The frame<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Pieces-carcasse-Bernardelli-Baby-page-001-1-1024x724.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The frame sub-assembly is composed of 23 parts :<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The frame ;<\/li>\n
- The left grip panel ;<\/li>\n
- The right grip panel ;<\/li>\n
- Right and left grip panel screws ;<\/li>\n
- The savety lever spring ;<\/li>\n
- The safety lever ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger bar ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger ;<\/li>\n
- The sear ;<\/li>\n
- The sear pin ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine safety ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine safety pin ;<\/li>\n
- The assembly lever ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever spring and plunger ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever lock ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever lock springs ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger bar ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine catch and sear contr\u00f4le pin ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine catch ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger return lever ;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- The magazine catch and sear control spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Detailed gunsmith disassembly of the frame<\/strong><\/p>\n\nThe \u00ab\u00a0gunsmith\u00a0\u00bb disassembly of the frame is pleasant to perform because several operations do not require any tools. The only useful tools are a screwdriver and a pin punch with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 mm. Here are the steps :<\/p>\n
\n- Remove the disconnector ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Using a screwdriver, remove the right and left grip panels (be careful not to lose the safety lever spring located inside the left grip panel) ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the safety lever ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the trigger bar ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the trigger ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Using a 1.5 to 2 mm pin punch, drive out the sear pin. You can then remove: the sear, the takedown lever, the takedown lever spring and plunger, the takedown lever lock, and the takedown lever lock spring ;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-74-2-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n- Using the same pin punch, drive out the magazine safety pin and remove the magazine safety ;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-75-1-225x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n- The final step consists in driving out, still with the same pin punch, the magazine catch pin.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Disassembly](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-76-2-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
At the end of these steps, the firearm is fully disassembled.<\/p>\n
The trigger mechanism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n\n
The mechanism contains very few parts. Although small in size, they are well-machined and properly fitted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSome machining work on the frame is complex, particularly the trigger housing. The walls of the magazine well are thin (1.2 mm and 1.36 mm). And yet, the parts are incredibly well-finished.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow the magazine safety works: it pivots around a pin and is driven by a small spring. When the magazine is not inserted, the magazine safety tilts under the action of its spring and prevents the movement of the trigger. If the magazine safety spring breaks and\/or it is difficult to find a replacement, one could consider temporarily removing the magazine safety from the weapon (the removal is explained in the previous section) to continue using it while waiting to source the missing parts. Removing this part does not prevent the gun from functioning. However, one must not forget that a safety feature has been removed, which may alter your safety habits.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat happens when the shooter presses the trigger (assuming a magazine is inserted, the firing pin is cocked, the slide is closed, and a round is chambered) :<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n- The shooter presses the trigger. By pressing the trigger, the shooter moves the trigger bar backward. The two parts are linked together;<\/li>\n
- As the trigger bar is in contact with the trigger return lever, the latter pivots around its pin. The trigger return lever is driven by the force of the spring shared with the magazine catch;<\/li>\n
- The backward movement of the trigger return lever unlocks the sear. Indeed, this part acts as a block for the sear, preventing it from dropping down and thus releasing the firing pin under various circumstances. In other words: after a certain amount of trigger travel, the sear is no longer locked;<\/li>\n
- The shooter continues to press the trigger. The rear of the trigger bar comes into contact with the sear and forces it to rotate (downward) around its pin;<\/li>\n
- Past a certain trigger travel, the firing pin is released;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firing pin spring expands;<\/li>\n
- Driven by the firing pin spring, the firing pin is driven forward into the cartridge primer;<\/li>\n
- The primer is detonated, and the resulting flash ignites the gunpowder;<\/li>\n
- Under the action of the gases produced by the cartridge powder, the walls of the case expand and seal against the walls of the chamber, creating a gas-tight seal;<\/li>\n
