Le Français .32ACP Pistol

Published on January 31, 2016
Duration: 9:00

This expert review from Forgotten Weapons, hosted by Ian McCollum, delves into the unique design of the Manufrance Le Français .32 ACP pistol. McCollum highlights its 1912 design by Etienne Mimard, its long production run, and distinctive features such as the tip-up barrel for manual loading and a DAO striker-fired action. The review also details the pistol's internal mechanism, including a novel coil mainspring housed in the grip, and its variations across different calibers and intended uses.

Quick Summary

The Manufrance Le Français .32 ACP pistol, designed by Etienne Mimard, features a unique tip-up barrel for manual chamber loading and a DAO striker-fired action. Its internal mechanism includes a distinctive coil mainspring in the grip, and magazine removal automatically opens the barrel for quick reloading.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Le Français Pistol
  2. 00:52History and Design Origins
  3. 01:11Variations and Calibers
  4. 02:55Tip-Up Barrel Feature Explained
  5. 03:55Magazine and Reloading System
  6. 04:34Action and Safety Mechanism
  7. 06:11Internal Mechanism Deep Dive

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Manufrance Le Français .32 ACP pistol?

The Le Français .32 ACP pistol features a unique tip-up barrel for manual chamber loading, a Double Action Only (DAO) striker-fired mechanism with no external safeties, and an 8-round magazine. Its internal mechanism includes a distinctive coil mainspring housed in the grip.

Who designed the Le Français pistol and when was it produced?

The Le Français pistol was designed by Etienne Mimard, patented in 1913, and entered production in 1914. The .32 ACP model discussed was produced between 1950 and 1969 by Manufrance in Saint-Étienne, France.

How does the Le Français pistol facilitate reloading?

The Le Français pistol has a unique reloading feature where removing the magazine automatically causes the barrel to pop open. This action exposes the chamber, allowing for a quick manual insertion of a cartridge, streamlining the reloading process.

What makes the internal mechanism of the Le Français pistol unusual?

The pistol's internal mechanism is unusual because it utilizes a large coil mainspring located within the grip frame. This spring is connected to a bell crank linkage that operates the slide, differing from the more common designs that place the mainspring in the slide.

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