Low barrel axis revolvers
 

Ok, so maybe low profile wasn't the right word. I'm looking to find out about revolvers where the barrel is on the bottom chamber of the cylinder, not the top like is most common.

Besides the Mateba auto-revolvers, this is the only picture I was able to find.
http://www.securityarms.com/20010315.../2100/2156.htm
Here's a Mateba, which demonstrates the concept if not true to the function:
http://www.securityarms.com/20010315.../2100/2156.htm

Apparently I'm not the only person in the WORLD who thinks they are a good idea, but does anyone in this country think so enough to build them for people like me?

I don't much like the 9mm part it would be nice in 357 magnum.If it did reduce kick somewhat.

I agree, 357 it would be for me too. Although I'd probably prefer 44 Rem Mag/44 Special. Special for defense, Magnum for hunting.

S&W had a prototype Magnum model back in the early 50's that had the barrel on the bottom chamber. It didn't pan out as too many of the technicians involved didn't think it would fly. Saw a picture of it a few years ago in a gun magazine, and have always wondered if they would ever try to make it a production pistol. And, it was in .357...

No Ugly Guns, Please!
 

That AEK looks like the result of RG's designer coming off a bad trip. :p

I can see the idea behind the Mateba, sort of a cross between revolver and semiauto - though even Mauser and Webley couldn't make it successful in the market. Need to accept that these are just two very different design philosophies, and shouldn't be combined. There's a good reason Jackalopes are extinct! :eek:

The low barrel makes good sense, but looks funny. I seem to recall that someone was going to make a magnum revolver like this, about 15 years ago. Can't remember who,though.

Has anyone seen or fired a Mateba? I've come across it in shotgunnews, but I've never actually seen one. I'm curious to know how they work, if anyone can tell me?

I've seen a Mateba at the gunshow a couple times, but it was priced very high - around $900 to $1000 or so. I guess few people want to spend that much.

Remember the Medusa revolver, that could fire a variety of .38/9mm ammo? It seems to have fallen by the wayside.

MATEBA
 

I HAVE BOTH THE 357 MAG AND THE 44MAG. I GOT THEM AS THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES LIKE IT NOW MADE. THE BRITISH AND GERMAN REVOLVERS ARE OVER A 100 YEARS OLD AND COST 5000.00 AND UP. I WILL NOT BE SHOOTING THEM. THEY HANDLE A BIT DIFFRENT THAN ANY OTHER REVOLVERS (BALANCE). I WOULD RECCOMEND YOU TRY ONE BEFORE BUYING IF YOU WANT TO USE IT.

DANA