An Italian-Russian joint venture under the Arsenal Firearms brand label has introduced a new hammerless, lightweight polymer semi-automatic pistol in 2012 known as the AF-1 "Strike One". Design is attributed to Nicola Bandini and Dimitry Streshinsky and incorporates several notable patented features into the final product. American importation of the pistol is expected for "sometime" in 2014.
The AF-1 sports a steel and reinforced polymer frame construction and low-profile slide. The slide is granted both front and rear grip areas for cocking the weapon. Sights are available in fixed or adjustable varieties. The hand grip displays a good deal of ergonomically-minded texturing for firm control when handling and firing. Listed dimensions of the AF-1 include an overall length of 210mm and a 128mm-long, cold-hammered barrel. A combat version of the weapon is offered with slightly smaller dimensions for improved compactness as well as a lighter overall carrying weight. The AF1 is given a right-side ejection port and a patented ambidextrous "push-button" magazine release. The angled magazine is inserted into the base of the pistol grip in the usual way and can house up to seventeen 9x19mm cartridges in a staggered column arrangement. Beyond the base 9x19mm Parabellum chambering there are also forms for 9x21 IMI, .357 SIG and .40 S&W. The AF-1 is of Single-Action Only (SAO). The frame features an under-barrel section of Picatinny rail for supporting a tactical light or aimer accessory. The line is available in several colors to suit buyer taste including Ordnance Black, olive green and desert tan.
Arsenal Firearms markets the AF-1 as one of the fastest semi-automatic shooters on the market thanks to its short firing pin release/short-recoil operated action utilizing an inline barrel operation with patented locking block arrangement (recoil-operated drop). Several integral safety features have been implemented including a patented automatic safety trigger and automatic firing pin safety.
It has been stated that the AF-1 may make up the new sidearm of the rearming Russian Armed Forces.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Pistol / Sidearm
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.
Overall Length
210 mm 8.27 in
Barrel Length
128 mm 5.04 in
Empty Wgt
1.65 lb 0.75 kg
Sights
Iron Front and Rearl Fixed or Adjustable
Action
Short-Recoil; Semi-Automatic
Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
AF-1 "Strike One" - Base Model
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Italy; Russia (probable); United States
