The Modele 1935A Pistol,A design created by Charles Gabriel Petter, the Mle 1935A was the most popul

The Modele 1935A Pistol,A design created by Charles Gabriel Petter, the Mle 1935A was the most popular French semi-automatic pistol during World War II and during the post war period.  The design was based off of the popular Colt 1911, however Petter wanted a pistol that was lighter and fired a smaller cartridge (much like the TT-30 Tokarev design).  It was very similar in many respects to the 1911, utilizing a short recoil action.  However the Mle 1935A was a much lighter than the 1911.  More importantly the Mle 1935A was chambered for a radically different cartridge, the 7.65x20mm Longue.  Originally developed at the end of World War I, the 7.65 Longue was a much smaller caliber than the .45acp and less powerful, but still sported muzzle velocities over 1,100 feet per second.  Due to the smaller cartridge, the Mle 1935A had an eight round magazine rather than a seven round magazine.The Mle 1935A was adopted by the French Army in 1937, however production did not begin in earnest until 1939.  By the time France was invaded by Germany during World War II, only 10,700 were produced and issued.  For the most part, the French Army had to rely upon older revolvers.  The fall of France saw the German occupation of French industry, and during the occupation 23,850 were produced for the Germany.  A number were issued to the Milice, a military force organized by Vichy France, which was a puppet government controlled by Germany.When German occupation ended in 1944, French production of the Mle 1935A resumed.  Many were used to arm the French contingent of the Allied Forces as the advanced upon Germany in late 1944 and early 1945.  After World War II production continued and the pistol saw service with Colonial French forces fighting in Indochina (Vietnam) and Algeria.  Production finally ended in 1956 with 85,950 pistol being produced altogether. -- source link

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