History of WWI Primer 016: French Savage 1907 Pistol Documentary

Published on January 5, 2016
Duration: 25:27

The Savage 1907 pistol, chambered in .32 ACP, was a significant firearm for its time, featuring a revolutionary 10-round double-stack magazine and a unique rotating barrel delayed blowback action. Despite its advanced design, including tool-less field stripping and 'Art Deco' aesthetics, its toe-mounted magazine release proved difficult for some users. France procured around 27,000 units during WWI, highlighting its adoption despite competition.

Quick Summary

The Savage 1907 pistol, adopted by France during WWI, was notable for its innovative 10-round double-stack magazine and rotating barrel delayed blowback action. It offered tool-less field stripping and a compact .32 ACP chambering, though its toe magazine release was a point of criticism.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: France's Need for Handguns
  2. 00:45Savage 1907 Technical Specs & Features
  3. 01:09Design Origins: Elbert Searle's Innovation
  4. 02:32Military Trials & .45 ACP Variant
  5. 06:25Key Design Elements: Art Deco & Magazine
  6. 08:06Action Mechanism: Delayed Blowback Explained
  7. 09:20Tool-less Field Stripping Demonstration
  8. 11:35Live Fire Range Performance
  9. 12:29WWI French & Portuguese Contracts
  10. 16:13Shooter Assessment: Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Savage 1907 pistol revolutionary for its time?

The Savage 1907 was revolutionary primarily due to its 10-round double-stack detachable magazine, a feature that was not common in handguns until decades later. It also featured a unique rotating barrel delayed blowback action and tool-less field stripping.

How many Savage 1907 pistols did France acquire during WWI?

France purchased approximately 27,000 units of the Savage 1907 pistol during World War I. These French contract models typically featured metric markings (7.65mm) and a lanyard ring for military use.

What is the action mechanism of the Savage 1907 pistol?

The Savage 1907 employs a rotating barrel delayed blowback system. In this mechanism, the torque generated by the spinning bullet resists the barrel's unlocking rotation, effectively keeping the breech closed for a longer duration than a simple blowback system.

What were the main criticisms of the Savage 1907 pistol?

While praised for its design and capacity, the Savage 1907's main criticisms included the difficult-to-operate toe-mounted magazine release and some initial 'slop' in the trigger pull. Its aesthetics were considered 'Art Deco'.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from C&Rsenal

View all →