Japanese 7.65mm Hamada Pistol

Published on April 10, 2016
Duration: 16:02

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly of the rare Japanese 7.65mm Hamada pistol, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It highlights the pistol's unique rotational barrel lock mechanism, distinct from its Browning 1910 inspiration. The process requires careful attention due to spring tension, especially during reassembly. This information is valuable for collectors and historians interested in Japanese martial arms.

Quick Summary

The Japanese 7.65mm Hamada pistol, produced from 1941-1944, is a rare, privately manufactured WWII firearm. Chambered in .32 ACP with a 9-round capacity, it uses a striker-fired, straight blowback action. Its design, by Bunji Hamada, resembles the Browning 1910 but features a unique 90-degree rotating barrel lock mechanism for disassembly.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Hamada Pistol
  2. 01:28History of Hamada Gun Shop
  3. 03:12Design and Inspiration
  4. 04:25Production and Rarity
  5. 06:37Technical Specifications and Markings
  6. 09:13Acceptance Marks and Dating
  7. 10:23Disassembly and Internal Mechanics
  8. 13:29Fire Control and Safety
  9. 14:53Reassembly and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind the Japanese 7.65mm Hamada pistol?

The Hamada 7.65mm pistol was produced by the Hamada Gun Shop in Tokyo between 1941-1944. Initially a civilian firearms manufacturer, the shop was ordered by the Japanese government to produce military pistols due to wartime demands. Designed by Bunji Hamada, it was a rare private venture in Japanese WWII arms production.

What are the key technical specifications of the Hamada 7.65mm Pistol?

The Hamada pistol is a 7.65mm (.32 ACP) caliber firearm with a 9-round capacity. It operates via a straight blowback, striker-fired mechanism. Production ran from 1941 to 1944, with an estimated 4,500-5,000 units made.

How does the Hamada 7.65mm Pistol differ from the Browning 1910?

While visually and mechanically similar to the Browning 1910, the Hamada pistol features a unique barrel locking system. Instead of a standard mechanism, its barrel rotates 90 degrees to unlock from a dovetail attachment, a significant departure from Browning's design.

What do the markings on a Hamada 7.65mm Pistol signify?

Markings like the '7.65mm' on the magazine base and the Hamada factory logo are common. A cherry blossom stamp indicates final military acceptance. Date stamps, such as '18' for 1943 (Showa 18), and Tokyo factory inspection marks are also present.

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