- The bullet leaves its seat in the cartridge case. The projectile exits the barrel;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The impulse produced by the gas expansion is channeled by the barrel. It acts on the projectile on one side and on the cartridge case and slide on the other;<\/li>\n
- Once the bullet leaves the barrel, the internal pressure drops. The case contracts, no longer sticking to the chamber walls;<\/li>\n
- The energy acquired by the slide breaks its inertia. The slide begins to move backward;<\/li>\n
- About 7 mm into the opening stroke, the disconnector drops down and disconnects the sear from the trigger bar engagement;<\/li>\n
- The released sear returns to its high position under the action of its spring;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The fired cartridge case is ejected;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pushed by the follower and the magazine spring, the next round in the magazine takes its place against the magazine lips;<\/li>\n
- The cocking notch of the firing pin passes the cocking notch of the sear, cocking the firing pin;<\/li>\n
- The slide’s rearward travel is cushioned by the recoil spring;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The recoil spring decompresses, and the slide starts its forward travel;<\/span><\/li>\n
- A new round is pushed toward the chamber;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firing pin is held back by the sear;<\/span><\/li>\n
- As the slide fully closes, the disconnector resets to its original position under the action of the trigger return lever;<\/li>\n
- Returning forward, the trigger return lever prompts the trigger bar to move up, thus returning to contact with the sear;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The shooter releases pressure on the trigger;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The trigger bar returns to its rest position;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firearm is ready to repeat the same cycle if the shooter presses the trigger again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- \n
The magazine<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis sub-assembly is composed of 05 parts :<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n- The magazine body ;<\/li>\n
- The follower spring ;<\/li>\n
- The follower ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine floor lock ;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- The magazine floorplate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-47-2-225x300.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-50-2-225x300.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-51-2-225x300.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\nThe magazine is made of sheet metal that has been stamped and then welded. It is surprising to see that the weld seam is not located at the rear, but on the left side. This is unusual, especially since the Baby pistol’s magazine features viewing slots on the sides.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-48-1-2-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The part is perfectly manufactured and has not suffered from past use. The weld is thin and barely visible, showing no signs of weakness. The placement of the side indicators clearly does not pose a problem for the weld.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-49-2-225x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThere are two types of magazines for this gun. A 5-round version and an 8-round version. The latter extends past the grip frame and acts as a grip extension. This addition provides greater comfort for the user but increases the overall size of the weapon. You cannot have it both ways.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-78-1-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-77-2-225x300.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>\n\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-79-1-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFew people completely and regularly disassemble their firearm’s magazine. This is a mistake, because cleaning it removes all kinds of deposits such as dust build-up, clothing lint, firing residue, and oil, which can eventually jam the follower and cause feeding failures. What could be more useless than a defense pistol that does not work when needed? If you do not perform the disassembly and cleaning yourself, have it done by a conscientious enthusiast, or better yet, a professional.<\/p>\n
Below you will find the procedure for disassembling the magazine :<\/p>\n
\n- Using a tool, push the floorplate lock inward ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Bernardelli](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-52-2-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n- Slide the floorplate toward the front of the magazine ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Bernardelli](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-53-2-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n- Remove the floorplate completely while carefully retaining the floorplate lock and the follower spring ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Bernardelli](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Bernardelli-Baby-54-1-225x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n- Remove the follower and its spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pay attention to the orientation of the parts during disassembly to avoid mistakes when reassembling.<\/p>\n
\nOn the model available to me, the follower has side lips that improve guidance. The part appears to be manufactured by stamping a flat sheet of metal.<\/p>\n
Shooting the Bernardelli Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nShooting this small-sized handgun is very pleasant. The recoil is low, equivalent to shooting a .22 LR round in a similar weapon. Accuracy was not tested due to a lack of available ammunition, and besides, the weapon is not really intended for precision shooting.<\/p>\n
