P.A.F. Junior - South Africa's First Production Gun

Published on January 29, 2019
Duration: 7:12

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for the P.A.F. Junior, South Africa's first production firearm. It highlights the striker-fired, blowback semi-auto design, influenced by the Baby Browning. The guide emphasizes inspecting for known design flaws, particularly in the frame's locking lug, and provides steps for safe disassembly and reassembly.

Quick Summary

The P.A.F. Junior is South Africa's first production firearm, a .25 ACP pocket pistol manufactured by the Pretoria Arms Factory (PAF) starting in 1954. Heavily influenced by the Baby Browning, it features a striker-fired, blowback action and a 9-round capacity. Known issues include frame cracking at the locking lug and shrinking plastic grips. Rare BRF variants exist.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to P.A.F. Junior
  2. 00:30History of Pretoria Arms Factory
  3. 01:25Design and Markings
  4. 02:30The BRF Variant
  5. 04:04Disassembly and Mechanics
  6. 05:00Technical Design Flaw
  7. 06:11Rarity and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the P.A.F. Junior?

The P.A.F. Junior is recognized as South Africa's first domestically produced firearm. It's a compact, .25 ACP caliber semi-automatic pocket pistol manufactured by the Pretoria Arms Factory (PAF).

Who established the Pretoria Arms Factory?

The Pretoria Arms Factory (PAF) was founded in 1954 by Dutch immigrants Piet Nagel and J.W. Dekker. Both were former members of the Dutch resistance, bringing their expertise to establish South Africa's firearm manufacturing industry.

What are the key mechanical features of the P.A.F. Junior?

The P.A.F. Junior operates as a striker-fired, blowback semi-automatic pistol. It was heavily influenced by the design of the FN 1906 (Baby Browning) and typically utilizes a 9-round magazine.

Are there any known issues with the P.A.F. Junior?

Yes, a significant design flaw was identified in early models concerning the frame's locking lug, which could crack under stress, potentially causing the slide to detach. Original plastic grips were also prone to shrinking.

What is the significance of the BRF marking on some P.A.F. Juniors?

The 'BRF' marking indicates a later variant, possibly named after Bertram Rudolf Freiling. These BRF models are extremely rare, with only a few hundred believed to have been produced, making them highly sought after by collectors.

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