Make: MB Associates (MBA)

Model: Mark I Model A Rocket Pistol

Serial Number: A082

Year of Manufacture: 1963-1965

Caliber: 13mm Gyrojet. A 13mm spin stabilized rocket cartridge composed of four part solid rocket fuel. (ATF Exempt, non-Destructive Device)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Fixed Magazine (a six round magazine is in the grip and is loaded from the side)

Barrel Length: 6 3/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the frame at the muzzle; there is white paint on the blade. The rear sight is a Williams "U"-notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base screwed to the top of the frame at the rear. Likely due to the two-piece construction of the frame, the mounting screw on the seam turns freely and the rear sight base has some play to the frame. There is a short, square-notch integral to the frame just behind the Williams base.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The left "panel" is integral to the frame with molded checkering, the right is smooth wood. The left side has some sort of residue in most of the checkering. There is tape residue on the wood panel as well as on the grip straps. The grips have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Black, Chrome Controls

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The smooth bore is bright. There is no erosion, but there is a little fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The surfaces show some forging/casting pores under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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, MB Associates introduced a 12mm cartridge shortly before going out of business. Thankfully, ATF has exempted the early Gyrojets from these restrictions, and they are not considered to be Destructive Devices today.

This example is quite interesting as the left grip "panel" is integral to the frame while the right is a smooth wood panel. There were quite a few changes made to these pistols throughout their manufacture, so it is possible this is a one-off or only a few pistols were made in this way. 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 and if you can find some ammo for it, it ought to be a blast to shoot. Please see our photos and good luck!