Sauer Model 1919

J.P. Sauer & Sohn · Pistol · Discontinued · 1920

Also known as: Sauer 1919, Sauer Second Model, Sauer Selbstladepistole Modell 1919

Overview

The Sauer Model 1919 is a German blowback-operated semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol chambered in 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP), produced by J.P. Sauer & Sohn of Suhl. A downsized adaptation of the earlier Model 1913, it retains the family's distinctive tubular slide and fixed barrel wrapped by a concentric recoil spring, feeding from a seven-round detachable magazine. Introduced around 1920 amid the interwar boom in small concealable pistols, it added extended slide serrations, a cocking indicator, and a trigger-bar safety block.

Specifications

Weight (empty)400 g (14.1 oz)
Overall Length125 mm (4.92")
Barrel Length65 mm (2.56")
Height90 mm (3.54")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity7 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity230 m/s (755 fps)
Muzzle Energy86 J (63 ft·lbf)
Effective Range20 m (22 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialBakelite
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Base model

Sauer-1913

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1920-1930

Developed in response to Versailles-era restrictions and the vest-pocket pistol boom; serial ranges for the second-variant pistols run into the low tens of thousands

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Fritz Zehner

Discontinued: 1930

Notes

Sometimes cataloged by collectors as the second-model or 'second variant' Sauer pocket pistol; distinguished by Bakelite grips bearing the S&S monogram in an oval.

Background

Shrunk down for the .25 ACP pocket-pistol craze of the 1920s, the Model 1919 kept the tubular-slide silhouette that had become the visual signature of Sauer's self-loaders.