Nambu Pistols: Japanese military handguns 1900–45 (Weapon, 86) Paperback – April 25, 2023

This book should clarify many, many misconceptions. I used to believe the Type 14 was a blowback pistol, but I see instead it had a camming locking block at the rear of the bolt. Also a lot of info on the Type 94 which when I was a kid was notorious as the suicide pistol as a sear lever was exposed on the right side so the pistol could be fired without pulling the trigger. It seems nevertheless to have been a fairly effective choice among the weapons available to the military. (I would have preferred a captured 1911 or M10, a Tokarev 7.65x25, or Browning HP-35!!)

A complete and comprehensive study of all Nambu pistols from the early "grandpa", "papa", "baby", and 14th Year models (by far the most common) and the later Model 94. Also covered to some extent are other Japanese military handguns, from the Model 26 Revolver of the 1890s to postwar police and military models. There is quite a bit of technical information that will stimulate the enthusiast but may intimidate the average reader, although presented in a clear and understandable manner, especially for those with some basic knowledge of firearms. However, there is more than enough general and historical information for the latter category, and I think that anyone with an interest in firearms and/or World War II will enjoy the book. The cutaway illustrations are very good, and the book contains many rare and interesting photographs. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of anecdotal information from former Japanese soldiers who used the weapon. I realize that almost all those of the necessary age would be gone by now, but I had hoped that there would have been some stories gathered in earlier years. Yet, when I thought about it, I realized that most Japanese soldiers---especially those engaged against the Americans and British Commonwealth---were killed. Either in combat or by their own hands. Very few prisoners were taken. Fair numbers of Japanese troops in China were either evacuated or surrendered once the war ended. But most of those defending the Pacific Islands, New Guinea, The Philippines, and Burma left their bones there.The author objectively describes the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly regarding these pistols. Well, subjectively I have to agree that they're ugly, although the looks of the 14th Year model have grown on me in a way, and the Baby Nambu is sort of cute. It reminds me of a small Luger-style water pistol I had as a kid. He is candid about the bad--weak firing pin springs, difficult magazine extraction, susceptibility to dirt, and the late war quality issues that affected not just Japanese, but also German firearms, as factories were bombed and raw materials became scarce. And he also mentions the good--superior ergonomics and accuracy, low recoil, as well as good controllability and second shot recovery for those without much training. There is also useful information about the ballistics of the 9mm rimmed (unrelated to other 9mm cartridges) Model 26 Revolver, 8mm Nambu, and 7mm "Baby Nambu" cartridges exclusive to these weapons. The 8mm Nambu was underpowered for a military pistol, but it still had better ballistics than contemporary .38 Special loads. And an 8mm (approx. .32 caliber) that hit was certainly more effective than a .45 auto round which misses when that weapon is issued to a soldier under combat stress with insufficient training, small hands, or all of the above. I should mention that many years ago I fired a 14th Year Nambu. I saw one at a shooting range and the owner graciously loaded a magazine of the hard to find and expensive 8mm Nambu ammo for me. It fit my hand like a fine target pistol, functioned reliably, and I put all 8 rounds in the black at 25 yds. with a one hand grip. In return, I let him shoot my SKS. I am also familiar with the .45 auto which I can shoot fairly well. It really seemed to me that I could get off 2 or even 3 shots with the Nambu before I could get off a second with the .45. Of course, I'd need more ammo and time to confirm that. Is even a .45 that hits more effective than an equally accurate 2-3 round burst from a Nambu? Modern 8mm Nambu ammo exists, but it's hard to find and very expensive. 7mm ammo for the Baby Nambu is even rarer than the very rare pistol itself. I don't know of any post WWII production of that round or of the equally rare 9mm rimmed for the Model 26 revolver. The Model 26 is rare but not unknown at gun shows. They are often priced reasonably and can be a good choice for the low rent collector. Baby Nambus are very expensive. 14th Year Models are the most common Japanese pistols by far and examples in very good, operable condition go for about $1200. Model 94s are less common. Fewer were brought back, partly due to some safety issues (addressed in a general manner in the book) that could cause accidental discharges, and this also makes them less valuable. It fires 8mm Nambu, and so could be used (cautiously) as a shooter if the expensive ammo can be found, and the shooter is familiar with the safety issues.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in some of the more unique yet less famous weaponry of World War II.

This Osprey Weapon Series book examines Japanese military handguns during the period 1900-45, as Japan expanded its army, and its empire, in East Asia. One of the equipages of a modern army are handguns for officers and for crewmembers of aircraft, tanks, and other vehicles. The primary handgun in use for the period were variations of the so-called Nambu pistol.That author briefly traces the history of modern handguns in Japan before addressing the variants of the Numbu series. Production was slowed by experimentation and by a residual preference among many officers for a more traditional sword. Late in the Second World War, issue of further sidearms was slowed by the destruction of industry in the Japanese homeland.The text includes lots of period photographs and modern illustrations and diagrams. Japanese firearms production has probably been understudied. This book is well recommended to students of the subject.

5 Star

A respectful look at weapons that were not first level.