"Grandpa Nambu" Japanese Pistol

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The 1902 “Grandpa” Nambu is one of the first wave of successful military automatic pistols, developed by Kijiro Nambu and his team over the course of 5 years, from 1897 to 1902. It was the first automatic pistol to be used by the Japanese military, although it was a private-purchase sidearm for officers and not formally purchased or issued by the military. It took several design cues from the C96 Mauser, in the form of a pivoting locking block and a bottlenecked cartridge.
The Grandpa was only made from 1902 until 1906, with less than 2400 examples produced in total - many of which were sold to Thailand. In 1906 a series of improvements were made to the gun, including increasing the size of the trigger and trigger guard, a swiveling lanyard ring, a slightly larger grip, new magazine, and deletion of the shoulder stock slot that had been standard on all previous Nambu pistols. The formal Japanese designation (Type A) did not change as a result, but in American collector parlance the new model became the “Papa” Nambu.
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[@ride0RgetR0DE0n]

Glorious Nippon barrel folded over 1000 times

[@fabulous_finn7810]

Lmao

[@BronsonNunley-xl2kw]

It's not OK to be racist

[@HoisinCrispyOwl]

Gotta love Japanese sights. Need to dispense with a threat to the Emperor with your sidearm at 500 meters? No problem.

[@haroldthaf]

@Bhum Brahmavira Glorious Sergeant Watanabe said no Banzai today...

[@singsam8925]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine yup, if I'm not mistaking, C96 was sighted up to 1000 meters.

[@beargillium2369]

You've never watched a japanese archery competition!

[@duskyflathead4483]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine artillery pistols? I’m now imagining a company of guys just pointing their pistols to the sky and blowing their load

[@CJBrunt]

@@duskyflathead4483 Artillery officers commonly carried long-barrel stocked 'Artillery' pistols in the early C19th era. They weren't as constrained by barrel length as Infantry or Cavalry who needed to shoot on the move, but a stocked pistol-carbine could provide 'counter-battery' fire at an opposing gunline or other minor threats if the guns jammed or were shooting elsewhere.

[@u3zip495]

I am a Japanese gunmania, but thank you for making a valuable gun like a video that can not be seen in Japan. I feel that I can feel the epidemic of the empire era which is history that Japan should not forget from this gun. Thank you for a nice video!（Since I'm using translation fanction, my sentences might be strange.）

[@M4skedBoi]

Pretty much all japanese guns suck to be honest

[@1squeamishneophyte]

@@M4skedBoi No they don't, with the exception of this piece of crap, the Japanese had decent small arms.

[@M4skedBoi]

@@1squeamishneophyte what 'decent small arms' are you talking about?

[@1squeamishneophyte]

@@M4skedBoi The arisaka rifles, the type 96 and 99 lmgs, the "knee mortar" grenade launcher/light mortar thing, their hotchkiss copy hmg, gun jesus did videos on all and praised them. And not just he, I've heard praise from other quarters although I can't remember the sources.

[@M4skedBoi]

@@1squeamishneophyte Arisaka is a decent rifle but the arisaka rounds were underpowered, Type 89 Knee Mortar was okay but Type 10 only had a range effective of 175 meters. And type 96 was a COPY.

[@smokeydops]

that pistol was very well taken care of. great to see

[@acedia_14]

Yeah but the stock is bit cracked. The bluing on the rear sight is incredible though.

[@PaperHunter]

I'm going to name my first child Kerproing.

[@lolking3144]

LOL XD ! ! !

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

Kerproing Boomsalot; it even sounds Thai, which is fitting given the nation which bought this gun.

[@koryaiine7393]

Andrew Grayson 11:21 :P

[@lolking3144]

Kerproning.... Well... That's a new word I'm adding to my mental dictionary.... Kerproning: /Ker-proning/ Interjection. One of the the many sounds that a spring may make wile launching away from, or, landing on a hard surface. Usually in a comedic fashion.

[@Fuddleton]

The knurling on the striker cap is gorgeous, and I've always wondered how you knurl a hemispherical surface like that.

[@LOUDcarBOMB]

From what I can see, the knurling probably starts in the middle of the cap. The cuts are curved from the center to the edge of the cap. This is repeated until it's made 1 revolution of the same curved cuts. It's then cut in the mirrored direction with the same curve and technique. It's probably manually done and this is all of me guessing about it.

[@milkapeismilky5464]

The Hino pistols are just beautiful. So unique and graceful.

[@davidbowman2716]

Magnificent craftsmanship. I'm pretty sure that Sensei Masamune would feel Envy before such masterpiece. As I understand the steel used to forge this pistols has been folded a thousand times.

