Little Tom Pistol: First DA/SA EVER Made

Published on June 3, 2016
Duration: 3:50

This guide details the field stripping process for the Little Tom Pistol, the first Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol. The video demonstrates a straightforward disassembly, highlighting its unique top-loading brass magazine. While historically significant, the firearm exhibited notable reliability issues during testing, including light primer strikes and ejection failures.

Quick Summary

The Little Tom Pistol, designed by Alois Tomiska in 1909 and manufactured by Wiener Waffenfabrik in Vienna, holds the distinction of being the first semi-automatic pistol with a Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) trigger system. It features a unique 9-round top-loading brass magazine but suffered from notable reliability issues like light primer strikes and ejection failures during testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Little Tom Pistol
  2. 00:15Historical Context and Production
  3. 00:31Unique Top-Loading Magazine System
  4. 01:07Disassembly and Magazine Details
  5. 02:01Range Performance and Reliability Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Little Tom Pistol historically significant?

The Little Tom Pistol is historically significant as it is recognized as the very first semi-automatic pistol ever designed with a Double-Action/Single-Action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism, a design that would become common in later firearms.

How does the Little Tom Pistol load ammunition?

The Little Tom Pistol features a unique top-loading magazine system. The brass magazine, holding 9 rounds, is inserted into the open slide after it has been locked to the rear.

What were the reliability issues observed with the Little Tom Pistol?

During live-fire testing, the Little Tom Pistol demonstrated significant reliability problems, including frequent light primer strikes and failures to eject, commonly resulting in stovepipe malfunctions.

Who designed and manufactured the Little Tom Pistol?

The Little Tom Pistol was designed by Alois Tomiska and manufactured in Vienna, Austria, by Wiener Waffenfabrik. Production ran from 1909 until approximately 1925.

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