VIS wz.35

Vis wz35 (Poland)

 

 

Characteristics

 

Type: Single Action 
Chamber: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum
Weight unloaded: 1025 g 
Length: 205 mm 
Barrel length: 115 mm 
Capacity: 8 rounds

 

WiS vz35 stand for "Wilniewczyc i(and) Skrzypinski, model of 1935". Originally, it was manufactured in Poland by F.B.Radom factory.
WiS vz35 externally is very similar to famous Colt/Browning M1911 design, but internally it is different. WiS vz35 is a recoil operated, locked breech pistol that used Browning linkless (Hi-Power style) locking principle. Gun has no manual safeties: instead it has grip automatic safety (like the 1911) and the frame-mounted decocker. The lever on the rear of the left side of the frame is a disassembly (takedown) latch. Guns made for Polish military in 1935-1939 also had shoulder-stock mount on the rear of the grip. During WW2, some WiS vz35 were manufactured for German Military in Austria using original Poland made parts.
Original WiS vz35 were standart issue handguns for the Polish military. In 1992 the manufacturing of the WiS vz35 in Poland was re-started on custom basis (for collection purposes). 
According to some sources (incl. Guns & Ammo magazine), WiS vz35 is one of the best handguns ever built.