Sedgley OSS Glove Pistol
R.F. Sedgley, Inc. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1944
Also known as: Sedgley OSS .38, Fist Gun, Glove Gun, Hand Firing Mechanism, Mk 2
Overview
The Sedgley OSS Glove Pistol is a single-shot, break-action, smoothbore .38 S&W pistol with neither frame nor grip, mounted by brass rivets to the back of a leather work glove. Designated 'Hand Firing Mechanism, Mk 2' by the U.S. Navy and nicknamed the 'Fist Gun' or 'Glove Gun', it was designed by Stanley M. Haight for the Office of Naval Intelligence as a covert close-contact weapon. The user makes a fist and punches the target; a plunger trigger bar running alongside the muzzle fires the single round on contact.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 73 mm (2.87") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 190 m/s (623 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 235 J (173 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2 m (2 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Leather |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 S&W · primary — also known as .38/200, .380 Revolver Mk I, .380 Revolver Mk IIz, 9x20mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever
- Features: Glove Mounted, Plunger Trigger, Contact Fired, Concealable, Single Shot Break Action
Service history
Operators
- United States Navy · adopted 1944 · as Hand Firing Mechanism, Mk 2
- Office of Strategic Services
Conflicts
- World War II (1944-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200 · Production years: 1944-1945
Between 52 and 200 units believed to have been manufactured by R.F. Sedgley, Inc.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Stanley M. Haight
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Smoothbore barrel; the loaded breech swivels open to load one .38 S&W cartridge. Designed for the Pacific Theater, with proposed use by Seabees and equipment operators defending against boarders. There is no confirmed record of combat use.
Background
Conceived for U.S. Navy Seabees in the island campaigns of the Pacific, the Sedgley Glove Gun let an unarmed-looking operator deliver a lethal shot with the same motion as a punch. Stanley Haight's 1944 patent originally specified a .410 shotshell before the design was changed to fire a single .38 S&W cartridge.