Reifgraber Union Automatic Pistol for 32 S&W Rimmed Revolver Ammo (Video)

This unique little pistol came about early in the development of semi-automatic pistols, being marketed circa 1910-1912. And as all pistol devotees know, that was around the time John Browning’s 45 pistol was being adopted by the USA’s military and designated the 1911.

The Union Automatic Pistol, however, failed to gain the following of the 1911 by a long shot. It was unusual, though, and worth a look.

One odd thing: it was designed for use with a rimmed revolver cartridge (32 S&W). And if you wanted to shoot 32 ACP (an actual pistol round), you’d need to procure a special magazine.

Designed by Austrian-born sometime-anarchist Joseph Joachim Reifgraber, this little popper was sold by the Union Firearms Company out of Toledo, Ohio.

To say that it wasn’t a commercial success would be putting it mildly, which is why we see it featured in a Forgotten Weapons video. The highest known serial number is 88 (unless this one is 99 rather than 66), and it’s believed that no more than 100 of them were ever made.

If you’re interested in firearms mechanics, this video is well worth a watch. This action is interesting, to say the least.

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.