Sauer Model 1913
J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Sauer 1914, Sauer Old Model, J.P. Sauer Model 1913
Overview
The Sauer Model 1913 is a compact, blowback-operated, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .32 ACP. It was the first semi-automatic pistol designed and produced entirely in-house by J.P. Sauer & Sohn, developed by Heinz Zehner. Its distinctive layout houses the breechblock inside a tube capped by a removable cocking knob, with a fixed barrel and a seven-round detachable magazine released via a heel catch. Roughly 175,000 were built before production ended in 1931, and around 10,000 were procured by the German military during World War I, typically issued to officers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 575 g (20.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 105 mm (4.13") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 282 m/s (925 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 188 J (139 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Safety
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Tubular Breechblock Housing, Removable Cocking Knob, Heel Magazine Release
Service history
Operators
- German Army · adopted 1914
- German Police
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 175,000 · Production years: 1913-1931
Approximately 175,000 produced; about 10,000 procured by the German military during World War I, largely issued to officers.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heinz Zehner
Discontinued: 1931
Notes
Introduced without an official model designation, it is variously referred to as the Model 1913, Model 1914 and Old Model. Early production included a magazine safety that was later dropped as unnecessary. Offered in blued (most common) and nickel-plated finishes with checkered hard rubber grips.
Background
The Model 1913 marked J.P. Sauer & Sohn's first wholly original self-loading pistol, the firm having previously built guns under license. Its tubular breechblock and screw-off cocking knob made it instantly recognizable, and surviving examples remained in private and police hands well into the World War II era.