Things are still pretty hectic here, and I apologize for not having a new post. In lieu of that, I am going to repost a video from last year, on the Mexican Obregon variant of the 1911. It has the rather interesting design twist of changing from a tilting-barrel Browning type lock to a rotating barrel like a Steyr-Hahn. Thanks to a friendly collector, we got to take one apart and then do some shooting with it:
Full original post (and comments) here: Obregon Automatic Pistol (Video)
There is modern GSh-18 pistol utilizing this principle of operation. After seeing disassembled GSh-18 and TT-33 I suppose that the reason is that barrel can be easier (i.e. faster i.e. cheaper) produced if there are full collars (only one lathe need) than multiple locking lugs (additional machine needed).
hi Daweo
I am glad that you are interested in rotary action pistols. They for some strange reason attract my attention a lot. I have done quite extensive search on them, but right now do not have data at hand. One interesting thing is that there is not a consistent pattern among them as to what is direction of locking and grooves helix. It can be one way or the other; con-current or not. As relatively more complex (in terms of manufacture) I consider Czech Vz.26 service pistol in 9mm Browning. On the opposite end I’d say Beretta Cougar (made in Turkey). This is ultimately simple design for this type of action. unfortunately cannot buy it here since it qualifies as “prohibited” (barrel too short).
The mentioned GSh-18 is certainly impressive weapon too, so is current Chinese service pistol, also with rotary action.
I always thought it an interesting and unique design. After owning a few….I actually owned one in 38 super…and shot it. I never shot the .45acp version…but bought one with a test target that the seller had shot….and he did quite well at 25 yds.
David
This system, was used on the Mauser Nickel and The chek model?
This is a pistol that deserved a much brighter future (and way higher production figures). An interesting question, Ian: do you know if the Mexican manufacturer (the Fábrica de Armas at Mexico City) ever tried to market it elsewhere? Any attempts to export it to Latin American nations or even the US? And by the way, it seems quite well made.
As for the modern GSh-18, mentioned above by Daweo and Denny, I am also quite interested in it, first and foremost because it is a modern rotary action pistol; I am with you in that regard, Denny! And I would love to read a first-hand report on the GSh-18…