Early semi-automatic handguns changed battlefield dynamics and set the foundation for modern service pistols. For collectors and tactical historians alike, a firearm that combines unique engineering with documented military service demands close attention.

WAFFENFABRIK BERN 1907

Overview

The WAFFENFABRIK BERN 1907 represents a formative leap in semi-automatic pistol design. Built on the Roth-Steyr concept, it uses a locked-breech system with the barrel and bolt recoiling together inside a hollow receiver. That rotation—achieved by helical grooves that turn the barrel 90 degrees clockwise—produces smooth cycling and reliable lockup under service conditions. Priced at $1,300.99, this piece is both a functional artifact and a collectible of historical importance. Shop this product

Design and Key Features

The design includes a fixed magazine loaded from the top via stripper clips—eliminating detachable magazine concerns and simplifying logistics in period military units. The heavy trigger pull was intentional, engineered for cavalry use where safety amid movement was paramount. Robust wooden grips terminate in a lanyard ring for secure handling. Its chambering for the proprietary 8x18mm Roth-Steyr cartridge delivers roughly 1,088 ft/s muzzle velocity (~305 ft-lbs), offering effective stopping power for its era and a distinctive ballistic profile to study for enthusiasts and historians. View product details and pricing

Historical Service and Manufacture

Adopted in 1907 by the Austro-Hungarian Army as the M.7, this design served cavalry, infantry, and artillery across World War I and beyond. Production between 1908 and 1914 at Steyr (approx. 60,000 units) and FEG in Budapest (approx. 30,000 units) speaks to the weapon’s production scale and craftsmanship. Individual pistols often carry markings—such as “K” for Austrian or inset grip discs denoting unit assignment—adding provenance to each example.

Buying and Preservation Notes

Collectors should note the pistol’s unique loading method, era-specific cartridge, and service markings when evaluating condition and authenticity. Proper preservation—controlled humidity, safe storage, and conservative cleaning—maintains mechanical integrity and historical value. For immediate purchase options or to confirm stock, Check current availability.

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