What Extremely Rare Prototype Pistol Is This?!

Published on May 31, 2022
Duration: 17:13

This video provides an in-depth look at an extremely rare Gustloff prototype pistol, believed to be a 7.65mm sidearm developed during the late 1930s/early 1940s. The presenter, a firearms collector, details its historical context, its connection to Fritz Sockel and the industrialist practices of the era, and its design similarities and differences to contemporary pistols like the Walther PP/PPK and Sauer 38H. The video includes a demonstration of its unique 'big ass' safety mechanism and a detailed walkthrough of its disassembly and reassembly process, highlighting its prototype nature and lack of official proof marks.

Quick Summary

The Gustloff prototype pistol, a rare 7.65mm sidearm from the WWII era, was developed to secure military contracts. It features a unique 'big ass' safety, an internal hammer, and a lightweight alloy frame. Lacking official proof marks, these prototypes were distributed for evaluation, with only 100-200 believed to have been made.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare Prototype Pistol
  2. 00:35Historical Context: Fritz Sockel & Industrialists
  3. 01:57Design Similarities & Differences
  4. 03:17Unique Safety Mechanism Explained
  5. 04:00Disassembly Process
  6. 05:40Internal Hammer & Reassembly
  7. 06:40Spring Installation & Comparison
  8. 07:40Slide Removal & Exposed Hammer
  9. 08:40Serial Numbers & Markings
  10. 09:40Proof Marks & Prototype Status
  11. 10:15Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Gustloff prototype pistol?

The Gustloff prototype pistol, developed around 1939-1940, represents an attempt to secure military and police contracts for a small caliber 7.65mm sidearm. Its existence is tied to industrialist Fritz Sockel, who used firearms as gifts to gain favor and contracts during the pre-war and early war period.

What are the key design features of the Gustloff prototype pistol?

Key features include a unique 'big ass' safety lever, two-piece grips similar to the Walther PP, a lightweight zinc-aluminum alloy frame, and an internal hammer like the Sauer 38H. It shares magazine similarities with the Walther PP but has a slightly curved base.

Why does the Gustloff prototype pistol lack official proof marks?

The absence of official proof marks, such as the Eagle N proof, indicates that the Gustloff prototype pistol was never officially inspected or accepted into service by any military or police organization. These were distributed as prototypes for evaluation, not as issued firearms.

How does the disassembly of the Gustloff prototype pistol differ from similar firearms?

Disassembly is initiated by pulling down the trigger guard, which remains in place, allowing the slide to be retracted and removed. This mechanism is distinct from some other pistols where a lever might need to be held down manually or a different takedown procedure is used.

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