Robar Mercury
Robar & Cie · Pistol · Discontinued · 1962
Also known as: Mercury, Robar Melior Mercury, New Model Melior .22
Overview
The Robar Mercury is a Belgian blowback-operated semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, made by Robar & Cie of Liege. It is the .22 rimfire version of the firm's New Model Melior, renamed 'Mercury' for the post-1945 United States market, where it was imported by Tradewinds, Inc. of Tacoma, Washington. A tiny, seven-shot pocket automatic, it was produced from about 1962 to 1968 in blued and chrome finishes.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 369 g (13.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Plastic |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Compact, Concealed Striker, Vest Pocket Size
Base model
Production
Production years: 1962-1968
Post-war .22 LR pocket pistol sold mainly in the US market via Tradewinds, Inc.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Robar & Cie
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
Marked 'Mercury / Made in Belgium' with an 'M' monogram on the grip panels. The Mercury name was a US-market rebrand of Robar's Melior-pattern pocket pistol line.
Background
Sold in America as the 'Mercury,' this little Liege pocket pistol was simply Robar's long-running Melior automatic given a new name and a .22 rimfire chambering to slip past post-war import quirks.