\nThe average pressure of a 6.35 mm cartridge is 1,300 bar (source: CIP standards). The proof test pressure is 1,690 bar (source: CIP standards). For a bullet weight of 3.2 grams and a velocity of 200 meters per second, this gives a muzzle energy of 70 Joules (Fiocchi catalog).<\/p>\n
\nThe stopping power of the 6.35 mm is not sufficient to instantly stop the attacks of a determined individual, even less so if they are under the influence of narcotics or in a state of delirium. The main appeal of the weapon is its very small size, not its stopping power. In some respects, it can be reassuring to carry this type of defense weapon in your pocket (if regulations allow it), but you must keep in mind that it may not necessarily be enough to get you out of bad situations.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nIt cannot be easy to mass-produce such small parts. Nevertheless, the V.Bernardelli Baby pistol is very well made. No machining marks are visible. The industrial choices are bold but well-mastered. The aesthetics are very pleasing. The firearm is well-proportioned and well-balanced.<\/p>\n
\u00a0It would be very interesting to compare the weight of the slides and the strength of the recoil springs between the .22 Short and 6.35 mm versions, in order to correlate this data with the average pressure and bullet weight of both calibers. This would allow the determination of a typical slide weight, a typical barrel length, and a typical recoil spring strength for a given caliber, and then compare them with data from other manufacturers. If you possess this data, I am interested.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0Conducting a \u00ab\u00a0torture test\u00a0\u00bb and analyzing the results provides a wealth of information regarding the design and lifespan of a firearm. While this pistol is not intended for intensive shooting, how would the Baby pistol behave during a torture test? After how many rounds would the first part break? Which components would fail first? Do the same parts break at the same time? How can it be remedied? To date, I do not know if the Bernardelli firm ever conducted this type of test for this handgun. It would be fascinating to have access to the results of such a test.<\/p>\n
\n\nThe choices made by the designers, and those who validated these choices, are of great importance. Right technical decisions allow a firearm to become an icon in its category and stand the test of time, becoming a timeless piece. Design, manufacturing, promotion, and marketing are deeply linked stages which, when successful, anchor a weapon in people’s minds. We will find this firearm many years after its production, still in working order (because it was well-designed), and still pleasant to look at or use. Time will give it a charming patina and greater value. I believe the Baby pistol is one of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This second article on the Bernardelli Baby pistol is the continuation of the first one, published a few weeks ago. The following chapters will cover the frame, the detailed steps of a trigger pull, the magazine, shooting with the Baby … Continuer la lecture
<\/p>\n- \n
- The frame ;<\/li>\n
- The left grip panel ;<\/li>\n
- The right grip panel ;<\/li>\n
- Right and left grip panel screws ;<\/li>\n
- The savety lever spring ;<\/li>\n
- The safety lever ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger bar ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger ;<\/li>\n
- The sear ;<\/li>\n
- The sear pin ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine safety ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine safety pin ;<\/li>\n
- The assembly lever ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever spring and plunger ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever lock ;<\/li>\n
- The takedown lever lock springs ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger bar ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine catch and sear contr\u00f4le pin ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine catch ;<\/li>\n
- The trigger return lever ;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- The magazine catch and sear control spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Detailed gunsmith disassembly of the frame<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe \u00ab\u00a0gunsmith\u00a0\u00bb disassembly of the frame is pleasant to perform because several operations do not require any tools. The only useful tools are a screwdriver and a pin punch with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 mm. Here are the steps :<\/p>\n
- \n
- Remove the disconnector ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Using a screwdriver, remove the right and left grip panels (be careful not to lose the safety lever spring located inside the left grip panel) ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the safety lever ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the trigger bar ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Remove the trigger ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Using a 1.5 to 2 mm pin punch, drive out the sear pin. You can then remove: the sear, the takedown lever, the takedown lever spring and plunger, the takedown lever lock, and the takedown lever lock spring ;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n- \n
- Using the same pin punch, drive out the magazine safety pin and remove the magazine safety ;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- The final step consists in driving out, still with the same pin punch, the magazine catch pin.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
At the end of these steps, the firearm is fully disassembled.<\/p>\n
The trigger mechanism<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- \n\n
