FIALA Model 1920 - Handgun? Rifle? Both? (photo)

[45Broomhandle]

Yes, I'm a Fiala Junkie! Many gun collectors haven't a clue about these fascinating little .22rf guns. They were manufactured only a few years, starting about 1920, up in New Haven, CT under several names including Fiala; Schall, Columbia Arms, and Botwinik Bros. As one company went bankrupt another would take over. After about 4 to 5 years only approximately 5,000 guns had been produced. These guns were kind of odd. They look a lot like the semi-auto pre-Woodsman Colt .22rf, or the High-Standard Model B semi-auto .22rf. But, no, these were a mag-fed single-shot designed as such by an adventuring explorer who didn't trust semi-auto actions in sub-zero climates where these guns most likely would be used. (He even used a polar bear as his company logo.) The sales ranged from the basic pistol action with a 7 1/2" barrel to a rather exotic cased, 3-barrel set, with a detachable walnut shoulder stock. Various "Special Order" guns in smoothbore and various barrel lengths are also reported. Below is a photo of one of my cased sets. The gun at top is the HS Mdl. B. Next is Fiala with 7 1/2" bbl., then the Fiala with 3" bbl., next the Fiala with 20" bbl. with forestock, and finally, a Fiala with "Special Order" 12" bbl. So, what are they? Pistols or rifles? Whatever, I surely do enjoy them. 45Broomhandle

 

[P95Carry]

Fascinating! In my ignorance I was totally unaware of the existence of these guns.

I can tho understand them being tempting for collection when so rare.

Thx for the pic - that helps a lot to see shape etc.

 

[Standing Wolf]

What an eyeful!

 

[rockstar.esq]

Just so I understand correctly, these guns don't automatically eject or anything? I once read about a gun intended for spies that was called the semmerling. It was rather bizarre in that you'd fire the first shot, then you pushed the slide forward. This ejected the spent casing and returning upon spring pressure would strip a shell from the magazine. The author of the aforementioned article swore that this could be accomplished with surprising ease. Perhaps the most interesting part about the semmerling was that is was a .45acp however it's slide thickness and overall dimensions are smaller than even contemporary CCW 1911's.

 

[45Broomhandle]

Check Out The Polar Bear...

rockstar.esq - Seems to me I've heard of that .45acp you mention, but it was many moons ago and I wasn't too interested so didn't pay close attention. In my photo above ALL the guns are pictured from the right side. On the left side, just ahead of the safety lever, is a fairly large grooved surface on the slide release that is easily accessed by the shooter's thumb (can also be thumb-manipulated by a lefty). After firing the gun the shooter then hits the release, the slide goes back ejecting the spent round. At his leisure, the shooter then pushes the slide forward and it strips a round out of the box magazine in the handle and cocks the piece. Once loaded the shooter can then slide the safety up into the SAFE position. Just FYI, below is a close-up of the Fiala trade mark. Kinda' cute! 45B...

"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!" ---Adolph Hitler - 1935

 

[TimboKhan]

Interesting. I had never seen or heard of these guns either. Really, however, I am just posting to say that I hate PETA as well. Boo PETA.