Sosso M1941
Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi Brescia · Pistol · Prototype · 1941
Also known as: Sosso 1941, Sosso M1942, Pistola Sosso
Overview
The Sosso M1941 is an Italian experimental semi-automatic pistol designed by Giulio Sosso and produced in tiny numbers by Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi (FNA) Brescia between 1941 and 1942. Chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum, the pistol's defining feature is a unique 21-round endless-belt 'conveyor' magazine: cartridges are held in a continuous chain that is advanced one position by the slide's rearward stroke via a ratchet mechanism, rather than fed from a conventional spring-loaded box magazine. The pistol uses a short-recoil locked-breech action, single-action exposed-hammer trigger, and is fitted with an adjustable rear sight calibrated to 200 meters and a detachable shoulder-stock holster.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1510 g (53.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Barrel Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 21 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Endless Belt Conveyor
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Exposed Hammer
- Features: Endless Belt Magazine, 21 Round Conveyor, Adjustable Rear Sight, Shoulder Stock Holster, Exposed Hammer
Production
Estimated total produced: 100 · Production years: 1941-1942
Sources vary: Forgotten Weapons cites 5 prototype examples, Modern Firearms cites approximately 100. Never adopted or serial-produced beyond prototype scale.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Giulio Sosso
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Sources disagree on production count: Forgotten Weapons cites only 5 examples (4 presented to Italian political and military figures), while Modern Firearms cites approximately 100. The design was developed between 1933 and 1939 and patented through three U.S. Patents (2031432, 2086339, 2251174) issued 1936-1941. Manufacturing complexity made the Sosso roughly 12 times more expensive than a Beretta Model 1934, ensuring it was never adopted for military service.
Background
The Sosso's bizarre 21-round endless-conveyor magazine was the brainchild of an Italian engineer who held three U.S. patents for the system between 1936 and 1941; despite the pistol firing standard 9mm Parabellum like millions of contemporary handguns, no Sosso could share magazines with any other firearm in history because the cartridges were carried in a closed-loop chain unique to the design.