Bergmann Simplex | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
Place of origin | Germany Belgium |
Production history | |
Designer | Theodor Bergmann |
Designed | 1897 [1] |
Produced | c.1897-1914; [1] introduced to markets in 1901. [2] |
No. built | Est. 4000 or more [3] [1] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 32.0 oz (1.0 kg) |
Length | 8.5 in (217 mm) |
Cartridge | 8x18mm Simplex |
Action | blowback |
Feed system | 5- or 8- round detachable box magazine |
The Bergmann Simplex was a compact firearm produced in the early 1900s, utilizing innovations from the earlier Bergman Model 1896 and 1897 pistols, [4] being essentially a down-scaled version of Model 1897. [2] It was chambered for the proprietary Bergmann-Simplex 8mm cartridge.
Although production began in 1897, the design itself was actually patented in 1901, with the gun beginning sales in 1901 as well. [2] After a few copies were manufactured in Austria, its designs would be sold to a unidentified Belgian company in 1904. This Belgian company would manufacture 4,000 copies and would discontinue it, after the German aggression against Belgium in 1914. [3] [1]
The Simplex proved popular in Spain, to a point it prompted local gunsmiths to start making counterfeit copies of the Simplex. [3] [1]
The Simplex, while doing better commercially than its predecessor design, the Model 1896/1897 family, was still not a successful firearm. It was considered under-powered, cumbersome and developed a reputation for poor reliability. [3] Additionally, it did not fare well against the other compact pistols in the market; particularly the FN-Browning designs. [5]
The Bergmann Simplex incorporated experience from the earlier Bergmann pistols. It is nearly identical with the Bergmann Model 1897, but is smaller in size and its original one-piece grips having the word Simplex on them.
The Bergmann Simplex was a semi-automatic weapon, operating on the principle of a free-bolt recoil. The lock consists of a simple single-action system, using hammer as a striker, without self-cocking.
The Bergmann Simplex was fed from a replaceable box magazine with a capacity of 6 or 8 rounds. The magazine was located in front of the trigger.
It fired a relatively weak 8 mm cartridge. [6] This made it possible to construct the weapon with an unlocked bolt. [7] Its barrel was rifled, had six right-handed grooves.
Manufacturing quality of Bergmann Simplex was lacking, with issues being found in its "soft" feeling frame, the one-piece rubber grip being fragile and the extractor and the ejector being prone to breaking. [8]
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