Later iterations incorporated an improved safety that pushes up and locks the slide from any travel at all when engaged. The safety is located on the left bottom edge of the slide, in the traditional spot, but unlike most pistols, it slides forward to the “Fire” position, rearward to “Safe.” Early versions-of which mine is one-have a sliding-bar safety that prevents the slide from traveling rearward enough to cock the striker or pick up a fresh cartridge when in the “Safe” position. Like many early European pistols, the magazine catch is in the bottom of the grip.

Of simple blowback design, the pistol has a magazine capacity of six rounds.Ībout two million of the first model were manufactured, and according to one online source, about three million of the slightly improved MP-25, like the one featured in this report, were made before the company’s factory burned down and the owner retired in 1991. The frames and slides were cast of a zinc alloy, which helped keep the cost very low. Walnut grips and artificial mother-of-pearl grips were available. Three iterations of the latter were eventually offered, one black, one chromed, and one brushed nickel. It was first dubbed the P-25, then later the MP-25 after certain small improvements were made. Its specialty was just one model: a very compact, simple semiautomatic pistol chambered in. Raven Arms was founded in California as a response to the dearth of inexpensive, concealable handguns following the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prohibited certain importations.

Ravin 25 auto firing pin