The Schwarzlose Model 1908 (pronounced sh-vartz-lo-suh) is a German pistol.
History[]
The pistol was designed by Andreas Schwarzlose of Schwarzlose machine gun fame. It was produced from 1908 to 1911, and is one of only a few blow-forward pistols known.
Design details[]
The pistol has a distinctive blow-forward action; as it lacks a slide, the blow-forward mechanism is operated by the barrel being forced forward by gas pressure and the friction of the bullet passing through the bore. This causes the recoil spring to force the barrel back, chambering a new round.