liberator search

biggunr

Back in WWII the US made about a million of these "assassination" weapons and air-dropped them to resistance fighters. They were single-shot, short, smooth-barreled .45's that had to be cleared after firing by using a pencil (or similar item). They also had room in the bottom of the grip for 4-5 spare rounds. Does anyone have any more info such as where they can be found and what they list for. Thanks for any help.

JudgeColt

Liberators are very collectable. There is a book on them, the title and author of which escape me at the moment, but most gun book dealers probably have it. Liberators are a bit pricey, and, if they have the instruction sheet and loading dowel, are quite pricey.

Xracer

"The correct name for the Liberator Pistol is the "Flare Projector" Caliber .45 (FP-45). During 1942 over a six month period one million pistols were produced. Actual production of the pistol was about 11 weeks. Using that figure, 300 people produced a pistol with 23 parts every 6.6 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 11 weeks. This is probably the only pistol that couldbe made faster than it could be loaded. Loading takes about 10 seconds. Many stories have been told about how this pistol was distributed and used. Some are true but most have no basis. The story about how they were dropped into occupied France by the tens of thousands has not been documented. They were used in France but in very limited numbers. Most of the pistols were used in the Philippines and China. Another story is that the pistols weremade for the OSS. The OSS had no knowledge of this pistol until after development andproduction was completed. They were developed for and made by the U.S. Army, who later gave them to the OSS." http://home.pacbell.net/rlhag65/liber.htm I believe they were manufactured by the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors.

Blokey

Liberators turn up a gun shows every now and then. At a recent show, I recall seeing one for $125 (I think).

biggunr

Thanks for the info and the link. I have only used the "ask the expert" forum twice and both times have received prompt and informative replies. Kudos, and thanks again.

Bullzeye

Why are they so expensive? I've had the privelege to examine one, and the thing is unequivocal garbage even in near mint condition.Its about the same quality (and probably the exact same process) as you get from your average drugstore die-cast crap-alloy-composition cap gun.

nmyers@home.com

Supply and demand.Yes, they are pieces of junk. However, they are genuine US military firearms, and are an interesting addition to any US military collection. Unlike the high quality guns that were either put into storage or sold to civilians by the millions after WWII, most of the Liberators were scrapped; there can't be more than a few hundred in private hands. So, those who want one are willing to pay big bucks.Neal

boeboe

I think $125.00 might be a little low. Here are a couple that were listed and bid on at gunbroker in the last couple of months, brought bids of over $800.00 http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=2044146 http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=2437730