[@hesnotbad9045]

“Stocked pistols lost popularity in the 1930s” almost like the single largest commercial firearms market was closed to this sort of thing around that time

[@user-bn3cb4be5o]

I see what you are getting at

[@isaiahjgomez1501]

Ehh, after ww1 the only people who were utilizing stocked pistols in the international market was really just China, I can understand what u mean by the 1934 ban, but Americans in general military or not, and most other European countrys for that matter, used stocked pistols post ww1

[@Sturmdude]

The stock is also the holster. I love it.

[@NiteReepa]

Kerproing is one of my new favorite words :D

[@warriorwolf77]

Can we get a compilation of all your spring caproings and such?

[@LankyAssMofka]

I second this motion

[@davebona9592]

I third this

[@Seeker-wq8jc]

I will fourth. I would love to see a compilation of Ian's fails of him taking a gun apart, and piiiiing, the spring flies across the room. And then the magical hunt for it afterward begins when it lands or drops down somewhere and utterly vanishes

[@ZucchiniSlayer]

"krproing" is my new favorite sound bit

[@banjodaddy6932]

Ian, it's amazing how you retain all this info about so many different types of firearms , your program is also well done , thanks for your time.

[@fancyUltra]

sweet!! perfect to wake up to. a new Forgotten Weapons video!! thank you Ian

[@steelwolf9454]

I have been watching your videos for the past 3 years and I must say the quality is only getting better. Nothing makes me more happy than to see a new Forgotten Weapons video in my sub box! Keep up the good work :D

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

I didn't really know anything about this one until watching this video. Beautiful craftsmanship on this pistol. I like the serrations on that rear cap thing, it's cool.

[@dickrichardson2626]

As a future educator I love your videos and how informative they are.

[@ajeje1996]

The blued rear sight looks really nice. The disassembly process is also very cool.

[@dafydgibbons3611]

It looks like it's in great condition for its age, thanks Ian for another great video!

[@bighoss1121]

ian. keep up the videos. They are amazing and never cease to amaze

[@madhatters1966]

That is a beautiful pistol, Thanks for sharing

[@andreasimoncini2793]

Thanks so much for the great videos!

[@JerryEricsson]

My dream gun wall display: Grandpa Nambu, Luger, Swedish Lahti, Italian Glesenti and to mix and match, an older model Ruger Standard Model, and a High Standard Duramatic. I have owned a few of these over the years back when you could buy a handgun for less then a months salary.

[@Spearfisher1970]

Consider me very impressed with a semi-auto designed for 1902

[@GoredonTheDestroyer]

I mean, the FN Browning 1900 and Colt 1900 both existed at the same time, and those were both automatics.

[@maxman1602]

And the Colt 1902 and the FN 1902, and the Mauser C96...

[@misterdaz1018]

I would be so star struck of I happened to meet you one day, a pic of myself with you would be something I would be very proud to have. Even though I know nothing about guns and I haven't fired any since I was a teenager (I am British living in China) I really enjoy watching you talk.

[@AcidWarhead97]

i noticed you mentioned about the spare firing pin trivia, i don't remember my source for this but i remember reading that the soldiers were expected to just replace the firing pin on spot even while under fire

[@tjingle29]

i feel like Ian studied guns his whole life. from childbirth up to adulthood. he really loves to delve deep into all sorts of weapons.

[@keithmoore7390]

I see where Bill Ruger got the idea for the mk.2!!!! you really can't miss that if you've had one!!!

[@johnciccone]

I have often wondered about that. It would be an interesting idea to explore. I too have owned a Ruger mark 2. I think the best innovation is the Mark 4, Soooooo much easier to reassemble after stripping for a cleaning.

[@nolanolivier6791]

@@johnciccone I was under the impression that Bill Ruger openly acknowledged the influence of the Nambu...

[@Nullpo08]

Nice Collection.

[@lemmegetamuhfckinuhhh2023]

All of these videos on forgotten about weapons are so therapeutic to watch for me idk why but looking at the guns and hearing all the information about them just soothes me lol

[@brucewestcott7839]

Lemmegetamuhfckin UHHH I

[@TwilightsChapter13]

Fantastic video; Japanese pistols are fascinating. Will you ever be covering the Papa and Baby Nambus in a separate video, or are they similar enough to Grandpa to not warrant it?

[@QuellicheilMarza]

Thanks Ian

[@bilibiliism]

I really like the idea of using stock as the container of gun. Its not a common feature nowadays.

