Miniature Treasures: Incredible World of the Smallest Shooting Guns
When you see a tiny pistol that easily fits on the tip of your finger – you usually remember the fairy tales about the battles of tin soldiers. But if you think a miniature firearms model is a toy, you are mistaken. Collecting such things is a hobby for many adults and severe people: high-ranking officials and representatives of the business elite. And this activity is gaining popularity.
What is especially in demand? Things that no one else has! It means exclusive mini-weapons designs and handmade items. Their value depends on the complexity and the size of the mechanism. The smaller the scale – the more valuable the product is. Of course, provided that it retains its ability to fire like its original. Decreasing size masters often simplify the mechanism and significantly change it – the laws of physics make it impossible to reproduce all the nuances and tiny details. And nevertheless, we don’t talk about fakes but miniature guns that shoot. Collectors of all countries «hunt» them regardless of the price and geographical distances.
Miniature Revolvers
Did you know that the smallest revolver to shoot live ammunition is currently the “SwissMiniGun,” a replica of the “Colt Python?”
The “SwissMiniGun” is the smallest revolver that can shoot live ammunition, and it has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. It’s a replica of the “Colt Python” manufactured in Switzerland. Although there are smaller single-shot pistols made by private individuals, they don’t match the functionality of the SwissMiniGun. It has a six-shot mechanism, only 23% of the original size.
On the other hand, the “Xythos” revolver is even smaller with a 2mm caliber, 40mm length, 28mm height, and a weight of 14 grams. However, it’s designed for shooting skyrockets and is considered a sporting gun. You can also attach a unique accessory on the barrel of the Xythos to shoot pin cartridges. Despite its small size, it’s an impressive firearm.
SwissMiniGun
The replication of Colt Python is a testament to this quote. It’s an exquisite copy of the original model, manufactured in Switzerland.
Xythos
Through Austrian craftsmanship, a smaller firearm designed for flares is transformed into a magnificent sporting gun, inspiring enthusiasts everywhere.
The Smallest Six-Shot Revolver
Nevertheless, it is believed that the smallest six-shot revolver is the «SwissMiniGun.» View this model more closely.
Its size is 55x35x10 mm, and its weight is 19.8 grams. The cylinder tilts to the left side, and a trigger mechanism operates on the principle of double action. In contrast to the prototype, this gun has an additional trigger on the bracket. This is necessary because nobody can put a finger inside the bracket, but the manufacturers didn’t want to remove it (apparently, to keep the similarity with the original).
Ammunition used in the revolver is also manufactured by «SwissMiniGuns» in La Chaux-de-Fonds, especially for its products. These rimfire cartridges have a 2.34 mm caliber. Their sleeves are made of PTFE and contain lead bullets. Bullet energy is less than 1 J, which makes the gun suitable only for shooting at simple wooden targets at close distance. The cost of one cartridge is about 10 dollars.
The gun comes in two versions: steel in a leather holster or gold, encrusted with diamonds, and decorated with engraving (manufacturers also can use ivory in handle decoration). Such exclusive, expensive exemplars are made according to the customer’s wishes, with personal sketches. They are sold in elegant wooden boxes. The kit also contains a chain with a ring (that enables you to wear the pistol as a trinket), two sets with 24 cartridges, and tools for cleaning.
Though the company keeps its production technology a secret, it is believed that it is not a highly automated process because it takes approximately three months to manufacture one item. The company’s owner, Paul Erard, also a watchmaker, says that they sell around 100 steel revolvers and 25 golden ones every year, mainly in the Middle East and Far East countries. However, the business could have been more successful if the price was lower. Currently, an ordinary steel version costs $6,700, and the price of an individually decorated gold revolver is not disclosed and depends on the nuances; however, it usually starts from $60,000. Despite the high cost, there is a long waiting list, and customers must wait six months for delivery. However, it should be noted that these miniature firearms are not sold in some countries, including Britain and America, due to restrictions on the import of weapons.
Ancient and Modern Models of Miniature Guns that Shoot
The “Beretta” pistol was the favorite weapon of James Bond, the iconic fictional British Secret Service agent. The pistol was created by Bob Urso, a renowned American master in firearms manufacturing. The “Beretta” pistol was known for its sleek design and superior performance, making it a favorite among law enforcement agencies and military personnel worldwide.
