I Have This Old Gun: French Model 35A

Published on August 14, 2024
Duration: 5:01

The French Model 1935A pistol, designed by Charles Petter, drew heavily from John Browning's Model 1911 but incorporated improvements like the removal of the barrel bushing. Chambered in the uncommon 7.65 Long cartridge, it saw service with French forces and was later adopted by German forces as the Pistole 625(f). Its design lineage is evident in the later Sig Sauer P210.

Quick Summary

The French Model 1935A pistol, designed by Charles Petter, was heavily influenced by John Browning's Model 1911 but featured modifications like the removal of the barrel bushing. It fires the rare 7.65 Long cartridge and its design lineage led to the Sig Sauer P210.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the French Model 1935A
  2. 00:22French Military's Need for a New Pistol
  3. 00:36French Experience with Auto Pistols
  4. 00:561935-1937 French Pistol Trials
  5. 01:04Charles Petter's Design Influence
  6. 01:11Comparison to John Browning's Model 1911
  7. 01:43Caliber: 7.65 Long
  8. 02:15Model 1935A Specifications
  9. 02:34Production Interruption by WWII
  10. 02:56German Adoption: Pistole 625(f)
  11. 03:20Post-War French Production
  12. 03:32Sig Sauer's Interest and P210 Legacy
  13. 03:59Colonialism and Indochina Conflict
  14. 04:24Museum Example and Distinctive Lines
  15. 04:52Vietnamese Copying the Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the French Model 1935A pistol based on?

The French Model 1935A pistol was largely based on John Browning's proven Model 1911 design. Designer Charles Petter adapted many of the 1911's principles but introduced key modifications, such as removing the barrel bushing.

What caliber does the French Model 1935A use, and is it common?

The French Model 1935A is chambered in the 7.65 Long cartridge. This caliber is considered extremely rare today, making it practically impossible to find ammunition for if you own one of these pistols.

How did World War II affect the production of the French Model 1935A?

During the Battle of France and subsequent occupation, German forces took over the production line and relabeled the pistol as the Pistole 625(f). They produced more of these pistols than the French had before the war.

What is the legacy of the French Model 1935A pistol?

The French Model 1935A's design influenced later firearms. After WWII, the Swiss industrial group SIG acquired manufacturing rights, and the pistol evolved into the well-regarded Sig Sauer P210.

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