Reviews Manufacture D’armes de Bayonne Model D: Depression-Era Pipsqueak with a Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi James Slaughter July 2, 2025 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. France has a long history of producing excellent firearms. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, French muskets were renowned for their overall quality and accuracy compared to their foreign counterparts, especially those of Prussia and Russia. Later in the Industrial Revolution with scientific and engineering advances occurring almost daily, France gave the world smokeless powder and effective repeating arms and early machineguns. In addition, French arms have always had a certain attractiveness of design. If you can stare at a gun for hours like the pieces of art that many indeed are, you’ll notice many trends and concepts reflective of the age in which they were produced. Sometimes, you’ll see the crossover between film, literature, and art in a design. For instance, the MP43/44 series with its many appurtenant accessories from night vision devices to curved barrel extensions has an industrial feel with Raypunk vibes. The MAB (Manufacture d’Armes de Bayonne) Model D is a product of its era, and in its lines and trim, it seems it would be fitting as a prop in films like Metropolis (admittedly predating the overall design) or in the hands of a random gumshoe in one of H.P. Lovecraft’s weird tales. While funky-looking, this thumb shelf is nonetheless comfortable to use.The MAB D was produced in two different variants (Type I and II) and two different calibers (.32 ACP and .380) from 1933 to 1963. It served in various French and foreign militaries from World War II through the French Indochina War and the still very controversial war in Algeria. It is very much a product of its era and its region. Many continentally produced semi-automatic handguns from 1900 to the post-World War II era were chambered in what many Americans would consider diminutive, even though small-caliber pistols sold exceptionally in the United States due to the size, weight, and convenience.The MAB D is heavily influenced by other designs of the era. From a distance, it can be easily mistaken for an FN M1922, another extremely popular pistol that was maintained by many military and police organizations well after World War II. However, the lines conceal many notable differences, internally and externally. Like many of its contemporaries, the MAB uses a muzzle bushing and straight-to-the-rear trigger.The Model D is a fairly light pistol in either caliber, weighing in at a little over a pound. Unlike some French semi-automatic pistols of the era, the Model D was chambered in .32 ACP instead of .32 French Long. .32 ACP was extremely popular in France, with untold numbers of pistols chambered thusly and sold in the civilian market over the years, and with pistols such as the “Ruby” and its almost endless stream of copies in .32 ACP being extremely popular in the trenches of World War I and thereafter. Therefore, buying a Model D isn’t an adventure in tracking down obscure, low-production, high-cost ammo, or learning a certain degree of reloading engineering and alchemy in order to enjoy your firearm. Outfitted with a manual safety and a grip safety, the Model D is reflective of many Browning — and Browning-inspired — pistols of the era. The manual safety is small, but relatively easy to access, and the grip safety will remind you of the M1903 Colt in that it can be difficult for some people to engage effectively, though when firmly seated in the web of the hand, it seems to eliminate the problem for most shooters. Recoil is very light, and the pistol is capable of an impressive degree of accuracy at practical ranges for the design. The MAB’s adjustable sights aren’t exactly match-grade, but they’ll do in a pinch.The Model D can be found in different configurations and with different features. The Type I produced prior to World War II often found its way into German hands, and Type Is were made and issued to the Wehrmacht. Ironically, both Type I and Type II pistols were captured and used by both the Vietcong and Algerians, and the author saw a Type II bring back from Vietnam with capture papers some years ago but was not able to track it down for the purposes of this article. Flush magazine floorplate and lanyard ring were de rigeur for military firearms of the day.Most Model D pistols have fixed sight and flat panel grips. This particular pistol has a thumb rest and adjustable sights, which improve its practical accuracy somewhat. The odd, almost oversized thumb rest protruding from the right panel looks obtrusive and awkward but is quite comfortable for most shooters. The adjustable rear sight is not what most would refer to as “match grade” especially in 2025, but it does provide a better sight picture than the standard fixed sights found on most Type I and Type II pistols on the market.Price ranges on MAB Model D pistols, both Type I and Type II, are difficult to pin down. While bargains may be found, most pistols will be north of $500 with many approaching or exceeding $1,000 if Type I and produced during wartime for the Wehrmacht. Type IIs are all postwar, and generally bring a bit less, but are often found in better condition with better fit and finish. The MAB Model D is pleasant to shoot in either caliber and is a very visually appealing gun to many people. Parts and ammunition are easy to find, and it is a range worthy oddity that will certainly generate some interest and attention. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. 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