004 Athens Games with it, adding to a Pardini record that includes two Olympic titles and multiple world and Olympic records.