From the Vault: Polish Radom Pistol

At first glance, it looks like a Colt 1911, but there are differences. That's because the Radom Vis WZ35 pistol, developed for the Polish military in the 1930s, is based on several John Browning designs. Senior Brownells Gun Tech and firearm historian Keith Ford tells us all about this 9mm Luger chambered gun, manufactured by FB Radom arms factory. The design actually incorporates aspects of the Colt Model of 1903, the Browning GP35 (Hi-Power), and the 1911. Keith strips down his Radom and shows us how this beautiful pistol works. Two innovations well ahead of its time: the captive recoil spring on the guide rod and hammer-drop safety. After Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Vis WZ35 production was continued for use by the German military. By the end of WWII, the Radom was the third most numerous pistol in German military service (after the P08 Luger and P38). Compared to its clunky contemporary, the Walther P38, Keith calls the Radom "an elegant weapon from a more civilized age," and "the best sidearm of World War II."

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