Unique Kriegsmodell
Manufacture d'Armes des Pyrénées Françaises · Pistol · Discontinued · 1940
Also known as: Unique Model 17, Unique Modèle 17, Pistolet Automatique Unique Kriegsmodell, Pistole Unique 7.65mm 640(f)
Overview
The Unique Kriegsmodell is a French blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP, derived from the pre-war Unique Model 17. After the fall of France in June 1940, the Hendaye-based Manufacture d'Armes des Pyrénées Françaises (MAPF) was placed under German occupation control, and the firm continued producing the pistol for the Wehrmacht as the 'Kriegsmodell' (war model). Built to wartime economy standards with simplified finishing, it was an evolution of the Spanish Ruby-pattern pistols inspired by John Browning's FN Model 1903.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 650 g (22.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 785 g (27.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Barrel Length | 82 mm (3.23") |
| Height | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 282 m/s (925 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 188 J (139 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65x17mm Browning, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Internal Hammer, Wartime Economy Finish
Service history
Operators
- Nazi Germany (Wehrmacht) · adopted 1940 · as Pistole Unique 7.65mm 640(f)
- France
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 20,000 · Production years: 1940-1944
Approximately 20,000 units produced under German occupation as the Kriegsmodell
Origin
Country of origin: France
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
The Kriegsmodell designation refers to the German-occupation production run (1940-1944); examples typically bear Waffenamt acceptance proofs. Magazine capacity is variously reported as 8 to 10 rounds depending on the variant.
Background
When the Germans occupied southern France, they pressed the small Hendaye arms maker MAPF into service rather than halt its line. The resulting 'Kriegsmodell' pistols, stamped with German Waffenamt eagles, became occupation-issue sidearms and rear-echelon weapons until liberation in 1944.