Praga Model 1921
Zbrojovka Praga · Pistol · Discontinued · 1921
Also known as: Praga Model 21, Praga 6.35mm, Praga Zbrojovka 1921
Overview
The Praga Model 1921 is a Czechoslovak blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .25 ACP. Designed by Vaclav Holek, it was a compact vest-pocket selfloader intended for one-handed operation: its trigger folds flush against the frame for snag-free carry and drops down into firing position when the slide is retracted, while a contoured cutout in the top of the slide lets the user cycle the action with a single index finger. Roughly 8,000 were built by Zbrojovka Praga before production ceased.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 116 mm (4.57") |
| Barrel Length | 52 mm (2.05") |
| Height | 83 mm (3.27") |
| Width | 20 mm (0.79") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Magazine Safety, Trigger Safety
- Features: Folding Trigger, One Hand Cocking, Slide Finger Cutout, Fixed Sights, Pocket Pistol
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,000 · Production years: 1921-1922
Approximately 8,000 produced before production ended.
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Vaclav Holek
Discontinued: 1922
Notes
Notable for its folding trigger and one-handed cocking design. Produced only briefly between 1921 and 1922; an early design credited to Vaclav Holek, who later became famous for the ZB-26 light machine gun and ZH-29 rifle.
Background
The Praga 1921 was an early project of Vaclav Holek, who would go on to design the ZB-26 light machine gun. Its quirky one-handed manual of arms - a folding trigger and a slide cutout shaped for a single finger - made it a curiosity among interwar pocket pistols.