.25 Automatic Target Pistols

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

Our Australian government is trying to ban the importation of the .25 Automatic cartridge since sporting shooters aren't allowed to own semi-autos with a barrel less than 120mm.

Does anyone know of ANY .25 Auto pistols with a barrel length over 120mm for semi-auto's or even 100mm for revolvers?

These .25 Auto's will probably be pocket pistols that have a target variant. For example Phoenix Arms makes a short barrelled pocket .22LR and a longer barrelled target version.

 

[Jim Watson]

I've seen pictures of long barrelled .25 ACPs from between the Wars under an Austrian law requiring 100 mm barrels, but that is about it.

 

[GCBurner]

Beretta made some prototypes of the Model 950B to see if they would get past the import restrictions of the US Gun Control Act of 1968, but the 4" and 6" barreled models were as big as Beretta's regular holster pistols, which kind of defeated the purpose. To get around the import restrictions here, entrepreneurs started importing semi-finished parts, and manufacturing the pocket pistols here in the US.
These are the long barreled .25 and .22Short prototypes. Note the adjustable sights and 6" barrels.

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

Thanks, that'll give me something to look around for

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

Thanks GCBurner, that's fantastic! Keep em comin!

 

[Shadow 7D]

It's not a new requirement, I have seen, in the US quite a few 'extended' versions of older (early 1900-1940) itialian and german guns for austrian market.

 

[GCBurner]

Banning a particular calibre for having "no legitimate use" is kind of original. They don't consider self defense with a .25 automatic legitimate, or they just don't consider self defense of any sort legitimate? If they ban the importation of .25 ammo, will they also ban any Australian ammo company from running off a batch domestically to supply the market?

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

Yes, but I'm not aware of any .25 Auto manufacturer in Australia since self defense is not a liable reason to possess a firearm UNLESS you're a security guard or you're Victoria's Deputy Commissioner of Police and have had threats made against you. Double standards is gross isn't it?

 

[Buck Snort]

It ain't gonna be a big loss.

 

[merlinfire]

Australia, you better fight hard, or you'll end up like the UK!

If they start banning ammo types because they don't have legitimate use, eventually they'll ban everything except military calibers, then they'll ban that too for civilians.

If I lived in a country where they were trying to censor the internet, I'd be holding my guns tighter to my chest. He who denies you knowledge imagines himself your master.

 

[FirearmsEnthusiast]

Actually they're trying to ban .50 BMG's now too for being a "military caliber".

Don't worry we're fighting hard and getting stronger by the day. They'll get a bloody hard fight that's for sure. Many people here have had enough.

 

[Shadow 7D]

do you still have glass beer mugs or are they gone the way of dodo's like England?

 

[harmon rabb]

Australia is like the UK, California, Illinois, Maryland, etc. A lost cause in terms of gun laws.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

No great loss, unless you own or collect .25 auto's. Another man's loss may be greater than we understand, especially in a country where the laws have already eroded into injustice.

 

[VA27]

Manufrance 'Le Francias' Policeman, a DAO, tip-up, 2 or 3" barrel 25ACP. I've seen one 2 incher and only pix of the longer barreled one. They made them in other calibers (all blowback) including one in 9mm Browning Long. The Walther TPH would be worth a look, but it hasn't a long barrel.