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FNAB 43: From WW2 Italy to Algerian Independence (ad-free)
🕑 Added 2022-09-05 12:00:10 +0000 UTCDesigned and manufactured by Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi di Brescia (National Arms Factory of Brescia) in northern Italy, for use by the RSI and German military forces (as well as some partisan units). They were produced in 1943 and 1944, and only about 1,000 were made (all with serial numbers in the 5,000 range, for unknown reasons). They were quite expensive to produce, with milled receivers and a closed-bolt lever-delayed mechanism.
Interestingly, many of the surviving examples came out of Algeria, where a batch of the guns was smuggled in for use by independence forces. Their markings were milled off, and replaced by fake marks in an attempt to hide their origins - "Maschine Pistole P.M. 43" (an interesting combination of German and French elements). This example went back to France later, where it was unfortunately deactivated by the St Etienne proof house.
Many thanks to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels for access to this very rare piece! Check them out here: https://www.klm-mra.be/D7t/
Comments
Steven E
The front half has to move a little to start the delayed process, like a delayed roller system works. Without the small movement of the front half of the bolt, the levers cannot move, the pressure of the spring tension against the levers delays the front half of the bolt as the back half is moving faster by the levers, by time the levers are fully retracted the pressures have dropped to a safe level in the chamber and the front half can now retracts at the same speed of the back half. This is a lever delay system, not a lever locked system.
Michael Baggott
Ian describes the process, the back half of the bolt moves until the levers lock in the horizontal position, then the entire bolt can move.
Robert Rowe
The range in manufacturing care and operating processes of the "bullet pumps" which became the future are amazing. The race was won by those who hit bottom fastest... With inspiring stories of those who were not the future here and there. Suomi, Owen, (your choice here)
Guido Schriewer
it has a ventilated barrel shroud. one just has to love that! riminds a littlebit of an ak with the folder and the grip. well there is a reason they've kind of lost the war. and that the rear is on the dust cover... that is not good. interesting rare history.
Mrgunsngear
very cool
Steven E
Interesting firearm, it looks like the bolt would need to move during the delay process, otherwise the levers can't move. The bolt is delayed, not locked from moving. Just my opinion.
Fred V PATTERSON
Thanks for the info. That SMG looks like it has been rode hard and put up wet. Would like to see it fire.
Paul Beck
How truly sad that it has been disabled a gun like that is a piece of history and should be complete!!! 🤠👍
Terry
I am surprised they would allow you to disassemble it.
