I Have This Old Gun: Spanish "Ruby" Pistols

Published on May 7, 2025
Duration: 4:16

This video details the history and production of the Spanish "Ruby" pistol, a popular sidearm during World War I. Originally based on John Moses Browning principles and a copy of the Colt 1903, the Ruby was adopted by the French military due to a shortage of standard issue sidearms. The demand led to widespread production by numerous Spanish manufacturers, often resulting in parts interchangeability issues.

Quick Summary

The Spanish "Ruby" pistol, a popular but often unknown firearm, served as a crucial sidearm for the French military during World War I. Based on John Moses Browning's principles and a copy of the Colt 1903, its widespread production by numerous Spanish makers led to significant issues with parts interchangeability.

Chapters

  1. 00:06WWI Trench Warfare and Handgun Needs
  2. 00:12Introduction to the Spanish Ruby Pistol
  3. 00:25The Ruby: An Unknown Popular Gun
  4. 00:33Ruby as a French Sidearm (30s-50s)
  5. 00:45French Military's Model 1892 Revolver Shortage
  6. 01:02French Approach to Gabalando Euri
  7. 01:13Ibar Region's Handgun Manufacturing
  8. 01:21Ruby as a Copy of Colt 1903 Auto Pistol
  9. 01:33Ruby Specifications: .32 ACP, Capacity
  10. 01:44French Order Thousands of Rubies
  11. 01:59Gabalando Euri Contract for 130,000 Pistols
  12. 02:24Farming Out Production
  13. 02:33Multiple Makers of the Spanish Ruby
  14. 02:43Word Gets Out: French Need Guns
  15. 03:01Dozens of Makers Submit Guns
  16. 03:10French Buy from Anyone Willing
  17. 03:16Nearly 50 Spanish Makers Involved
  18. 03:29Post-War Production and Market
  19. 03:43Manufacturing Challenges: Interchangeability
  20. 03:52Magazine Stamping for Identification
  21. 04:01Conundrum for Collectors
  22. 04:08Ensuring Original Parts for Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spanish "Ruby" pistol?

The Spanish "Ruby" pistol is a semi-automatic handgun produced in Spain, heavily influenced by John Moses Browning's designs and often considered a copy of the Colt 1903. It became a significant sidearm for the French military during World War I due to a shortage of standard issue firearms.

Why was the Ruby pistol adopted by the French military?

During World War I, the French military faced a severe shortage of handguns. They turned to Spanish manufacturers, like Gabalando Euri, to produce the Ruby pistol in large quantities to equip their officers and troops heading to the front lines.

What caliber is the Spanish Ruby pistol typically chambered in?

The Spanish "Ruby" pistol is most commonly chambered in .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). This caliber was popular for compact handguns during the early 20th century, offering a balance of manageable recoil and sufficient stopping power for its intended role.

What were the main production challenges for the Spanish Ruby pistols?

A major challenge in the production of Spanish Ruby pistols was the lack of parts interchangeability. With nearly 50 different manufacturers involved, parts from one pistol often wouldn't fit another, requiring magazines to be stamped with the original maker's name.

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