Yovanovitch Model 1931

Published on April 5, 2016
Duration: 10:21

This review details the rare Yovanovitch Model 1931 pistol, a unique .380 ACP design by Lazar Yovanovitch. Despite innovative features like a complex cartridge counter on the 1930 pattern, military adoption was unsuccessful due to complexity. The sole surviving example is a simplified 1931 version, handmade by Yovanovitch in Canada after his wartime experiences.

Quick Summary

The Yovanovitch Model 1931 is a rare .380 ACP pistol designed by Lazar Yovanovitch. The sole surviving example was handmade in Canada in 1958. It features a simple blowback, striker-fired mechanism and uses a repurposed FN Browning 1910/22 barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Yovanovitch Model 1931
  2. 00:25Lazar Yovanovitch's Early Career & Designs
  3. 01:54The Complex 1930 Pattern Pistol
  4. 03:09Yovanovitch's Competitive Shooting Career
  5. 04:12Development of the Model 1931
  6. 05:06Yovanovitch's WWII Experience & Emigration
  7. 06:06The 1958 Handmade Survivor Pistol
  8. 07:29Technical Overview: Mechanics & Disassembly
  9. 08:13Components, Markings & Serial Number

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yovanovitch Model 1931 pistol?

The Yovanovitch Model 1931 is a rare .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol designed by Lazar Yovanovitch. The only known surviving example was handmade by Yovanovitch in Canada in 1958, representing a simplified version of his earlier 1930 Pattern design.

Who was Lazar Yovanovitch?

Lazar Yovanovitch was a Yugoslavian engineer and firearm designer. He studied in Ghent, competed in shooting events including the 1936 Olympics, and later emigrated to Canada after serving in WWII.

What were the technical specifications of the Yovanovitch Model 1931?

The Model 1931 is a simple blowback, striker-fired pistol chambered in .380 ACP, typically holding 8 rounds. It notably uses a repurposed barrel from an FN Browning 1910/22 and features a unique disassembly method via a threaded rear plug.

Why was the Yovanovitch Model 1931 not adopted by the military?

Yovanovitch's earlier 1930 Pattern pistol, featuring a complex cartridge counter, was rejected for being too complicated. The subsequent Model 1931, while simplified, also did not attract military interest, leading to its rarity.

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