25 ACP Ammunition

History of 25 Auto (ACP) Ammunition

The .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) (6.35x16mmSR) cartridge was introduced by John Browning in 1905 originally intended to be used in the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol. This was the first in centerfire “vest pocket” pistols, designed to be used by gentlemen who required the utmost in concealment while carrying their firearm. The diminutive cartridge has received its’ share of bad press, as well as the classification of being a “mouse gun” by some firearms authorities. But a firearm in .25 ACP does have the potential to be lethal and must be treated with the same respect as any other firearm.

The .25 ACP has been primarily chambered in small, inexpensive firearms that were intended for concealed carry, most typically in a pocket or small handbag. There are several advantages to the .25 ACP as a concealed carry pistol. The small size of the pistol makes concealment in a variety of situations and locations much easier than with larger handguns. The centerfire primer makes the .25 ACP more reliable than the .22 caliber cartridges that are chambered in similar sized pistols. The .25ACP has a plethora of self defense loads that are built to maximize bullet expansion and penetration. The technological and design advancements have made the .25 ACP worthy of consideration in the self defense category.

The .25 ACP cartridge has been offered in a variety of firearms. There are several revolvers that have been built for the .25 ACP. Most are antiques of Belgian and Italian manufacture with an occasional sighting on internet firearms auction sites. One of the most unique pistols designed to fire the .25 ACP was the Lercker. It was a fully automatic, blowback pistol that had a 20 round magazine and fired at a rate of 1200 rounds per minute. Although never in wide scale production, this pistol casts the .25 ACP as a personal defense cartridge in a whole new light.

The .25 ACP is definitely a love/hate type of cartridge, but it has definitely held its’ place in the firearms world. Firearms manufacturers continue to produce pistols in this caliber and include it as an option for many new subcompact pistols that are introduced. The ammunition manufactures continue to crank out a plethora of practice ammo as well as including it in many of their personal protection product lines. With its’ mild recoil, acceptable accuracy and reliability, the .25 ACP will continue to be the choice for backup and deep concealment needs for a long time to come.