Zulaica Royal
M. Zulaica y Cia · Pistol · Discontinued · 1914
Also known as: Royal .32, Zulaica Ruby
Overview
The Zulaica Royal is a Spanish .32 ACP blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol made by M. Zulaica y Cia of Eibar. A member of the Ruby/Eibar family of pistols modeled on John Browning's Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, it features an internal hammer, a frame-mounted manual safety above the trigger, fixed sights, a long heel-release magazine, and a lanyard ring. Like the wider Eibar trade it was produced in large numbers to help fill the French Army's wartime demand for inexpensive service handguns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 149 mm (5.87") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Fixed Sights, Heel Magazine Release, Lanyard Ring, Concealed Hammer
Service history
Operators
- French Army · adopted 1915 · as Pistolet Automatique de 7 millim.65 genre "Ruby"
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1914-1925
Part of roughly one million Ruby/Eibar-type pistols produced in Spain during and after WWI by 45+ workshops; Zulaica was one of the Eibar contract makers.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Miguel Zulaica
Discontinued: 1925
Notes
Royal was one of several trade names used by M. Zulaica y Cia, alongside the 1914 Model and Vincitor. The firm carried the French military code stamp 'ZC'. Eibar-type pistols share no interchangeable parts between makers despite their close family resemblance.
Background
When the French Army's 1915 standing order for Ruby pistols outstripped what Gabilondo y Urresti could deliver, production was farmed out across the gunmaking town of Eibar. Small workshops like M. Zulaica y Cia joined the effort, stamping their own trade names such as 'Royal' on near-identical blowback pocket pistols.