Sugiura Shiki
Japanese-Occupied China Arsenal · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1944
Also known as: Sugiura pistol, Sugiura-type pistol
Overview
The Sugiura Shiki is a rare .32 ACP semi-automatic pistol produced in Japanese-occupied China during World War II, essentially a copy of the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless. Built under Japanese occupation supervision, production appears to have continued under Chinese Communist hands after the Japanese surrender, so surviving examples bear either Japanese or Chinese markings.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 100 mm (3.94") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 210 J (155 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Colt 1903 Copy, Concealed Hammer
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese occupation forces
- Chinese Communist forces
Conflicts
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 6,000 · Production years: 1944-1945
Estimate; production apparently continued under Chinese Communist forces after the Japanese surrender
Origin
Country of origin: China
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Roughly two-thirds of surviving examples carry Japanese characters; the remainder are attributed to Chinese Communist production after 1945. Exact manufacturing arsenal is not firmly established in accessible sources.
Background
A Colt 1903 clone built in occupied China, the Sugiura straddles two regimes: production seemingly continued seamlessly under Chinese Communist arsenals after Japan surrendered, which is why surviving pistols carry either Japanese or Chinese markings.