Pistola Automatica, Modello 1910 (Glisenti)

History

The Italian Army adopted the Model 1910 Glisenti in an attempt to replace their aging "Bodeo" series revolvers with semi-automatic pistols. The Bodeo Model 1889 pistol holds the unique 10.4x22R Italian Ordnance cartridge and became the standard revolver for the Italian Army in 1891. The type was mass produced by a variety of manufacturers, many of which served worldwide in the First War and beyond.

The Model 1910 attempted to take over the Bodeo line as the standard service pistol for the Italian Army.

The difference between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols is huge - revolvers are generally more reliable and easier to maintain, despite having a heavier base weight. On the other hand, semi-automatic firearms are relatively light but mechanically complex and require a lot of maintenance to function properly. Many turn-of-the-century warriors preferred their trusty revolvers to the newer semi-automatic pistols that became popular.

As a result, modern self-loading designs often have difficulty penetrating areas affected by determined soldiers.

The design of the Italian Model 1910 is attributed to Italian Army Captain Betel Abiel Revelli, whose last name would carry several recognized Italian combat guns. In 1902, Revelli received an official patent for a new semi-automatic pistol design and entered into a partnership with Societa Siderugica Glisenti to begin mass production of this new weapon, intended to replace the old Bodeo revolver.

The Glisenti factory changed production lines in 1906 before producing pistols, but the group abruptly abandoned the gun business entirely and sold control of it to Metallurgica Bresciana gia Tempini ("MBT"). The Revelli product has now found a new owner.

MBT is pushing the pistol - Glisenti Model 1906 (7.65x22mm) - for sale through the Italian army, production from 1908. This may be compared to contemporaries elsewhere in Europe - namely the German 9x19 Parabellum pistol cartridge.

This forced MBT to convert the Type 1906 into an improved version that could accommodate a similar 9mm cartridge. In terms of size, the Italian 9x19mm Glisenti is identical to the German Parabellum cartridge, although a lower load is designed to not exceed the structural strength of the Type 1906 internals. Therefore, if the full power 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge is used, it has the ability to fully "explode" the receiver as it consists of two parallel sides connected by a knurled knob on the front of the trigger group.

The new weapon came in the form of the "Model 1910", and it was this version that was officially accepted by the Italian Army as a standardized officer's pistol, under the official name "Pistola Automatica, Modello 1910, (Glisenti)".

Externally, the Model 1910 mimics the popular look of the German Luger P08 semi-automatic pistol. In fact, any resemblance to a successful German pistol is superficial, as the Model 1910 was entirely an Italian company. The receiver is mostly box-shaped, housing the inner working parts. The round barrel protrudes in the front and is covered by an iron front sight. The trigger set is integrated with the receiver and has a curved trigger assembly encapsulated by a circular trigger ring.

The pistol grip has a heavily checkered design and is slightly angled back for a good ergonomic grip. The gun works on the principle of short recoil, recoil lock - the barrel and recoil recoil together when fired. Instead of a traditional pull lever or grip, the action is controlled by a long trigger pull.

The weapon is fed from a seven-round detachable magazine located at the base of the grip.

In service, the Type 1910 was influenced by two major design aspects. The first lies in the weakly constructed receiver, which tends to loosen with repeated firing.

The second major drawback remains the weaker 9x19mm Glisenti cartridge, which has a slower muzzle velocity of 1,050 feet per second (compared to the German 9x19mm Parabellum's 1,300 feet per second). It doesn't have the inherent stopping power of the German 9x19mm when firing larger bullets.

In 1912, MBT attempted to improve upon the original Model 1910 design with the introduction of the "Model 1912" - also known as "Brixia" (as the MBT Group was also known as "Brescia's Brixia"). The frame has been reinforced, while the handle-mounted safety device has been omitted. After an evaluation period with Italian authorities, the design proved no better than the 1910 model it was trying to replace.

With the start of the First World War in 1914, this "Brichia" ventured into history.

Despite its limitations, the Model 1910 fought with Italian troops during the First World War. It wasn't popular at all, and many still preferred their trusty revolvers or turned to competing Beretta designs.

As such, the Model 1910 never fully replaced the Bodeo line of revolvers, with both types serving simultaneously throughout the war.

Serial production of the Model 1910 ended in the early 1920s, although its distribution is still evident as officers continued to acquire this weapon until 1935. By this time, however, many had transitioned from officer pistols to second-line personnel in the Italian army. Additionally, the influx of powerful and affordable Beretta sidearms further doomed the Glisenti line, which could never match the pound for pound of the competition. Despite their widespread abandonment, the 1910s managed to survive before and during World War II, their last notable action being recorded in 1945.

In 1934, the Beretta Model 1934 was officially designated as the standard semi-automatic pistol of the Italian Army.

The Type 1910 was never a great design and was hampered by weak engineering and a weak cartridge. It was never destined for any other glory than what history has revealed. The older Bodeo revolvers actually outlast the Model 1910 Glisenti in production.

Specification

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