[@alexmoore1506]

bilibiliism well it's pretty much been phased out. In terms of military and police, the SMG overtook it. It's definitely not an ideal thing for carry either since most are a big hunk of wood.

[@acedia_14]

Oh man the bluing on that rear sight is incredible.

[@lampman1337]

is the blue on the rear sight adjust original? it looks amazing. whoever wins this auction will own a true piece of art.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I believe it is a form of charcoal bluing....very pretty and you can also find it on Type 26s w/ original finish intact.

[@ltousig]

The design on the end of the bolt, looks like Imperial Chrysanthemum, the symbol of the Emporer of Japan

[@jseden]

I have a nambu my grandpa brought back from the way.. no stock, i forget the exact model and it’s in another state atm.. full matching serial numbers though and its in pretty good shape. Also have a type99 rifle

[@tynado1173]

I like the side mounted recoil spring

[@ohioman4646]

Since the magazine is not nearly as angled as the type 14, does that mean that this feeds better?

[@limpetarch98k]

Idk, but because they weren't in war, they had much better quality control I guess.

[@Sheehy223]

The fact that you wrote "Japanese" in the title lead to some rather interesting suggested videos.

[@Insanabiliter_In_Linea]

KZbin must know what I usually watch after Forgotten Weapons videos because all the recommended videos are just more FW videos lol.

[@hadenthomas123]

dude this is awesome

[@ollilehtonen6351]

This is a nice pistol. I like this pistol.

[@JerryEricsson]

Good GOD the price that the gun went for, wish I had a couple just to pay off all my credit cards and my car! I had a fellow try and sell me a Papa Nambu once, think it was at the Red Owl Store in Pierre SD, where I used to buy a lot of guns in the mid 70's. At any rate, he called it a "Japanese Luger!" now back then any gun that was not appropriate for duty carry or plinking such as my .22 collection were not much interest to me, I did buy a Luger once but that was in the Barbershop in a small town in SD and an entirely different story. Kind of wish I had kept the Luger and purchased the "Japanese Luger' back then and put them in a gun case to set away for the future me, but who thinks about that crap when the gun market is exploding with millions of import guns flooding the markets.

[@ryanrosenblum2552]

I have a lot of respect for Kijirō Nambu as a firearms designer his work on the "Arisaka" series of rifle is excellent example of adapting and simplifying an already existing design in this case the mauser action into one the best bolt and rifle combination of the 2nd world war the only problem I have with his pistol work is how complicated and over engineered they are. The 8mm nambu cartridge could have fit into a simple blowback style pistol I guess this exemplifies the japenese doctrine when it comes to pistols in ww2

[@escott3829]

Did Mr. Bill Ruger And Mr. Alex Sturm Use Ideas/Concepts From These Styled Pistols? Found This. "Standard looks like a German Luger pistol, but how the action works is actually more similar to the Japanese Nambu that was issued in World War II. This is by design-Bill Ruger’s initial idea for his .22 semi-automatic pistol was conceptually just a re-chambering of a Nambu pistol to .22 caliber for use as a sporting and plinking gun."

[@gewamser]

That is a great handgun!

[@tetsuoswrath]

In the game Resident Evil Survivor you get this gun if you take a certain route. It doesn't have the stock but it's still a good gun in the game. :{J

[@jaguarfacedman1365]

that thing is really well built

[@sichongzhao3841]

very interesting video! I wonder if it is ok for me to make subtitle for your videos and upload them to other websites so that people who do not know english would be able to enjoy these awesome contents? Of course credits will be given!

[@dpallatin]

id love to see more trial videos. anyone else like them?

[@junkie_cosmonaut9622]

That looks nicer than what one expects a nambu pistol to look like

[@witeshade]

Very slick design overall, seems nice and simple for such an old design. It does seem to depend on tiny little pieces blocking other tiny little pieces though, maybe moreso than most other designs you've shown us.

[@novaman3509]

Never really had an opinion on the Nambu, tho I attribute that too my lack of knowledge regarding the pistol.

[@ianfinrir8724]

I think Resident Evil: Dead Aim had the Grampa Nambu as its strongest handgun.

[@francisaje]

Interesting as usual

[@GamersBar]

been refinished? looked pretty good finish still The general design of this pistol while a bit complex and a pain in the ass to make is a rather cool gun

[@robertswartz3010]

Great work on the Japanese captions! You can tell it's a good translation because I can't understand it!

[@a_shuchu_601]

Being a fan of should stock pistols, what do you think about modern carbine conversions of pistols when top slide is replaced?

