Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne

The MAB model R is first MAB self-loading blowback pistol with an external hammer. The MAB model was made by MAB (Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne) from 1951 to 1964. Only about 1000 Model R 9mm pistols were ever manufactured. In the 1950's they were imported in the USA by Western Arms Company and are marked "W.A.C.". There is a push-button mag release, an exposed hammer, and a safety lever ahead of the left grip. An empty magazine will cause the slide to lock open. When you remove and then reinsert the magazine, the slide automatically runs forward (chambering a round if the magazine is loaded). The hammer cannot be cocked nor the slide operated when the magazine is removed or when the safety lever is on "Safe".