The mechanism contains very few parts. Although small in size, they are well-machined and properly fitted.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Some machining work on the frame is complex, particularly the trigger housing. The walls of the magazine well are thin (1.2 mm and 1.36 mm). And yet, the parts are incredibly well-finished.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How the magazine safety works: it pivots around a pin and is driven by a small spring. When the magazine is not inserted, the magazine safety tilts under the action of its spring and prevents the movement of the trigger. If the magazine safety spring breaks and\/or it is difficult to find a replacement, one could consider temporarily removing the magazine safety from the weapon (the removal is explained in the previous section) to continue using it while waiting to source the missing parts. Removing this part does not prevent the gun from functioning. However, one must not forget that a safety feature has been removed, which may alter your safety habits.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What happens when the shooter presses the trigger (assuming a magazine is inserted, the firing pin is cocked, the slide is closed, and a round is chambered) :<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- The shooter presses the trigger. By pressing the trigger, the shooter moves the trigger bar backward. The two parts are linked together;<\/li>\n
- As the trigger bar is in contact with the trigger return lever, the latter pivots around its pin. The trigger return lever is driven by the force of the spring shared with the magazine catch;<\/li>\n
- The backward movement of the trigger return lever unlocks the sear. Indeed, this part acts as a block for the sear, preventing it from dropping down and thus releasing the firing pin under various circumstances. In other words: after a certain amount of trigger travel, the sear is no longer locked;<\/li>\n
- The shooter continues to press the trigger. The rear of the trigger bar comes into contact with the sear and forces it to rotate (downward) around its pin;<\/li>\n
- Past a certain trigger travel, the firing pin is released;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firing pin spring expands;<\/li>\n
- Driven by the firing pin spring, the firing pin is driven forward into the cartridge primer;<\/li>\n
- The primer is detonated, and the resulting flash ignites the gunpowder;<\/li>\n
- Under the action of the gases produced by the cartridge powder, the walls of the case expand and seal against the walls of the chamber, creating a gas-tight seal;<\/li>\n
- The bullet leaves its seat in the cartridge case. The projectile exits the barrel;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The impulse produced by the gas expansion is channeled by the barrel. It acts on the projectile on one side and on the cartridge case and slide on the other;<\/li>\n
- Once the bullet leaves the barrel, the internal pressure drops. The case contracts, no longer sticking to the chamber walls;<\/li>\n
- The energy acquired by the slide breaks its inertia. The slide begins to move backward;<\/li>\n
- About 7 mm into the opening stroke, the disconnector drops down and disconnects the sear from the trigger bar engagement;<\/li>\n
- The released sear returns to its high position under the action of its spring;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The fired cartridge case is ejected;<\/span><\/li>\n
- Pushed by the follower and the magazine spring, the next round in the magazine takes its place against the magazine lips;<\/li>\n
- The cocking notch of the firing pin passes the cocking notch of the sear, cocking the firing pin;<\/li>\n
- The slide’s rearward travel is cushioned by the recoil spring;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The recoil spring decompresses, and the slide starts its forward travel;<\/span><\/li>\n
- A new round is pushed toward the chamber;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firing pin is held back by the sear;<\/span><\/li>\n
- As the slide fully closes, the disconnector resets to its original position under the action of the trigger return lever;<\/li>\n
- Returning forward, the trigger return lever prompts the trigger bar to move up, thus returning to contact with the sear;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The shooter releases pressure on the trigger;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The trigger bar returns to its rest position;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The firearm is ready to repeat the same cycle if the shooter presses the trigger again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- \n
The magazine<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This sub-assembly is composed of 05 parts :<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- The magazine body ;<\/li>\n
- The follower spring ;<\/li>\n
- The follower ;<\/li>\n
- The magazine floor lock ;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- The magazine floorplate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\nThe magazine is made of sheet metal that has been stamped and then welded. It is surprising to see that the weld seam is not located at the rear, but on the left side. This is unusual, especially since the Baby pistol’s magazine features viewing slots on the sides.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nThe part is perfectly manufactured and has not suffered from past use. The weld is thin and barely visible, showing no signs of weakness. The placement of the side indicators clearly does not pose a problem for the weld.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n\nThere are two types of magazines for this gun. A 5-round version and an 8-round version. The latter extends past the grip frame and acts as a grip extension. This addition provides greater comfort for the user but increases the overall size of the weapon. You cannot have it both ways.<\/p>\n
