Sauer Model 1913
J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Pistol · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: J.P. Sauer 1913, Sauer M1913, Sauer Selbstlade-Pistole 1913
Overview
The Sauer Model 1913 is a German blowback-operated, striker-fired semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), produced by J.P. Sauer & Sohn of Suhl. It is distinguished by a fixed barrel and a tubular breechblock housed within the slide, retained by a large knurled rear cap that the shooter grips to cock the action. Compact and well-made, it was widely carried by German officers, police, and civilians from World War I through the interwar years.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 570 g (20.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Barrel Length | 75 mm (2.95") |
| Height | 112 mm (4.41") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 190 J (140 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| 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
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Tubular Breechblock, Knurled Rear Cocking Cap, Concealed Striker
Variants
- Sauer Model 1913 6.35mm - Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- German Empire military · adopted 1914
- German police forces
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 175,000 · Production years: 1913-1930
Estimate across 7.65mm and 6.35mm production; the design was later superseded by the Sauer 38H
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1930
Notes
The distinctive knurled rear cocking cap and separate tubular breechblock make the Model 1913 easy to identify. A smaller 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP) version was also produced.
Background
Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko carried a Sauer Model 1913 as her personal sidearm, and a surviving example of her pistol is preserved in a museum collection.