POTD: Homemade Pistol Seized In Ukraine
Police in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine seized a homemade pistol and three magazines from a man in early February. The pistol in question appears to be quite well made compared to these. The news report didn’t provide any other information about the pistol, however, there are several things to note. The barrel seems to be about six inches long. The slide has lightening cuts to reduce the weight of the all metal construction. The pistol also seems to have a slide-mounted safety, which seems more common in Europe, though much maligned in the United States. The lighting is such that it’s difficult to see how wide the barrel is or if there are any sights on the pistol.
The man charged with carrying the pistol said he used it for self-defense and research. Firearm laws in Ukraine tend to allow for firearm ownership and defense of people and property, however, it appears that carrying firearms is an illegal act. Ukraine also requires registration of firearms, so it’s a bit unclear if this was simply an unregistered pistol or if he or the people at large are prohibited from carrying in public. You can check out another article here in which Ukrainians display the guns they own and a bit about the laws there. A more specific explanation of gun laws in Ukraine can be found here.
What do you think about the homemade pistol? What caliber would you guess it is? Any clue what the oblong marking near the muzzle is for?
Doug has been a firearms enthusiast since age 16 after getting to shoot with a friend. Since then he's taken many others out to the range for their first time. He is a husband, father, grandfather, police officer, outdoorsman, artist and a student of history. Doug has been a TFB reader from the start and is happy to be a contributor of content. Doug can be reached at battleshipgrey61 AT gmail.com, or battleshipgrey61 on Instagram.
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I think I can see a front sight. I wonder if it has those 1800s style low profile nub sights on the back?
That thing is sexy as fu*k, they only "seized" it cause they wanted it!