The Liberator Pistol

Published on February 1, 2012
Duration: 10:52

The FP-45 Liberator was a unique, single-shot .45 ACP pistol mass-produced by General Motors in 1942 for WWII resistance fighters. Designed for extreme simplicity and low cost, it was made from stamped sheet metal and packaged with 10 rounds and pictorial instructions. Modern reproductions by Vintage Ordnance feature improved materials and rifled barrels for safety and accuracy.

Quick Summary

The FP-45 Liberator was a single-shot .45 ACP pistol mass-produced by General Motors in 1942 for WWII resistance fighters. Made from stamped sheet metal, it was designed for simplicity and low cost, packaged with 10 rounds and pictorial instructions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The FP-45 Liberator Pistol
  2. 01:35Development & Secrecy: GM's Flare Projector
  3. 02:24Design & Functionality: Single-Shot .45 ACP
  4. 05:45Modern Reproductions: Vintage Ordnance
  5. 06:50Manufacturing: Stamped Components Assembly
  6. 08:31Historical Impact & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the FP-45 Liberator pistol?

The FP-45 Liberator was designed as a cheap, mass-produced weapon for resistance fighters during WWII. The idea was to drop them in large quantities for civilians to use against occupying forces, providing a simple means of armament.

Who manufactured the FP-45 Liberator pistol?

The FP-45 Liberator was manufactured by General Motors during World War II. The project was completed with remarkable speed, delivering one million units in just six months starting in 1942.

What caliber is the Liberator pistol and how many rounds does it hold?

The Liberator pistol is chambered in .45 ACP. It is a single-shot firearm, but its grip features a storage compartment designed to hold an additional 10 rounds of ammunition.

Are modern reproductions of the Liberator pistol safe to fire?

Yes, modern reproductions, such as those made by Vintage Ordnance, are generally safe to fire. They utilize better quality steel, rifled barrels (to comply with regulations), and heat-treated components, unlike the original crude design.

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