Little Giants: A Journey Through 2mm Pinfire Gun History. Part II
Are you passionate about historical weapons? Finding a genuine Lefaucheux revolver can take a lot of work. However, don’t let this discourage you. It might come with a hefty price tag even if you are lucky enough to find one in an antique store. Nevertheless, there is still hope. Miniature models of guns that shoot the same cartridges can be a more affordable alternative. These models are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, and they often showcase the manufacturer’s innovative skills and creative solutions. So, keep pursuing your passion for historical weapons. Keep searching and exploring, and you might find something surpassing your expectations.
Table of Contents
High Standard Miniature Pistol
These pistols appeared in America in 1942 when the army needed a compact and noiseless handgun. The model produced by the High Standard company met these requirements. It was a small-caliber pistol with a silencer and a magazine that contained 8-10 cartridges.
Bob Urso has made his version of the High Standard gun for a 2mm pinfire. Only the outer shape of the famous silent pistol was taken. The internal mechanism is based on constructing the Kobold gun – one type of already mentioned Berloques produced in Germany in the 20-30’s. Thus, we can say that we have a hybrid of two well-known pistols manufactured in different countries in the last century.
One noteworthy feature that sets this model apart from most other pinfire guns is the location of the hammer. In the second picture, you can observe that when you insert the cartridge, the hole for the pin is situated on the underside. Moreover, there is a hammer that strikes the pin from the bottom.
Additionally, please note the retractable front part of the handle. When the pistol is cocked, it is released forward and functions as the trigger.
2 mm pinfire Colt 1911
The cult pistol in the United States, a veteran of the US Army, which was in service from 1911 to 1990, is a typical self-loading semi-automatic model. It has a magazine and, of course, it has never used pinfires. This miniature single-shot model is made by American master Rosen, especially for the Pinfire Guns USA store. The manufacture of such hybrids is caused mainly by practical and commercial purposes: since 2mm pinfires are currently the only mass-produced and widely available ammunition for miniature firearms worldwide, the manufacturers who don’t make cartridges for their small guns themselves are forced to customize their models to this standard. As a result, the weapon loses some of its traditional functions, but you can quickly charge it. If the gun were more precisely executed but couldn’t shoot because of the lack of ammunition, the buyers would be less interested in it.
Here is an example of how Master Rosen adapted a famous Kalashnikov machine gun to a 2mm pinfire cartridge. Its length is only 4.7 inches. Only a few masters can create miniature AK47s that shoot single shots and bursts. They develop the ammunition for their models on their own: a tiny portion of explosive should produce enough energy to throw the bullet, pull the frame back, and put the next cartridge to the right place.
Robocop’s Gun as a 2mm Pinfire
It’s quite a fantastic kind of firearm, both literally and figuratively. The film about the adventures of a robot policeman, Robocop, has earned world fame due to its futuristic style, bright special effects, and satire. Needless to say, its main character needed an exceptional weapon, and it was created on the basis of Beretta 93. In the film, this gun was called Beretta Auto 9.
His tiny brother today is more often called “Roboberetta.” Master Rosen reproduced the gun shown on the screen in all details, but, like in the previous examples, he put a 2mm pinfire into it. The weapon has a steel-blued case and a length of 2 5/8 inches. Options include a bone and gold-plated handle.
2mm Pinfire Shooting Ring Gun
But perhaps the most intricate and impressive weapon designed for 2mm pinfires is a shooting ring. Such rings were popular in the 19th century. They had a rotating disc cylinder instead of a precious stone. A cartridge was inserted into each of its holes, and any woman who wore such a ring looked like a femme fatale.
However, history repeats itself, and today, you can also find modern modifications of this decorative mini-revolver in online stores. Of course, it is not designed for self-defense; it is instead a way to create an unusual image of a “gangster’s girl” using only one impressive accessory.
This ring-revolver was made by the master David Chittenden and commissioned by a young man who wanted to present a wedding ring to his bride as a surprise. Natural diamonds, art casting, and gold carving were used to make it. We should admit: It looks exquisite.
If you want to buy such a ring for less and without waiting while masters make it, you can do it on our website. We offer 6-shot rings with a simple, modern design adapted for standard 2mm pinfire ammo.
There, you can read about mechanisms and technical characteristics, and see the video that demonstrates this shooting ring in action.
You also will be able to ask any questions about this product and tell us about your preferences, such as the size of your finger.
We are ready to take into account all your requirements. If you don’t want to buy a standard ring for the usual price and have time – you can order your own exclusively customized exemplar with unique engraving and precious stones.
About the Author
My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.
My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.