Me Little Armalite: Exploring the Origins and Influence of a Beloved Handgun
The MEC (Military Enterprises Ltd.) Little Armalite is a compact semi-automatic pistol that has become a cult classic among shooting enthusiasts and collectors. Initially designed for military use in the 1950s, the Little Armalite has gained a following worldwide for its unique characteristics and reliability. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of this iconic handgun, its key features, and its significant influence on the firearms industry.
Early History
The Little Armalite’s story begins in 1953 when British entrepreneur Eric Leslie Smith, the founder of Military Enterprises Ltd., set out to design a compact, versatile handgun for military and self-defense purposes. Smith assembled a team of experts from various industries, including ballistics, engineering, and materials science, to collaborate on the project.
During the development process, Smith faced numerous challenges, such as finding a suitable cartridge combination and addressing concerns about barrel reliability. In an effort to overcome these challenges, Smith turned to Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal for assistance.
FN Herstal’s expert team helped Smith develop a 9×19 Parabellum cartridge-compatible variant, which would ultimately become the Little Armalite’s signature feature.
Design and Features
The Little Armalite is characterized by its striking stainless steel construction, curved grip, and folding mechanism. Weighing around 1.75 kg (3.75 lbs), the pistol has an overall length of 245 mm (9.6 in) and is only 140 mm (5.5 in) in height when retracted.
Some notable features include:
- Stainless steel grip, which provides exceptional grip comfort and durability
- Folding mechanism, enabling users to easily store or carry the pistol
- Detachable magazine holding 7-15 rounds, depending on caliber and configuration
- Caliber options: Initially released in 9×19 Parabellum, later variants include .38 Super, 9×23 Winchester, and .45ACP
- Safety and locking mechanisms: Ambidextrous safety lever and cross-bolt locking action for added security
Here is a comparison of Little Armalite dimensions and weights across the three main calibers:
| Caliber | Overall Length | Height | Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9×19 Parabellum | 245 mm (9.6 in) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 1.75 kg (3.75 lbs) |
| .38 Super | 244.5 mm (9.62 in) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 44.5 mm (1.75 in) | 1.67 kg (3.67 lbs) |
| .45ACP | 242 mm (9.54 in) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 46.5 mm (1.83 in) | 1.78 kg (3.92 lbs) |
Impact on the Firearms Industry
Despite initial production difficulties and competitive pricing, the Little Armalite gained popularity and credibility among shooters, influencing various aspects of the industry:
- Design: The Little Armalite’s innovative folding mechanism set a new standard for pistol designs, inspiring future pocket pistol creations.
- Market: The pistol helped popularize the concept of compact, high-visibility handguns for practical carry and self-defense use.
- Collaboration: The Me Little Armalite represented an early example of a manufacturer-partnered handgun project, demonstrating the importance of collaborative problem-solving in the industry**.
- Legacy: As a pioneering compact firearm, the Little Armalite has inspired a wealth of modern designs, leading to a proliferation of comparable compact pistols on the global market.
Notable Variants and Modding
Over the years, various Little Armalite variants have been introduced, including:
- Target models: Slightly heavier and longer variants with adjustments for improved accuracy
- Competition models: Further optimized for target shooting with precision components
- Custom models: Exclusive creations by individual manufacturers and artisans
Some enthusiasts mod the Little Armalite to enhance functionality and aesthetics, applying customized features such as:
• Barrel threading
• Grip checkering
• Flattop or target grips
• Optic installation
Conclusion: The Little Armalite Legacy
The Me Little Armalite is more than just a compact firearm; it represents a collaborative achievement in the firearms industry. Its innovative design and versatile functionality have inspired countless designers and manufacturers, cementing its place in the hearts of shooting enthusiasts worldwide.
The Little Armalite’s impact on the market, design, and industry partnerships has demonstrated the importance of creative solutions, collaboration, and evolution. As a testament to Eric Leslie Smith’s entrepreneurial vision and the contributions from the MEC team and FN Herstal, this handgun has become a beacon of innovation in the ever-changing world of firearms.