The internal structure of the pistol was significantly simplified and amended to enable it to use 2mm pin cartridges.
This modification allowed for a more compact and lightweight design, making it easier for operatives to carry and conceal the weapon. Overall, the “Beretta” pistol was a masterpiece of engineering, combining simplicity, performance, and reliability in a single weapon.
Introducing the remarkable revolver, “Colt Open Top,” crafted with exceptional skill by the same master. This revolver boasts a five-shot cylinder that is smoothly rotated by hand and affixed in place with a specially designed spring mechanism. It fires 2mm Lafoshe cartridges, the preferred ammunition for mini-firearms.
The frame and metal parts of the revolver are made of high-quality nickel-plated brass, which ensures durability and longevity. The revolver handle can be customized with a lustrous pearl or a warm wooden finish, offering a personal touch to the design. This revolver is genuinely a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with beauty and functionality.
Stan Stenek, a Czech master, crafted a stunning 1:4 scale model of the iconic German “Luger” pistol in 2000. Despite his primary profession being that of a musician, Stenek’s passion for miniature firearms is evident in the intricate details of this piece. Every aspect of this model is meticulously crafted, from the sleek design of the pistol’s frame to the intricate engravings on the barrel. It is truly a testament to Stenekom’s artistic abilities.
This piece not only serves as a unique collector’s item but also highlights that creative individuals can have a passion for different art forms, even miniature guns that shoot. The price for this specimen is approximately six thousand dollars, a reflection of the time, effort, and skill required to create such a masterpiece.
The “Berloque” pistol has gained popularity as a “shooting keychain” due to its miniature size of just 4 cm and its nozzle that houses a capsule and cartridge instead of a barrel. Its trigger mechanism is the only part of the gun in its body. The pistol works on the mortar principle and can fire 9 mm rockets 20 mm in height, but it cannot fire live cartridges. The missiles shot by this gun can reach up to 25 meters in height and are visible from several thousand meters away at night, making it useful for domestic fireworks and signaling. The manufacturer offers a twenty-year warranty on the product.
Germany and Austria produced antique pistol models in single-shot, magazine, and revolver types at the beginning of the last century. These models had the same caliber as the “SwissMiniGun,” but their design was significantly different from the modern-day models in terms of beauty and quality. The cost of these antique models varies based on their rarity and historical significance.
Gerhard Gebharter, an Austrian, designed the first prototype of the previous model, “Berloque,” in 1905.
In 1914, the Austrian firearm industry introduced the Kolibri pistol, a magazine-type pistol that operated automatically using the free shutter principle.
The design of this pistol was unique in that it was intended to use central ignition cartridges with a caliber of 2.7 mm. This firearm was an actual work of art, with a sleek and compact design that made it a favorite among gun enthusiasts.
Only a limited number of these pistols were ever produced, with just around 1000.
The “Kolibri” revolver is a noteworthy creation by Franz Pfannl, an Austrian inventor who also made an earlier gun. This revolver was produced in Austria in 1940 and features a self-cocking mechanism along with a cylinder that has a fixation feature. The self-cocking mechanism distinguishes this revolver from its predecessors, as it reduces the need for the shooter to manually cock the hammer before firing. Additionally, the cylinder’s fixation feature helped to increase the revolver’s accuracy by keeping it from wobbling during use. While these guns were marketed as souvenirs, they were also intended for self-defense. In fact, many people purchased them for this very reason, making the “Kolibri” revolver a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and effective means of self-defense.
The Smallest Gun in the World
Among the single-shot models that are commercially available, the smallest one is this «Derringer» pistol with one Miniature firearm that shoots millimeter caliber.
Its dimensions are stunning: the length is 25 mm (twice less than «SwissMiniGun»), weight – 2.3 grams (9 times less). This gun shoots live ammunition with central ignition and steel bullets. The shot has enough power to pierce a metal can. This weapon is produced only in an expensive version: gold or silver.
Rare materials, such as mammoth bone, can be used in decoration. Precious metals are used in all the gun parts except two Swiss watch springs. However, the cost of this model, compared with the «SwissMiniGun,» surprises: it’s only $1200.
Delivery time is also much shorter and can be sold to any country. At the moment, it is, in all senses, the world’s smallest miniature gun that shoots. You can learn more about it here.
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.