[@johnyonghwang6112]

I just find it interesting that all the major powers had started development or created their first standard issue pistols in 1900-1910

[@Legman688]

Ooof, did you see the color on that rear sight slider? I'm drooling.

[@SavageShooter93]

Is the bluing/case hardening on the rear sight adjustment block normal? It looks amazing.

[@MidnightdoesWoT]

from now on I shall refer to the noise non captive recoil springs make when flying across the room as "Ker-Sproing" until the day I die.

[@FuzzWong]

i get the feeling your a bit of a nambu nut, Ian. Really detailed video.

[@millwaterpublishing1387]

Hey! Somebody put a stock on a Ruger Mark I! ;) If it's only .380 power level, I wonder why they didn't just go straight blowback.

[@TheBitwise]

It still lets you hold the gun steadier for longer periods, recoil or not.

[@TheBitwise]

A pistol is not always "just" for close range. If you had no other weapon because: you're a support personnel who wasn't issued anything else; your rifle malfunctioned and you can't clear it in time, or you ran out of ammunition; you're a machine gunner and you can't reposition your main gun in time; etc., you might still want to fire at the enemy even if they are 100 metres away. What if they're charging with shotguns, sub-machine guns, or grenades? I wouldn't personally want to let them get in "close." If you're in a static fighting position, say as a crewman on an entrenched artillery gun, you can afford to sacrifice some of your mobility to shoot a little tighter and be more effective at a longer range. You don't necessarily have to make a killing shot. Providing harassing fire could deter an assault, or at least buy time for a teammate with a better gun to come help you out.

[@user-yi6tx1pj1t]

別にいいじゃない。ストレートブローバックとショートリコイルの境目は弾の威力が380A CP 辺りだそうです。

[@akarawaturaisin2400]

Well for Thai army in WW2 i heard about the use of C96 but this gun? I never heard of.

[@yngvar1945]

Hey Ian what would happen if a Luger's joint on the top bent down into the gun instead of up?

[@captainkrabbs5604]

Can you do an in depth video about the type 94 nambu?

[@AdoringFan]

Have you ever had the chance to look at a type 100 SMG? Could you do a video on one?

[@AdoringFan]

There's a small article on the website but he hasn''t done a video on one.

[@AdoringFan]

He's done the type 100 rifle and type 100 flamethrower but not the SMG as far as I can see.

[@AdoringFan]

He's done videos on much rarer guns before, and over 20,000 were made so it's not like they aren't around.

[@lolknight4532]

ive seen a type 100 late model being sold for 200 at gander mountan once

[@robertbenson136]

That would be a steal! Worth from $6000 to $ !2,000.

[@yuchenhao5947]

The Nambu type is from right to left, in modern way is 南部式，but in the old days, it's type bu nam, 式部南.

[@bobthompson4319]

Imagine a stocked pistol for self defense. Its like carrying without one in the chamber.

[@Rafferty1968]

Has anyone else noted that the pattern on the disassembly button/strike spring is very like a chrysanthemum? Symbol of the Emperor/royal house.

[@hashidatackey8758]

YaY, a Japanese gun!

[@hashidatackey8758]

I'm Japanese

[@Alte.Kameraden]

Vintage automatic pistols. They just don't make them like they used to. So interesting to look at. Modern hand guns are often in my opinion just boring. In fact, honestly, I don't like most fire arms "Post" WWII. Seems WWII people started standardize more to reliable, known designs/concepts, sure some experimentation is going on still but, not much. Early on everyone was designing from different concepts almost, now it's more standardized, less unique/interest. Mauser C96, Early Colt Automatics, The Luger P08, Nambu, and among others seemed to have their own unique flavors for their day.

[@Snubrevolver]

I believe part of the reason is the modern concept of severe restrictions on firearm production and ownership. Back at the turn of the 20th century there were few gun laws and nearly anyone could manufacture and sell a firearm. A freer market was conductive to greater innovation.

[@sjoormen1]

It's old, and it's gun. What is not to like...

[@willisaw135]

So rare.

[@hdhg4ever]

Wouldn't this gun fire in full-auto if the striker sear broke when the gun was loaded?

[@sillygoose210_6]

hdhg4ever Perhaps, it could just jam though.

[@spottless]

Was wondering this aswell. Also what holds the striker if the shooter keeps pressure on the trigger after firing

[@robertbenson136]

Yup just like any other semi auto gun

[@hotdog99100]

Ian, have a question on the Nambu theme. Looks like there are a number of videos and chat about the Type 14 Nambu's with the theme of, "Japanese Nambu Pistols were unreliable junk." The videos do show people having reliability issues shooting them today. However, they are, what 75 years old. Also, we have the issue of non Japanese military spec ammo to shoot. So, the question is, "How reliable or unreliable were peak war Nambu pistols?"

