MBA (Mainhardt Beal Assoc Gyro-Jet Mark I Model B

Make: MBA (Mainhardt Beal Assoc
Model: Gyro-Jet Mark I Model B
Caliber: 13mm Gyro-Jet
Action: Semi
Barrel: 5
Bore: Bright
Serial # B0004
Condition: Excellent
RARE Collectable!!” Manufactured in 1965 as per serial number. Yes you can legally own a hand held semi-automatic rocket launcher and a piece of modern history. This “RARE MBA Gyrojet Mark I Model B Rocket Handgun” Serial # B0004 with its original display case. Ronald Reagan, General Curtis Lemay, J. Edgar Hoover and Barry Goldwater all owned one. Special-ops teams carried them in Vietnam, and they have even been featured in a James Bond movie as well. In other words, the Gyrojet pistol is one of the strangest, unique firearms ever manufactured. More rocket launcher than firearm, the ½” .50 caliber bullet is a solid-fuel rocket, ignited by a rifle primer. The gun’s barrel has a smooth bore and the bullet’s spin is achieved by 2 or 4 (there is a mix) angled gas ports in its base. The pistol’s firing mechanism is just as interesting. When the trigger is pulled, it releases a hammer that is mounted forward of the bullet. The hammer swings up through a cut in the bottom of the barrel, strikes a bullet on its nose, and drives it rearward against a fixed firing pin. As the bullet launches forward, it cocks the hammer and another round is chambered from a fixed magazine in the grip. The Gyrojet is constructed from an aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloy (Zamac), weighs 22 ounces, has no recoil, and apparently can function under water. The pistol comes with its original hardwood case that has an engraved brass plaque with “MBA Gyrojet Rocket Handgun” inscribed , a red velvet lining and wooden mounts. One wooden mount is for the medallion that held 10 nickel plated (non-firing) rounds (that are missing), and one mount is used to hold the pistol in place. The medallion depicts the face of, and is marked “ROBERT HUTCHINGS GODDARD 1882 – 1945” considered the father of American Rocketry and the designers of the Gyrojet were basically rocket scientists. Included with this pistol are a mix of 22 rounds (some 2 port and some 4 port). Most are round bullet shaped but there are a few wadcutters in the mix and 2 binders full of information, an original cutaway so you can see what makes these little rockets tick, and a Commemorative Bar. There are some light scratches on the wood case and some light rub marks on the red lining. Please see photos. C&R