Japanese Type 94 Pistol - 8x22mm Nambu
Japanese Type 94 Pistol - 8x22mm Nambu
The Japanese Type 94 (Japanese: 九四式拳銃 Kyūyon-Shiki Kenjū) was a compact semi-automatic pistol, produced between 1934 - 1945, chambered in 8x22mm Nambu, that was issued to Imperial Japanese troops during World War II. In his book, Military Small Arms of the 20th Century, the late military analyst Ian V. Hogg referred to this weapon as "one of the world's worst automatic pistols", citing its crude construction and tendency toward accidental discharge due to the exposed and external sear bar, particularly when being holstered. Slight pressure on the front of the exposed sear bar would cause the weapon to fire without the user touching the trigger: while like most semi-automatic pistols of the era it was in theory supposed to be carried with the chamber empty, it was certainly the only one where doing so was a matter of self-preservation. According to Hogg, the final version of the handgun that went into production was a result of members of the Imperial Japanese Army's ordnance department tampering with the Nambu company's original design. It was mostly issued to Tanker officers and pilots. In both those instances, the pistol was not often used by the owner after the destruction or disabling of the vehicle, being that both Japanese Aircraft and Armor gave little thought to protecting the operator, instead opting for lighter weight and maneuverability.
Specifications
(1934 - 1961)
- Weight: 1.6 lbs (0.72 kg)
- Barrel length: 3.7 in (9.5 cm)
The Japanese Type 94 Shiki Kenji Pistol has appeared in the following:
Film
Anime
Video Games
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