Roth-Steyr M1907
Steyr Mannlicher · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1907
Also known as: M7, Roth-Krnka, Steyr M1907, Repetierpistole M.7
Overview
The Roth-Steyr M1907 is an Austro-Hungarian semi-automatic service pistol chambered in 8mm Roth-Steyr, designed by Karel Krnka under the patronage of ammunition maker Georg Roth. It uses a rotating-barrel, recoil-operated locked breech and a striker-fired mechanism in which the striker is left only half-cocked on closing, requiring a heavy double-action-style trigger pull to complete cocking and fire. The 10-round fixed internal magazine is loaded from the top via a stripper clip. Adopted in 1907, it was the first self-loading pistol issued to the cavalry of a major power and served through World War I.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1030 g (36.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 233 mm (9.17") |
| Barrel Length | 131 mm (5.16") |
| Height | 159 mm (6.26") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 390 J (288 ft·lbf) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8mm Roth-Steyr · primary — also known as 8x18.5mm Roth-Steyr, 8mm Roth M7
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Striker, Out Of Battery Disconnect, Heavy Trigger Pull
- Features: Rotating Barrel Locking, Fixed Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Bolt Hold Open
Variants
- Roth-Steyr M1907 Flieger-Pistole — Service Variant
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1907 · as Repetierpistole M.7
- Royal Italian Army
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 90,000 · Production years: 1908-1914
Approximately 60,000 built by OEWG Steyr (marked 'K') and 30,000 by FEG Budapest (marked 'R'); some sources cite a total near 99,000
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Karel Krnka
Discontinued: 1914
Notes
Most sources describe the action as a rotating-barrel short-recoil locked breech. Muzzle energy is computed (~390 J); period sources quote roughly 290-305 ft-lb. Built by OEWG at Steyr (Austria) and by FEG in Budapest (Hungary).
Background
The Roth-Steyr M1907 was the first self-loading pistol adopted by the cavalry of a major military power, beating every other great power to a service auto-pistol. Its deliberately heavy, double-action-style half-cock striker trigger was engineered to prevent accidental discharge while riding on horseback, effectively the world's first 'safe action' military trigger decades before such systems became common, and it was also the first rotary-barrel-locking firearm put into mass service.