History of WWI Primer 116: German Sauer 1913 Documentary

Published on January 14, 2020
Duration: 49:13

This guide details the field stripping process for the Sauer 1913 pistol, a WWI-era German handgun. It covers the steps necessary for basic maintenance and understanding the firearm's mechanics. The video emphasizes the pistol's quality but notes ergonomic challenges during range testing.

Quick Summary

The Sauer 1913 is a German pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP, notable for its blowback operation and unique safeties. Though primarily commercial, it was approved for German officers in WWI. While high-quality, it presents ergonomic challenges like a heavy trigger and potential slide bite, with small sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Sauer 1913
  2. 01:11Sauer Family and Suhl History
  3. 03:07Early Sauer Pistol Designs
  4. 05:29Development of the Model 1913
  5. 07:55Unique Mechanical Features
  6. 09:42Disassembly and Variations
  7. 11:37WWI Service and Markings
  8. 13:19Post-War Type 3 and Legacy
  9. 15:56Range Performance and Ergonomics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sauer 1913 pistol?

The Sauer 1913 is a German pocket pistol, produced by J.P. Sauer & Sohn, that saw limited military service during WWI. It's a compact, blowback-operated handgun chambered in .32 ACP, known for its quality construction and unique design features.

What were the key design features of the Sauer 1913?

Key features include a blowback operation, a tubular slide, a fixed barrel with a concentric recoil spring, and unique safeties like a manual slide lock and an early magazine safety button on Type 1 models. It was designed by Fritz Zehner and utilized German utility patents ('Gebrauchsmuster').

Was the Sauer 1913 used by the military?

While primarily a commercial arm, the Sauer 1913 was officially approved for officer purchase by the German military in 1917. Military-accepted examples are marked with a crown over a Gothic letter proof mark on the frame.

What are the ergonomic considerations for the Sauer 1913?

Range testing indicates ergonomic challenges, including a slide that can 'bite' larger hands, a heavy trigger pull, and very small sights. However, the safety is noted as being well-positioned for one-handed use.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from C&Rsenal

View all →