Sauer Model 19
J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920
Also known as: Sauer Model 1919, Sauer 1919, Sauer 6.35mm pocket pistol
Overview
The Sauer Model 19 is a German blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP), produced by J.P. Sauer & Sohn of Suhl. It is the scaled-down 6.35mm counterpart of the Sauer 1913, sharing that pistol's distinctive tubular slide and fixed barrel surrounded by a concentric recoil spring. Marketed for concealed personal defence, it went through several sub-variations that progressively added an auxiliary trigger-bar safety and a slide hold-open device.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 430 g (15.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Barrel Length | 63 mm (2.48") |
| Height | 93 mm (3.66") |
| Width | 23 mm (0.91") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tubular Slide, Fixed Barrel, Concentric Recoil Spring, Heel Magazine Release
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Estimated total produced: 62,500 · Production years: 1920-1930
Serial numbers ran to roughly 62500 across three sub-variations; the earliest range (1-40000) was likely not produced in full
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Fritz Zehner
Discontinued: 1930
Notes
Also catalogued by collectors as the Model 1919; later sub-variations introduced a Zusatzsicherung (additional safety) between the safety lever and grip, and a reshaped trigger guard with wider slide serrations from 1926.
Background
Sauer offered the little Model 19 with factory extras such as nickel plating, pearl or wood grips and engraving, turning a utilitarian vest-pocket gun into a period luxury item.