Spanish JoLoAr pistol in .380 caliber

Published on January 26, 2014
Duration: 7:46

This review of the Spanish JoLoAr pistol, developed in the early 1930s by Jose Lopez Arana, highlights its unique one-handed cocking lever and barrel tilt mechanism. The pistol, produced by Hermanos Arizmendi y Cia, was adopted by the Peruvian Mounted Police and offered in various calibers, with 9mm Largo being the most common. The expert analysis covers its operational details, historical context, and collectibility.

Quick Summary

The Spanish JoLoAr pistol, developed in the early 1930s, is distinguished by its unique side-mounted lever ('palanca') for one-handed cocking. This feature allows the pistol to be carried with a full magazine and an empty chamber, ready for immediate single-handed action. It also retains a barrel tilt mechanism for easier unloading and cleaning.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to JoLoAr pistol
  2. 00:45JoLoAr unique lever feature
  3. 01:45JoLoAr development history
  4. 02:35Sharpshooter barrel tilt feature
  5. 03:41JoLoAr operational details
  6. 04:06Production numbers and calibers
  7. 04:30Peruvian Mounted Police adoption
  8. 04:57Magazine capacity
  9. 05:15Demonstrating one-handed operation
  10. 06:11Manual unload and barrel tilt
  11. 06:41Shooting characteristics and sights
  12. 07:21Collectibility and conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary unique feature of the Spanish JoLoAr pistol?

The most distinctive feature of the JoLoAr pistol is its side-mounted lever, known as a 'palanca,' which allows for one-handed cocking. This enables the user to chamber a round and prepare the pistol for firing with a single hand.

What calibers were the JoLoAr pistols manufactured in?

JoLoAr pistols were produced in several calibers, including .25 ACP, .32 Auto, .380 ACP, 9mm Largo (which was the most common), and .45 Automatic. The featured pistol in the video is chambered in .380 ACP.

What historical significance does the JoLoAr pistol have regarding its adoption?

Many JoLoAr pistols were notably sold to the Peruvian Mounted Police. They found the innovative one-handed cocking mechanism to be highly practical for operating the firearm while riding horseback.

Does the JoLoAr pistol have a barrel tilt mechanism?

Yes, the JoLoAr retains a barrel tilt mechanism inherited from its predecessor, the Sharpshooter pistol. This feature allows the barrel to pivot upwards, aiding in the manual removal of chambered rounds or for cleaning purposes.

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