Schwarzlose Standart

A.W. Schwarzlose G.m.b.H. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1908

Also known as: Schwarzlose Model 1908, Schwarzlose 1908, Standart

Overview

The Schwarzlose Standart is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Andreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose and produced in Berlin from 1908. Marketed commercially as the 'Standart', it is best known for its unusual blow-forward operation: instead of a reciprocating slide, the barrel assembly is driven forward by the friction of the bullet and bore gas, compressing a return spring that then pulls the barrel back to strip and chamber a fresh round. This kept solid steel between the cartridge and the shooter's face, and a grip safety at the front of the frame had to be depressed before the pistol would fire.

Specifications

Weight (empty)530 g (18.7 oz)
Overall Length142 mm (5.59")
Barrel Length105 mm (4.13")
Action TypeBlow Forward
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity305 m/s (1001 fps)
Muzzle Energy207 J (153 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1908-1911

Produced in limited numbers; never achieved significant commercial success

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Andreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose

Discontinued: 1911

Notes

The blow-forward design was mechanically novel but commercially unsuccessful; only a small number were produced before manufacture ended around 1911. Variants included a standard serrated model, a nickel-plated deluxe version, and an American-market version with checkering.

Background

Andreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose was far better known for the Schwarzlose machine gun that armed the Austro-Hungarian and German forces in the First World War; the blow-forward Standart pistol was one of his less successful ventures into self-loading handguns.