Vis wz. 32
Fabryka Broni Radom · Pistol · Prototype · 1932
Also known as: Vis wz.32, VIS wz. 1932, WiS wz. 32
Overview
The Vis wz. 32 is the Polish prototype semi-automatic pistol that led directly to the famous Vis wz. 35 (Radom). Designed by Piotr Wilniewczyc and Jan Skrzypinski and patented in 1932, it is a recoil-operated, locked-breech handgun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum using a Browning linkless (Hi-Power style) cam-locking system. Like the production model, it relied on a 1911-style grip safety and a frame-mounted decocking lever rather than a conventional manual safety. Around 134 prototype examples were built during 1932-1933 for Polish military trials before the design was refined and standardized as the Pistolet wz.35.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 205 mm (8.07") |
| Barrel Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 345 m/s (1132 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 443 J (327 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| 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, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Decocker
- Features: Browning Linkless Locking, Takedown Latch, Shoulder Stock Lug
Service history
Operators
- Polish Army (trials) · adopted 1932
Production
Estimated total produced: 134 · Production years: 1932-1933
Approximately 134 prototype handguns of the Vis wz. 32 were produced for trials before the design was standardized as the Vis wz. 35.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Piotr Wilniewczyc, Jan Skrzypinski
Discontinued: 1935
Notes
The wz. 32 designation refers to the year the design was patented; the trial pistols differed from the eventual production wz.35 in slide markings and minor detail work. Fewer than 150 prototypes were made, making surviving examples extremely rare.
Background
The name 'VIS' is Latin for 'force' and was also read as an acronym of its designers, Wilniewczyc and Skrzypinski. The pistol was first designated 'WiS' after the pair before being renamed 'Vis' for its more powerful marketing connotation.