Rheinmetall Pocket
Rheinische Metallwaren- und Maschinenfabrik AG · Pistol · Discontinued · 1921
Also known as: Pistole Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall Model 1920
Overview
The Rheinmetall Pocket is a striker-fired, blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning). Manufactured by Rheinische Metallwaren- und Maschinenfabrik at its Sommerda works in the early 1920s, its layout was loosely based on the FN Model 1910 but used a distinctive separate breech block that screwed into the rear of the slide, allowing the pistol to break down into five components without tools. A cocking indicator protruded from the rear of the slide when the striker was ready to fire. It was sold on the German commercial market during the post-war hyperinflation years.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 600 g (21.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Barrel Length | 88 mm (3.46") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 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 | Walnut |
| 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 Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Fixed Sights, Cocking Indicator, Screw In Breech Block, Tool Free Field Strip
Production
Estimated total produced: 13,000 · Production years: 1921-1927
Estimated 12,000 to 15,000 units; produced at the Rheinmetall Sommerda division during the early-1920s German hyperinflation period.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1927
Notes
Sometimes referred to as the Pistole Rheinmetall or Rheinmetall Model 1920 after the year of its German patent (No. 405424, filed 15 August 1920). Documented serial numbers run roughly 251007 to 266168, suggesting only about 12,000 to 15,000 were produced.
Background
The Rheinmetall Pocket appeared at a time when the giant armaments concern Rheinmetall, restricted by the post-WWI Treaty of Versailles from large-scale military production, turned part of its capacity to civilian goods such as commercial pocket pistols.