1960's Vintage Italian Walther PPK Clone
- Thread starter Sarge7402
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I've found this:
http://www.earmi.it/armi/atlas/255.htm
The pistol is a Rigarmi Hijo Militar. I think Rigarmi stands for Rino Galesi Armi, probably some heir of the preceding Galesi Armi.
Some informations here on a for sale one in Italy:
https://www.gunstorebunker.com/prodotto/pistola-rino-galesi-armi-mod-hijo-militar-cal-765-mm/
http://www.earmi.it/armi/atlas/255.htm
The pistol is a Rigarmi Hijo Militar. I think Rigarmi stands for Rino Galesi Armi, probably some heir of the preceding Galesi Armi.
Some informations here on a for sale one in Italy:
https://www.gunstorebunker.com/prodotto/pistola-rino-galesi-armi-mod-hijo-militar-cal-765-mm/
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The fact that the model of this gun is called "Hijo" (which means son in Spanish) makes me think that it could be a gun actually built in Spain or a Spanish-speaking country and imported to Italy where it was branded by Rigarmi, to be subsequently exported to the United States, all this to increase its reputation and therefore its added value. However, my hypotheses are not supported by evidence. The only informations are contained in my previous post.
Monac
Member
I have seen one Rigarmi Hijo Militar for sale on GunBroker, well over a year ago. I didn't bid on it and don't remember what it sold for. That is as close as I have ever come to seeing one in the flesh. Incidentally, "Rig" is a contraction of Rino Galesi, IIRC.
On the subject of "Hijo", in the 1950's or 60's Iver Johnson made a top-break revolver for another company to sell under that company's name. Their model name for it was the "Hijo Quick Break" or something similar. (Bill Goforth, who literally wrote the book on Iver Johnson, talks about it a little here: https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/32-s-w.38262/ ) Maybe there is some other meaning to Hijo when it comes to pistols, or maybe it means something like "Junior"?
On the subject of "Hijo", in the 1950's or 60's Iver Johnson made a top-break revolver for another company to sell under that company's name. Their model name for it was the "Hijo Quick Break" or something similar. (Bill Goforth, who literally wrote the book on Iver Johnson, talks about it a little here: https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/32-s-w.38262/ ) Maybe there is some other meaning to Hijo when it comes to pistols, or maybe it means something like "Junior"?
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bannockburn
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Sarge7402
J. B. Wood wrote about the Armi Galesi pistol in his book, "Troubleshooting Your Handgun." He wrote that: "There were several close imitations made at the time, one of which even had the Galesi name, but the quality piece was the one made by Industria Armi Galesi of Collebeato (Berscia), Italy. Nicola Galesi founded the firm in 1910, and it is now headed by his son, Giuseppe Galesi (circa 1978). The pistol we are now familiar with was originally designed and patented in 1930 and has continued with very little change to the present time. In 1950 it was designated "Model 9", and was imported into the U.S. in large numbers prior to 1968."
He goes on to mention some problem areas with the gun; the sear and disconnector and how they work with the trigger bar can be a delicate connection, inconsistent heat treatment of some of the extractors, and breaking and chipping of the plastic grips. Bottom line he closes with: "They are good quality guns, but be sure to check the points listed above."
As a side note under the section for the Sterling Model 302 Mr. Wood wrote: "With some small manufacturing modifications, it is very similar to the Italian Rigarmi pistol, made by Rino Galesi, not to be confused with the Armi Galesi guns. Both were imported into the U.S. in considerable quantities prior to 1968. The Sterling is in some respects a sturdier gun, generally prone to less breakage than it's Italian brother. The Rigarmi guns were not as well made as those of Armi Galesi."
J. B. Wood wrote about the Armi Galesi pistol in his book, "Troubleshooting Your Handgun." He wrote that: "There were several close imitations made at the time, one of which even had the Galesi name, but the quality piece was the one made by Industria Armi Galesi of Collebeato (Berscia), Italy. Nicola Galesi founded the firm in 1910, and it is now headed by his son, Giuseppe Galesi (circa 1978). The pistol we are now familiar with was originally designed and patented in 1930 and has continued with very little change to the present time. In 1950 it was designated "Model 9", and was imported into the U.S. in large numbers prior to 1968."
He goes on to mention some problem areas with the gun; the sear and disconnector and how they work with the trigger bar can be a delicate connection, inconsistent heat treatment of some of the extractors, and breaking and chipping of the plastic grips. Bottom line he closes with: "They are good quality guns, but be sure to check the points listed above."
As a side note under the section for the Sterling Model 302 Mr. Wood wrote: "With some small manufacturing modifications, it is very similar to the Italian Rigarmi pistol, made by Rino Galesi, not to be confused with the Armi Galesi guns. Both were imported into the U.S. in considerable quantities prior to 1968. The Sterling is in some respects a sturdier gun, generally prone to less breakage than it's Italian brother. The Rigarmi guns were not as well made as those of Armi Galesi."
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amd6547
Member
The only Galesi I’m personally familiar with was owned by a close friend. It was a .32 that looked vaguely Walther PP-like, but was striker fired and single action. While his looked “well made”, it was a jamamatic. He made it a project, polishing this and that, but he never got it 100%. “Galesi” became kind of a joke for him and I.
bannockburn
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Sarge7402
I would also add that back in the late '70s/early '80s I had a Sterling Model 302 in .22LR and while it was a good design and well made I could never get the gun to work for more than a couple of rounds out of every magazine. I tried different ammo but nothing seemed to help to get it to run consistently. I came to the conclusion that maybe the Sterling design was just too small to handle the .22LR cartridge.
I would also add that back in the late '70s/early '80s I had a Sterling Model 302 in .22LR and while it was a good design and well made I could never get the gun to work for more than a couple of rounds out of every magazine. I tried different ammo but nothing seemed to help to get it to run consistently. I came to the conclusion that maybe the Sterling design was just too small to handle the .22LR cartridge.
Thanks to all for the information. As an aside the pistol I purchased just before the Miltar was a Iver johnson Trailsman in .22 so it looks like I have both.
For what it's worth it looks like my little gun was made in 1961 and is a very close copy of the walther
Monac
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Nice to see such an uncommon gun, Sarge7402. Thanks!
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