Make: Fabryka Broni (Arms Factory), in Radom, Poland

Model: VIS 35 (Vis is Latin for “force”) / Model 35, Variation II (hammer drop, take down, slide stop, but NO shoulder stock slot)

Serial Number: M0394

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1942-1944

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol Fed by a Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 5/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the rib on the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide. There is a thin narrow rib running down the center of the entire length of the slide with fine checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic panels with smooth borders. The left panel has an "FB" logo, the right "VIS". The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. There is a short, thin crack at the top-rear of the right panel. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore, mostly in the grooves, and there is stubborn copper fouling on the lands. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most notable finish wear is in the grip areas with some on the dust cover and a little on the slide. There is infrequent minor surface erosion and spots of minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are poorly struck (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in Good-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Fabryka Broni Radom VIS 1935 Grade II pistol made in 1942-1944 during WWII under German occupation before manufacture was moved to Steyr in Austria in late 1944. The design of the pistol was roughly based on John Browning’s M1911 with a slide release, de-cocker and grip safety. The VIS was originally designed for the Polish Army, but only saw a few years of service before Poland was occupied by Germany and Soviet Russia. After the war, the Russians forced the Poles to adopt the Soviet TT-33 Tokarev, even though the Tokarev was considered inferior in both ergonomics and reliability, and the VIS was no longer produced. This pistol was made during German occupation for use by German forces and has matching serial markings on the slide, frame and barrel. The pistol is in Good-Very Good condition with about 65% of its original metal finish remaining. It has made it here to America without an import marking. The Radom pistols from the WWII era are very collectable for people with interest in Polish firearms and German weapons used during WWII. This Radom Model 35 will be a fun gun to take to the range or add to your handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!