Question on Type 14 Nambu

[Flyboy73]

I just got a type 14 Nambu and had a question on it. On the front of the grip there is a small metal band that curves up in a half loop.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=7208191.0

see middle picture.


Any idea what that is for? In other Nambu's pics I don't see it.


Brion

 

[RON in PA]

Have not handled my Type 14 in a while, but believe that it is a spring for preventing the magazine from dropping when the mag release is pressed. Not everybody goes for dropping mags like Americans and IPSIC shooters. Type 14 mags were serialized to the pistol.

 

[jacobtowne]

It's a magazine retaining spring introduced some time in 1940. It ensures that the chances of removing the magazine are only good when the weapon is well maintained and the user's hands are dry.
The enlarged "winter" trigger guard was introduced shortly before this.
JT