Bergmann Pistols

[Bob Wright]

The current issue of The American rifleman features a study of the Bergmann pistols. Caused me to do a bit more reading about these pistols. Fascinating study, that of early auto pistols.

The Bergmann, along with the Mauser Broomhandle, located the magazine in front of the trigger guard. It was Browning's choice to locate the magazine in the gun butt. His rationale was that "One hand can always find the other, even in the dark."

Bob Wright

 

[sfhogman]

Uziel Gal designed the Uzi magazine setup the same way for the same reason. Hand always meets hand.

 

[Acorn]

A friend has or had a Bergman 1910/21 he’d been schlepping around the shows for years trying to sell. Serial number 7. I haven’t send him in a while and don’t know if he still has it. Cool looking gun. Everyone thinks it’s a Broomhandle

 

[toysoldier]

There are several "Forgotten Weapons" videos on these pistols.

 

[blackhawknj]

Like the Broomhandle Mauser-or the Luger-it is an excellent example of a first generation design that was quickly surpassed by more practical ones.

 

[toysoldier]

Like the Broomhandle Mauser-or the Luger-it is an excellent example of a first generation design that was quickly surpassed by more practical ones.

The forward-magazine design would be practical for a pistol chambering a longer, more powerful cartridge, allowing the designer to use a more ergonomic grip.

 

[Kevin]

The forward magazine also helps with balance. Look at Hammerli pistols for example. Certain models have the magazine in front of the trigger guard. I think Walther also makes a Olympic style target pistol with a forward magazine. It would also reduce muzzle flip when firing. Not that some of these small calibers have much to begin with.