"National Defence Pistol" (Japanese: 国民簡易拳銃, Kokumin Kan'i Kenjū, lit. "National simplified pistol")[1] is the name attributed to a proposed matchlock pistol designed in Japan during the latter stages of World War II.
History[]
The National Pistol was a last-ditch weapon designed in 1945 to arm the Japanese Volunteer Fighting Corps, a civilian militia that would be tasked with defending Japan during an anticipated invasion attempt by the Allies. However, Japan surrendered before an invasion could be launched, therefore eliminating the requirement for this gun. It was produced as a prototype only.
Design Details[]
The pistol appears to be a simple matchlock design, with an extremely crude fit, finish and design. Despite the weapon having been designed by a research institute within the Imperial Japanese Army, production of the weapon was supposed to be outsourced to smaller workshops or factories in towns and cities.[1]
See also[]
- Volkspistole, German "equivalent" of this weapon
- National Defence Rifle, rifle built for a similar purpose in Japan
References[]
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