Make: MB Associates (MBA)

Model: Mark I Model A Rocket Pistol Frame Only

Serial Number: A045

Year of Manufacture: 1963-1965

Caliber: No barrel is installed. This model would have fired 13mm Gyrojet, a 13mm spin stabilized rocket cartridge composed of four part solid rocket fuel.

Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Fixed Magazine (frame only)

Barrel Length: No barrel is installed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the left portion of the frame at the muzzle. The rear sight is a short, square-notch integral to the frame at the rear, each portion of the frame forms half of the sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is integral to the frame, appearing as a checkered panel on each side. There is some light scuffing on some of the raised edges of the checkering. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: There is no barrel installed.

Overall Condition: This pistol frame retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as frame only.

Mechanics: There are not enough parts to properly test function. We see nothing to indicate that the action would not function correctly with properly installed parts. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Who doesn't want a hand-held rocket launcher? The MB Associates Mark I Model A Gyrojet pistol is a 6-round semi-automatic handgun which fires a rocket cartridge. The cartridge design actually hearkens back to one of the earliest self-contained cartridges, the rocket-ball. With all of the propellant contained in the cartridge, a fixed firing pin is ignited when the hammer strikes the front of the cartridge. Once ignited, the burning propellant comes out of angled ports at the rear of the cartridge, spinning the entire assembly to stabilize it as it accelerates down the bore. Unlike traditional cartridge firearms, the projectile continues to accelerate for up to 20 yards after leaving the bore, reaching its highest velocity not at the muzzle, but when the propellant is exhausted.

This design was not only quieter than a traditional cartridge, the firearm could be made extremely light as it did not have to contain much pressure, and it would work under water (in theory). The earliest Gyrojet firearms were made with a 13mm cartridge, but the Gun Control Act of 1968 would impose a one-half inch diameter limit on firearms, otherwise they would be considered a Destructive Device. Following this, MBAssociates introduced a 12mm cartridge shortly before going out of business.

This example has only the two halves of the frame, without even the screws to hold them together. It would make for a nice display as you can see how all of the parts would mount and interact on the inside of the rather simple design. It's even possible that this was used at the factory for such a display and was never actually assembled into a complete pistol by the manufacturer. With about 1,900 Gyrojets produced in all of their pistol and carbine configurations, any example is a good find. This will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!