RARE Early MBAssociates Gyrojet 13mm Mark I Rocket Handgun & Display Case
SOLD FOR: $3913
WOA#: WY220906MH004
Make: MBAssociates (MBA)
Model: Mark I Rocket Handgun
Serial Number: A068
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1970
Caliber: 13mm Gyrojet. A 13mm spin stabilized rocket cartridge composed of four part solid rocket fuel.
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Fixed Magazine (a six round magazine is in the grip and is loaded from the top)
Markings: The left side of the pistol reads “MBAssociates / SAN RAMON, CA.” under the barrel, “MARK I / Serial No. A068” above the trigger area. The right side is marked “PAT APPLIED FOR”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 6 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thick blade fixed to the top of the frame. The rear sight is a “U” notched base that is integral to the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are walnut with a bulge that rests atop the thumb. The grips are free of any scratches or wear. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Antique Painted Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The painted surface retains about 99% of its original finish. There is a small scratch on the left side below the model name. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep and clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition. There is a protective white film that still covers the internal mechanisms and levers and switches.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes with its original hardwood case that has velvet lining and wooden mounts. The top of the case has a plaque on it that reads “MBA / GYROJET ROCKET HANDGUN“. The plaque shows oxidation and a few small scratches. There is an oval plaque on the underside of the lid that reads “MBA / MBASSOCIATES SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA”. It shows light scrapes and scratches but is for the most part very well kept and maintained. One wooden mount is for a medallion surrounded by 10 nickel plated rounds and one mount is used to hold the pistol in place. The wooden surface and condition of the Velvet is original. The medallion shows a bust and is marked “ROBERT HUTCHINGS GODDARD 1882 – 1945”. He is considered the father of American Rocketry and the designers of the Gyrojet were basically rocket scientists. The medallion shows oxidation. The rounds are two toned and have base plates with four jet holes but do not have primers in the bases, I think. Some of the bases show oxidation. The wood case is made of walnut and shows light scrapes and scratches. The bottom of the case shows scrapes and scratches as well a worn sticker that reads “American Walnut”. The case and its contents are in about Fine+-Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Now you can legally own a hand held, semi-auto rocket launcher. We are lucky enough to offer up a RARE MBAssociates Gyrojet Mark I Model B Rocket Handgun with its display case and display ammo. Here is some info on the “Rocket Handgun” from http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Odd%20Fellows/Gyrojet/Gyrojet.htm: “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 James Bond movies. In other words, the Gyrojet pistol is one of the strangest, unique firearms ever manufactured. More rocket launcher than firearm, the ½” .50 cal. 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 four angled gas ports in its base. The pistol’s firing mechanism is just as unique. 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, weighs 22 ounces, has no recoil, and functions quite well under water (perfect for hunting Aquaman). However, due to accuracy problems and the high cost of ammunition, these rocket-powered sidearms never really got off the ground”. Now’s your chance to own one of the rarest items floating around the world of firearms! Get this Semi-Auto Rocket Launcher before it slips away! Good Luck!
