While on this trip I had the opportunity to look at a number of interesting pistols. As I have a think for single shot inexpensive pistols when I had the chance to look and photograph a Mendoza pistol ( the same company that brought you the light machine gun and sub-machine gun) I jumped at the opportunity. This is a Rafael Mendoza, Productos Mendoza, S.A. This pistol was mad for the general Mexican population until they changed the law and for the most part banded the private ownership of weapons. It was made to look like a 6 shot single action revolver but was really only a single shot pistol in 22lr. It had spots on both sides to hold 3 rounds per side. The majority of the pistol was plastic with the barrel, locking block and fire control mechanism being made of metal. My friend John D. had two copies of the pistol that he let me photograph.
here are a series of close up pictures of the pistol.
With these pictures you can see the simple and basic breach block.
I find this type of weapon interesting hope you do as well. If anyone has any pictures of simple and basic 22 pistols I would love to see them and publish them as well. Thanks
Not sure if you’re interested in home builds but here’s one that I designed/built this summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v8FAXYWaT6E
There are blueprints and many more photos on my blog: http://www.jamesrpatrick.com/2014/05/pep22-single-shot-22lr-pistol-part-1.html
Very inexpensive materials (about $30) and very labor intensive build process.
James Patrick: good job !
I live in México, and I have never see this Mendoza pistol, even in pictures. By the way, I suggest you to search an intesting pistol: The Trejo “Ráfaga” pistol, a little .22 selective fire pistol.
I have owned and shot a Mendoza. It like almost all guns most likely shot better than I could. I really liked how the hammer was made of 3 flats of metal with the center one cut different to form the firing pin. I have owned 2 different Trejo 22 autos but never the full auto one.
Much like katta pistols of india,except they fire .315 cal enfield rifle bullets or 12 gauge shotgun shells.But unlike these they are illegal.Similar places produces similar guns.
Many years ago, late 50’s early 60’s, perhaps even earlier, Savage Arms, YES, Savage of rifle fame, made a pistol in .22 cal. It was made to resemble a 6 shot, western style pistol, but was a single shot. Few were made, so I think that they are quite rare.