Union/Reifgraber .32 S&W Autopistol

Published on November 28, 2015
Duration: 12:01

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the Union/Reifgraber .32 S&W Autopistol, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. The process involves removing the backstrap to access internal components, highlighting the firearm's unique design. McCollum, a recognized expert in rare firearms, provides an in-depth look at this historical semi-automatic pistol.

Quick Summary

The Union/Reifgraber .32 S&W Autopistol, produced from 1910-1912, features a unique short-recoil, locked-breech mechanism and can fire both rimmed .32 S&W and rimless .32 ACP cartridges with a special magazine. Designed by Joseph Joachim Reifgraber, it can be field stripped by removing the backstrap without tools.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Discovery
  2. 00:52Inventor Biography: Joseph Joachim Reifgraber
  3. 02:20Historical Context and Marketing
  4. 03:44Caliber and Magazine Design
  5. 05:53Disassembly and Internal Components
  6. 07:42Mechanical Operation and Locking Mechanism

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Union/Reifgraber .32 S&W Autopistol?

The Union/Reifgraber .32 S&W Autopistol is a rare semi-automatic pistol produced by the Union Firearms Company between 1910 and 1912. It is notable for its unique short-recoil, locked-breech mechanism and its ability to fire both rimmed .32 S&W and rimless .32 ACP cartridges.

Who designed the Union/Reifgraber Autopistol?

The pistol was designed by Joseph Joachim Reifgraber, an Austrian immigrant who was also a machinist, inventor, and former publisher of an anarchist newspaper. He submitted various firearm designs for trials during his career.

How is the Union/Reifgraber Autopistol field stripped?

Field stripping involves rotating a takedown lever to remove the backstrap, which houses the hammer and mainspring. The internal plug, recoil spring, barrel, and bolt can then be removed from the frame without specialized tools.

What calibers can the Union/Reifgraber Autopistol fire?

Primarily designed for the rimmed .32 S&W revolver cartridge, it can also be adapted to fire the rimless .32 ACP cartridge, though this requires a special magazine, a rare feature for early semi-automatic pistols.

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