My first P08

John Sabato · 07-02-2007, 04:31 PM

Dwight...

As you have theorized...

As the designation implies, the 9X21 pistol cartridge (that is the "common" designation) was designed specifically for those locations where the possession of 9mm NATO ammo is or was prohibited for civilians. Italy used to be one of those places when I lived there from 1976-1981 and 1986-1987, but that may have changed in Italy since then... I am sure Paulo or Mauro will advise on that.

The casing is 2mm longer and functions in a standard magazine (sort of) by slightly increasing the feed angle to accomodate the length. I Imagine that almost any standard 9mm Parabellum handgun can have the chamber lengthened to accomodate this round. It would be easiest in a Browning type gun with a spare barrel so the calibers would be interchangeable. I remember that my Landlord in Italy on my first tour carried a Browning P-35 that used this cartridge... He was a wealthy man, and I am sure he was licensed... kidnapping was a career path in Italy for many back then, and he told me he would never be taken as a victim. I believed him...

07-02-2007, 04:31 PM	#13
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,309 Times in 1,098 Posts	Dwight... As you have theorized... As the designation implies, the 9X21 pistol cartridge (that is the "common" designation) was designed specifically for those locations where the possession of 9mm NATO ammo is or was prohibited for civilians. Italy used to be one of those places when I lived there from 1976-1981 and 1986-1987, but that may have changed in Italy since then... I am sure Paulo or Mauro will advise on that. The casing is 2mm longer and functions in a standard magazine (sort of) by slightly increasing the feed angle to accomodate the length. I Imagine that almost any standard 9mm Parabellum handgun can have the chamber lengthened to accomodate this round. It would be easiest in a Browning type gun with a spare barrel so the calibers would be interchangeable. I remember that my Landlord in Italy on my first tour carried a Browning P-35 that used this cartridge... He was a wealthy man, and I am sure he was licensed... kidnapping was a career path in Italy for many back then, and he told me he would never be taken as a victim. I believed him... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*