Blowback Simpson
 

I purchased a box of old gun books and in it was a Arms Gazette Dec 1973. On page 17 there is a pistol that is new to me. "Simson 9mm luger caliber,made approximently 1930 by Simson &co.,Suhl. To replace the complex and expensive Luger. Simple blowback action. Hold open device added and side of frame welded and not completely finished.grip similar to luger. Uses Luger magazine.Number 2. One other known." Where is this pistol now? Have pictures of it been on this forum? It is just a darned interesting looking gun. Thanks Bob

Please post the photo Bob... it might stir someone's memory as to having seen it...

I havea heard the term "blowback" many times. Could someone please give me a definition of what that means?
Big Norm

Hey Norm,

Blowback simply means an unlocked breech... The Luger uses a toggle mechanism to lock the breech until the recoil causes the upper half to hit the ramps... by the time this happens, breech pressure has dropped to a safe level with appropriate ammo.

The Walther PP and PPK are examples of blowback type actions that have no resistance to the recoil forces and gas pressure except for the friction of the case in the chamber and gun's mainspring or recoil spring... this type of mechanism is normally only used for guns that fire lower powered cartridges like 380 ACP or 32 ACP or 22 LR.

The Astra 400 is an exception to this rule and is a blowback design using the 9mm Luger cartridge... and if you have ever had to jack one into the chamber on an Astra, the strength of the recoil spring on this model 9mm is extraordinary compared to those used on locked breech guns like the Luger, P-38 and Colt Model 1911 designs.

I will be happy to post the picture if I am told it's legal to post a picture from a magazine. I don't want to get into a copyright fuss. thanks Bob

Bob. Go ahead and post the photo... the magazine you mention is no longer in print is it? If it is, just give the magazine credit for the photo and there should be no problem... The copyright law, to the best of my knowledge, allows for minor extracts from publications, especially for educational reasons... and as much fun as this site is, it was founded as a means for the sharing of information and the education of those interested in the history and use of the Luger in particular, and all firearms in general..