From the Vault: Kolibri Miniature Pistol

Published on July 30, 2021
Duration: 3:37

This video from Brownells' 'From the Vault' series explores the 2.7mm Kolibri, the world's smallest centerfire pistol, produced around 1914. It details the pistol's autoloading function, its minimal ballistics (3 ft-lbs of energy), and its origin from watchmaker Franz Pfannl. The Kolibri is noted as a scaled-down version of the Steyr 1908, and its incredibly small size is emphasized through comparisons with items like a Rolex Daytona watch. The presentation highlights the historical context and unique engineering of this miniature firearm.

Quick Summary

The 2.7mm Kolibri, produced around 1914, is the world's smallest centerfire pistol. Designed by watchmaker Franz Pfannl, it fires a 3-grain bullet at 660 fps, generating only 3 ft-lbs of energy. It's a scaled-down replica of the Steyr 1908, showcasing remarkable precision engineering.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rock Island Auction
  2. 00:20The 2.7mm Kolibri: Smallest Centerfire Pistol
  3. 00:45Mechanical Operation and Design
  4. 01:00Ballistics and Performance
  5. 01:14Inventor Franz Pfannl and History
  6. 02:13Size Comparison: Kolibri vs. Rolex
  7. 02:41Design Inspiration: Steyr 1908

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2.7mm Kolibri pistol?

The 2.7mm Kolibri is recognized as the smallest centerfire pistol ever produced. Its production began around 1914, and it was designed by Franz Pfannl, a watchmaker known for precision.

What are the ballistics of the 2.7mm Kolibri?

The Kolibri fires a very small 3-grain bullet at approximately 660 feet per second. This results in extremely low energy, around 3 foot-pounds, barely enough to penetrate thin materials like cardboard.

Who invented the Kolibri pistol?

The Kolibri pistol was invented by Franz Pfannl, an Austrian watchmaker. His background in precision mechanics is evident in the intricate and tiny components of the firearm.

What was the Kolibri pistol inspired by?

The design of the Kolibri miniature pistol was heavily inspired by the Steyr 1908 pistol. It features similar lines, a side ejection port, and Steyr-style grips, but in a significantly downsized form.

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