Salvator-Dormus 1891 pistol

This 8 mm delayed blowback pistol loads through the top and has a hinged magazine door on the butt. The pistol has a separate bolt release and safety. The production delay between patent and military trials allowed comparisons with other self-loading pistols, and the Salvator Dormus was considered inferior to its competition. The designers abandoned this project; and few pistols survive. The Bundeswehr Museum of German Defense Technology in Koblenz has one of these specimens in its collection.

• Name — Salvator-Dormus • Origin — Austria-Hungary • Type — Semi-automatic pistol • Is Ranged — yes • Designer — Archduke Karl Salvator of Austria Georg von Dormus • Design Date — 1891 • Manufacturer — Œ.W.G. • Production Date — 1895 • Number — about 50 • Cartridge — 8mm Dormus • Action — Delayed blowback • Max Range — 40m • Feed — 5-round magazine • Sights — Iron sights

• Illustration — The A.J. Ordnance Thomas.45 uses a similar delayed blowback operation that delays the slide when fully gripped. The Salvator Dormus pistol uses an unusual grip delayed blowback operation actuated by the trigger pull, when fully pulled back delays the slide otherwise would be a simple blowback operation. This type of operation actuated with a rear grip panel was later used in the A.J. Ordnance Thomas.45 pistol.

Salvator-Dormus 1891 pistol is classified as a semi-automatic pistol. Associated with Austria–Hungary. Connected to 1 other published record in the VALÉORINE Encyclopedia.