Pistolet wz. 35 Vis
Fabryka Broni Radom · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1935
Also known as: Vis 35, Radom, Pistole 35(p), VIS wz. 35
Overview
The Pistolet wz. 35 Vis is a Polish single-action, short-recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Designed by Piotr Wilniewczyc and Jan Skrzypinski and manufactured at Fabryka Broni Radom, it became the standard sidearm of the Polish Army in 1935. It combines a Browning-type locked-breech action with a grip safety and a distinctive slide-mounted decocking lever, and is widely regarded as one of the best military pistols of its era. After the 1939 invasion, occupying Germany continued production as the Pistole 35(p).
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 950 g (33.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1123 g (39.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 205 mm (8.07") |
| Barrel Length | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 345 m/s (1132 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 444 J (327 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Hammer Decocker, Slide Takedown Catch
- Features: Grip Safety, Slide Mounted Decocking Lever, Lanyard Loop, Fixed Sights, Browning Locked Breech
Variants
- Vis wz. 35 (Polish Type I) - Pre War Production
- Pistole 35(p) - German Occupation Production
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1935 · as wz. 35
- Nazi Germany (Wehrmacht) · adopted 1939 · as Pistole 35(p)
- Polish Underground State (Armia Krajowa) · adopted 1940
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Invasion of Poland (1939)
Production
Estimated total produced: 360,000 · Production years: 1935-1945
Includes pre-war Polish production and larger-volume German-occupation production as the Pistole 35(p); estimates vary above 300,000 units
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Piotr Wilniewczyc
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Often referred to as the Radom or Vis 35. The name 'Vis' derives from the Latin for 'force'. German-occupation examples are generally of lower fit and finish than pre-war Polish production and were sometimes simplified (removed takedown catch, no shoulder-stock slot).
Background
The pistol's designers hid a coded 'VIS' monogram of their initials in the model name, and Polish factory workers under German occupation reportedly smuggled completed Radom pistols and parts out to the resistance Home Army.