Steyr-Pieper 1909
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft Steyr · Pistol · Discontinued · 1909
Also known as: Steyr Model 1909, Steyr-Pieper-Pistole, Pieper Patent 1909
Overview
The Steyr-Pieper 1909 is a compact blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP). Designed by the Belgian gunmaker Nicolas Pieper and built under license by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft Steyr in Austria, it is distinguished by an unusual tip-up barrel that pivots upward for loading and cleaning, and a hammer-fired action using a transfer bar in place of a conventional disconnector. Fed from a six-round detachable box magazine with cartridge viewing holes, it was a popular concealable civilian self-defense pistol of the early 20th century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 330 g (11.6 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 | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tip Up Barrel, Transfer Bar Mechanism, Cartridge Viewing Holes, Blowback Operation
Variants
- Steyr-Pieper 1909 Long Barrel — Long Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian civilian market · adopted 1909
Production
Estimated total produced: 135,800 · Production years: 1909-1933
Approximately 135,800 pistols produced in 6.35mm across preliminary, first, second and third series; production ran 1909-1915 and resumed 1919-1933.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Nicolas Pieper
Discontinued: 1933
Notes
Mechanically similar to the Pieper-branded models produced in Belgium; Steyr and Pieper examples differ chiefly in frame shape and slide serrations. A long-barrel version was offered to meet Austrian legal requirements. Surviving examples often have a deteriorated rubber buffer washer.
Background
Steyr sought a small pocket pistol with a collapsible loading system and licensed the design from Belgian gunmaker Nicolas Pieper, whose tip-up barrel patents traced back to earlier work by Jean Warnant of Liege.