Phoenix Arms is a
firearms
A firearm is any type of gun designed to be readily carried and used by an individual. The term is legally defined further in different countries (see Legal definitions).
The first firearms originated in 10th-century China, when bamboo tubes c ...
manufacturer established in 1992. A predecessor company owned by George Jennings,
Raven Arms
Raven Arms was a firearms manufacturer established in 1970 by firearms designer George Jennings. The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibiting the importation of inexpensive handguns prompted Jennings to design the MP-25, a .25-caliber semi-automatic ...
, ceased operations in 1991, after which Jennings retired and sold his designs to Phoenix.
Phoenix was founded and owned by Jennings’ ex-wife, his children, four of his grandchildren, and by Raven's former general manager. Phoenix is described by the U.S.
BATF as one of the "Ring of Fire" companies, known for producing inexpensively-manufactured firearms often given the pejorative term "
Saturday night special
Saturday night special is a colloquial term in the United States and Canada for inexpensive, compact, small-caliber handguns made of poor quality metal. Sometimes known as junk guns, some states define these guns by means of composition or mate ...
".
Phoenix initially continued production of the
MP-25, Raven's flagship model,
before later replacing it with two new pistols, the HP22A and HP25A, chambered in .22 LR and .25 ACP, respectively. The pistols are constructed of injection-molded
Zamak
ZAMAK (or Zamac, formerly trademarked as MAZAK) is a family of alloys with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminium, magnesium, and copper.
Zamak alloys are part of the zinc aluminium alloy family; they are distinguished from the ...
, a zinc alloy.
Products
HP22 and HP25
The HP22A and HP25A are small semi-automatic
pocket pistol
In American English, a pocket pistol is any small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol (or less commonly referencing either derringers, or small revolvers), and is suitable for concealed carry in either a coat, jacket, or trouser pocket.
Pocket ...
s chambered in the
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle or simply .22 LR or 22 (metric designation: 5.6×15mmR) is a long-established variety of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition originating from the United States. It is used in a wide range of rifles, pistols, revolvers, smo ...
or
.25 ACP
The .25 ACP ( Automatic Colt Pistol) (6.35×16mmSR) is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled centerfire pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning
John Moses Browning (January 23, 1855 – November 26, 1926) was an American firearm designe ...
cartridge, respectively. They are blowback-operated pistols and come with 3 inch barrels. Optional 5 inch barrels are available. The frame is zinc alloy with a steel barrel and alloy slide. They are
single-action
A trigger is a mechanism that actuates the function of a ranged weapon such as a firearm, airgun, crossbow, or speargun. The word may also be used to describe a switch that initiates the operation of other non-shooting devices such as a trap, a ...
pistols. The HP22 feeds from a single-stack 10-round magazine, and the HP25 feeds from a single-stack 9-round magazine. They have a unique slide-mounted firing pin block in addition to a regular manual safety. The pistol includes a
magazine disconnect
Close-up shot of a safety of an M16A2 rifle
In firearms, a safety or safety catch is a mechanism used to help prevent the accidental discharge of a firearm, helping to ensure safer handling.
Safeties can generally be divided into subtypes su ...
feature, which prevents the gun from firing without a magazine. The magazine cannot be removed without engaging the manual safety. The HP22A and HP25A have a shotgun-style ventilated rib along the top and feature a blade front sight with windage-adjustable notch-type rear sight. They are available in nickel- or blued finish. The HP22 is designed for use with standard-velocity .22 Long Rifle only.
Accessories
Phoenix Arms also markets a "Target Kit" for the HP22A/HP25A that includes an interchangeable 5 inch barrel and a magazine with an extended finger rest.
References
External links
*
Phoenix Arms Website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Phoenix Arms
Firearm manufacturers of the United States
Manufacturing companies based in California
Companies based in San Bernardino County, California
Ontario, California
Manufacturing companies established in 1992
1992 establishments in California