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Radom P35
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Radom
VIS 35
Pistole Modell 35(p)Caliber:9mm
Parabellum |
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In my opinion the Radom would have to be one of the better pistols of the second world war. It was well made (earlier models), comfortable to handle and incorporated some of the best features of both the Browning Hi Power and the Colt 1911A1. I would be hard put to choose between the Radom and the P38, I think in the end I would have to have both.
The Radom entered Polish Service in 1936 after it was selected as the winner over several foreign competitors. A production started before the war, and these examples are of excellent manufacture (often referred to as "Grade 1 Radoms" They can be identified by a Polish Eagle on the left hand side of the slide and the markings "F.B RADOM VIS-wz. 35 pat. Nr. 15567" These pistols featured a groove for a shoulder stock, a grip safety, a de-cocking leaver and a catch to hold open the slide for disassembly (located behind the grip)
When the German Army defeated Poland, production of the Radom was continued, with all pistols going to the expanding Wehrmacht and some paratrooper units. These pistols did away with some of the niceties of production in favour of speed and economy so exhibit a rougher appearance so are referred to as "Grade 2". At this point, the option to have the shoulder stock was also dropped. Most Radoms encountered are of war time vintage and can be easily identified by the waffenamt marks.
The third grade of Radom, came about as the result of the advancing Soviet forces. As the Red Army approached Poland, production of the Radom was switched to the Steyr factory in Austria. Shortage of materials and a the huge demand for weapons meant that these are the roughest Radoms encountered. They have a poor standard of finish, wooden grips and the disassembly catch has been removed.
The Soviet occupation of Poland effectively ended the development of the Radom pistol, as the Polish army adopted the Soviet TT33 and latter a local variant of the Makarov, which is a shame, as the Radom certainly deserved more.
VIS-35
"Radom". Made in Fabryka Broni w Radomu. Caliber 9 mm Para.
Phosphated.
VIS-35
"Radom". Made in Fabryka Broni w Radomu. Caliber 9 mm
Para. Phosphated.
