Retolaza Vilar
Retolaza Hermanos · Pistol · Discontinued · 1915
Also known as: Vilar
Overview
The Retolaza Vilar is a .32 ACP blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol built by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar, Spain. It is one of the many near-identical Spanish 'Ruby'-type pistols patterned on John Browning's FN/Colt Model 1903, mass-produced to help meet the French Army's demand for sidearms during World War I and later sold commercially. It uses a fixed barrel, a single-action concealed-hammer mechanism, and a single-stack detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 162 mm (6.38") |
| Barrel Length | 86 mm (3.39") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Concealed Hammer, Single Stack Magazine
Service history
Operators
- French Army · adopted 1915
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1915-1925
Produced under French WWI military contract alongside other Eibar 'Ruby'-type pistols; exact figures unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1925
Notes
The slide is marked 'PISTOLA AUTOMATICA CAL. 7,65 VILAR'. 'Vilar' was one of several trade names Retolaza applied to its Eibar-pattern pistols. Dimensions follow the standard Ruby-type pattern and may vary slightly between production batches.
Background
During World War I, France could not make pistols fast enough, so it turned to dozens of small Eibar workshops like Retolaza that churned out interchangeable 'Ruby' clones under names such as 'Vilar' - guns of wildly varying quality that were bought largely on faith by the crateload.