Steyr Model 1909
Steyr Mannlicher · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1909
Also known as: Steyr-Pieper Model 1909, Steyr Pieper M1909, 1909 Pieper's Patent
Overview
The Steyr Model 1909 is an Austrian blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol, the licensed Steyr production of Belgian designer Nicolas Pieper's compact .25 ACP design. Its defining feature is a tip-up, hinged barrel that pivots open for loading a cartridge directly into the chamber and for cleaning, a feature that let the earliest series omit an extractor entirely. Fed from a six-round detachable magazine and fitted with a manual lever safety, it sold in large numbers as a civilian vest-pocket gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 325 g (11.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Barrel Length | 57 mm (2.24") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 232 m/s (761 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 87 J (64 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Hinged Barrel For Loading, Single Shot Capable, Hard Rubber Grips
Production
Estimated total produced: 131,000 · Production years: 1909-1933
Roughly 130,500-135,800 examples in 6.35mm across all series, per collector references
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Nicolas Pieper
Discontinued: 1933
Notes
Marked '1909 Pieper's Patent'; Pieper's design in turn drew on patents of Jean Warnant. Built in two runs bracketing World War I (1909-1915 and 1919-1933). An extractor was added only in the third/final series. Pistol-specific velocity/energy not published; figures are standard .25 ACP cartridge values.
Background
The Model 1909 was Steyr's licensed Austrian build of Nicolas Pieper's 'Basculant' pocket pistol, whose tip-up barrel hinged open for loading and let the earliest versions dispense with an extractor altogether. Over roughly 130,000 were built across two runs bracketing World War I, and surviving examples occasionally carry notable provenance, including one in the royal collection of the House of Savoy.