Deutsche · Pistol
Ortgies Vest Pocket Pistol
Blowback (semi-automatic) · 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) · introduced 1919
Also known as Deutsche Werke Ortgies, Ortgies Pocket Pistol, Ortgies Selbstladepistole
About the Ortgies Vest Pocket Pistol
The Ortgies Vest Pocket Pistol was a series of compact blowback semi-automatic pistols designed by Heinrich Ortgies and originally produced in Erfurt, Germany from 1919. Production was acquired by Deutsche Werke AG in 1921, who continued building the pistol until 1924. Notable for its near-screwless construction, ingenious spring-retained grip panels, and the ability to convert larger frames between .32 ACP and .380 ACP by simply rotating and removing the barrel, it represented an unusually high standard of engineering for an interwar pocket pistol. The smaller frame was offered in .25 ACP.
The Ortgies has almost no exposed screws - the wooden grip panels are held on by an internal spring catch hidden inside the magazine well, a design quirk that delights collectors and infuriates first-time disassemblers in equal measure.
Ortgies Vest Pocket Pistol specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Blowback (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Striker-fired
- Trigger
- Single action
- Calibres
- 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP), .380 ACP, 6.35x16mm Browning (.25 ACP)
- Magazine capacity
- 8 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 87 mm (3.4 in)
- Overall length
- 165 mm (6.5 in)
- Height
- 113 mm (4.4 in)
- Width
- 25 mm (1.0 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.59 kg (1.31 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Slide
- Steel
- Stock
- Wood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 275 m/s (902 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 175 J (129 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 25 m
History
- Introduced
- 1919
- Discontinued
- 1924
- Production status
- Out of production
- Country of origin
- DE
- Designer
- Heinrich Ortgies
Available calibres
Features
- Screwless construction
- Interchangeable barrels
- Spring loaded grip panels
- Concealed hammer
Safety
- Grip safety
- Manual safety
Available in three calibers: 6.35mm (.25 ACP), 7.65mm (.32 ACP), and 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP). The .32 and .380 versions share a frame and can be converted by swapping the barrel.