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
- \n\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl>
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFew people completely and regularly disassemble their firearm’s magazine. This is a mistake, because cleaning it removes all kinds of deposits such as dust build-up, clothing lint, firing residue, and oil, which can eventually jam the follower and cause feeding failures. What could be more useless than a defense pistol that does not work when needed? If you do not perform the disassembly and cleaning yourself, have it done by a conscientious enthusiast, or better yet, a professional.<\/p>\n
Below you will find the procedure for disassembling the magazine :<\/p>\n
- \n
- Using a tool, push the floorplate lock inward ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Slide the floorplate toward the front of the magazine ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Remove the floorplate completely while carefully retaining the floorplate lock and the follower spring ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
- \n
- Remove the follower and its spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pay attention to the orientation of the parts during disassembly to avoid mistakes when reassembling.<\/p>\n
\nOn the model available to me, the follower has side lips that improve guidance. The part appears to be manufactured by stamping a flat sheet of metal.<\/p>\n
Shooting the Bernardelli Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nShooting this small-sized handgun is very pleasant. The recoil is low, equivalent to shooting a .22 LR round in a similar weapon. Accuracy was not tested due to a lack of available ammunition, and besides, the weapon is not really intended for precision shooting.<\/p>\n
\nThe average pressure of a 6.35 mm cartridge is 1,300 bar (source: CIP standards). The proof test pressure is 1,690 bar (source: CIP standards). For a bullet weight of 3.2 grams and a velocity of 200 meters per second, this gives a muzzle energy of 70 Joules (Fiocchi catalog).<\/p>\n
\nThe stopping power of the 6.35 mm is not sufficient to instantly stop the attacks of a determined individual, even less so if they are under the influence of narcotics or in a state of delirium. The main appeal of the weapon is its very small size, not its stopping power. In some respects, it can be reassuring to carry this type of defense weapon in your pocket (if regulations allow it), but you must keep in mind that it may not necessarily be enough to get you out of bad situations.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nIt cannot be easy to mass-produce such small parts. Nevertheless, the V.Bernardelli Baby pistol is very well made. No machining marks are visible. The industrial choices are bold but well-mastered. The aesthetics are very pleasing. The firearm is well-proportioned and well-balanced.<\/p>\n
\u00a0It would be very interesting to compare the weight of the slides and the strength of the recoil springs between the .22 Short and 6.35 mm versions, in order to correlate this data with the average pressure and bullet weight of both calibers. This would allow the determination of a typical slide weight, a typical barrel length, and a typical recoil spring strength for a given caliber, and then compare them with data from other manufacturers. If you possess this data, I am interested.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0Conducting a \u00ab\u00a0torture test\u00a0\u00bb and analyzing the results provides a wealth of information regarding the design and lifespan of a firearm. While this pistol is not intended for intensive shooting, how would the Baby pistol behave during a torture test? After how many rounds would the first part break? Which components would fail first? Do the same parts break at the same time? How can it be remedied? To date, I do not know if the Bernardelli firm ever conducted this type of test for this handgun. It would be fascinating to have access to the results of such a test.<\/p>\n
\n\nThe choices made by the designers, and those who validated these choices, are of great importance. Right technical decisions allow a firearm to become an icon in its category and stand the test of time, becoming a timeless piece. Design, manufacturing, promotion, and marketing are deeply linked stages which, when successful, anchor a weapon in people’s minds. We will find this firearm many years after its production, still in working order (because it was well-designed), and still pleasant to look at or use. Time will give it a charming patina and greater value. I believe the Baby pistol is one of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This second article on the Bernardelli Baby pistol is the continuation of the first one, published a few weeks ago. The following chapters will cover the frame, the detailed steps of a trigger pull, the magazine, shooting with the Baby … Continuer la lecture
- Remove the follower and its spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Remove the floorplate completely while carefully retaining the floorplate lock and the follower spring ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Slide the floorplate toward the front of the magazine ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Using a tool, push the floorplate lock inward ;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t
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- The magazine floorplate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- The final step consists in driving out, still with the same pin punch, the magazine catch pin.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Using a screwdriver, remove the right and left grip panels (be careful not to lose the safety lever spring located inside the left grip panel) ;<\/span><\/li>\n
- The magazine catch and sear control spring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n