Japanese Type 94 "Shiki Kenju" Pistol - 8x22mm Nambu
The Japanese Type 94 "Shiki Kenju" Pistol was a small compact semiautomatic 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. Slight pressure on the sear bar would result in an accidental discharge, however, the Type 94 pistol was supposed to be carried with the chamber empty (as was recommended for all pistols of the time period, even the venerable M1911) . 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 manuverability.
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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