[@chapiit08]

Eight to ten grand right there. What a cool gun, not the best, kind like overcomplicated but first class machining and finish.

[@chapiit08]

CommunistRaccoonDog Daaamn...!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Exactly, last one i had a chance to buy was $18k...and while i knew it was a good deal, i figured my wife should have a new car with the same money lol.

[@Lacerik]

Could you not add a second tab on the firing pin, opposite the first, meaning that it would some how have to shear two tabs in order to render the firing pin useless? It seems to be the chances of both tabs shearing would be essentially impossible and you could still use the pistol with little modification.

[@noseefood1943]

no slide, how does this thing cycle?

[@orion3253]

GRAND DAD?

[@mayloc12]

FLEENT STONES?

[@vannilaicecream230]

This reminds me of how the Nerf Magstrike's stock and grip are structured.

[@bakerking5351]

2:30 I thought Ian said 952,000 feet per second and I almost had a stroke lol

[@peterthinks]

I love the A&W burger naming convention of these...Baby Burger, Mamma Burger, Papa Burger, Grandpa Burger...

[@mackenzieross1837]

I wanna point out they modeled the drang from destiny 2 after this.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Since i especially collect Japanese firearms, i really appreciate this video. Hey, I'd trade you my French MAS36 CR39 for this Grandpa Nambu! hehe As to the Siamese Grandpas, while you are right that either way of them getting them is possible, i feel that an original purchase back pre-WWI is more likely. As you said, these were private purchase so not sure the Japanese gov't/military would have many to sell since most were owned by officers and thus presumably were taken home. Just a thought. Plus Tokyo was already supplying rifles to Siam in the same time frame, so why not try and get them to buy some handguns too? Makes business sense at least, cheers.

[@skepticalamerican9044]

If that piece of the striker broke, making it so that it couldn't be held back by the plate at the rear would that effectively make it a machine pistol? Could it turn into a runaway gun while firing?

[@sniperwolf1674]

i can just imagine that japanese engineer at the turn of the century going "meh,we dont need that"...

[@DACFalloutRanger]

What a tidy little package.

[@TheLordDai]

That's a very interesting way to fire the gun. How would it return to behind the plate after it was fired?

[@anter176]

I assume there could be a ramp on the lever so the firing pin would push it down on the way back. that's my guess.

[@TheLordDai]

anter176 That makes sense. Thanks!

[@white0devil0]

You should get a job as a tour guide at a firearms museum or something. Also, do RIA feature your videos on these weapons in any way? Maybe one their site or before the auction?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yes, my videos are linked in their catalog.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Nope, not an RIA employee.

[@pupyasko1233]

People who know about the RIA but not Ian's channel get introduced to his videos, people who watch his videos might decide to place a bet on something at RIA. Sounds pretty much like the definition of a win-win-situation.

[@WurledPeas]

Ian is a firearms museum.

[@davidatchison9245]

That’s certainly a “forgotten weapon.”

[@19KW86]

Magazine look like wallpaper knife at first glance

[@ninjamaster97]

GRAND DAD!

[@peterjaena]

1902..... Made in Japan. the fit finish is amazing.

[@daisyruin]

So the striker 'sear' is prone to snapping off and sending the firing pin forward, and it will slam fire whatever's in the chamber if you remove an empty mag. That's pretty bad when viewed from the modern perspective. When you look at the design work that went into the trigger group, the bolt, etc. - it seems they could easily have engineered around those problems if they had seen them coming. Reminder of how early this design is.

[@vguyver2]

That's an interesting setup with a spring recoil system. I don't think I've seen anything similar in the us or Europe.

[@CaptainGrief66]

V Guyver -Look up for the Cei-Rigotti

[@vguyver2]

Oh. That does look interesting. thank you.

[@CaptainGrief66]

V Guyver​ I think other designs used this idea of having a tube mounted on the side of the receiver containing the spring, I think the Mauser M1902 experimental self loader uses this system

[@GoredonTheDestroyer]

The Rigotti is a rifle, though. Having a spring recoil system in a pistol is exceedingly rare, and unusual.

[@CaptainGrief66]

GoredonTheDestroyer We were talking about the setup of the recoil spring

[@sae1095hc]

If I got ahold of one of those, there is NO WAY IN HELL I could have figured out how to disassemble that thing!