Retolaza Gallus
Retolaza Hermanos · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915
Also known as: Gallus
Overview
The Retolaza Gallus is a Spanish .25 ACP semi-automatic vest pocket pistol built by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar. A typical Spanish blowback copy of the FN/Browning Model 1906, it dispenses with the original's grip safety and was produced from around 1915 into the early 1930s for the inexpensive civilian self-defense market. Compact and concealable, it was one of several similarly named pocket pistols turned out by the Eibar gun trade.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 340 g (12.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Barrel Length | 54 mm (2.13") |
| 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 | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| 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: Manual Safety
- Features: Vest Pocket Size, Fixed Barrel, Internal Striker
Production
Production years: 1915-1933
Produced for the civilian market; exact totals unrecorded among the many small Eibar makers.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1933
Notes
One of fewer than a dozen .25 ACP pocket models marketed by Retolaza Hermanos; a classic example of the affordable 'Eibar' blowback automatics of early 20th-century Spain.
Background
Retolaza Hermanos appeared in the Eibar gun trade around 1890 making pocket revolvers before becoming early Spanish makers of automatic pistols, marketing them under colorful names such as Liberty, Vilar, Titan, Titanic and Gallus until the Spanish Civil War ended production.