M.A.P.F. Unique RD17 RD-17 .22 LR 10” Semi-Auto Pistol 1945-1960 C&R Case
SOLD FOR: $1275.01
LSB#: 220202JR003
Make: M.A.P.F. Unique
Model: RD17
Serial Number: 429318
Year of Manufacture: 1945-???
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine and External Hammer
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES DES PYRENEES FSES HENDAYE / PISTOLET DE TIR “UNIQUE””. The right side of the slide is marked “CAL.22•LONG RIFLE”. The top of the slide is marked “MADE IN FRANCE”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number, “429318”.
Barrel Length: 10”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an adjustable blade pinned to a banded base that is fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable u-notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grip panels are serrated black hard rubber panels. There are very minor nicks along the ridges of the serrations. The nicks on the right side are more prominent. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. Most wear is operational, relegated to the barrel in areas not visible when installed. You will see very minor thinning on some edges of the slide in addition to a few scattered nicks on the slide flats. The frame has a few instances of very minor thinning and very minor nicks on some edges. Screws are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are generally clear with the slide markings appearing to be poorly struck. Overall, this handgun is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide is tight to the frame. The safety can be used to lock the slide open, which does not lock back on an empty magazine. The barrel can be removed by twisting it clockwise, pulling it out part way, then turning it counter-clockwise. This pistol has a magazine disconnect in addition to the frame mounted safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This RD17 includes two (2) 8-round magazines and its padded locking briefcase with a cleaning rod attachment.
Our Assessment: Manufacture D’Armes de Pyrénées Françaises (MAPF) was formed in 1923 and was noted for the vast number of brand names and pseudonyms under which its Unique family was sold. The Unique brand was also made by a Spanish gun making firm in Eibar Spain (or at least they made parts for Unique pistols sold by MAPF). When the Germans took over France, MAPF was already making Unique Model 16 and 17 pistols. The Germans kept production going on the Model 17’s, renaming it the Kriegsmodell L. Post-war, innovations from the 17 guns were carried over into the expansive line of commercial products, such as the RD17 on offer here. Unique production history is serpentine and difficult to nail down. There are numerous articles and forum conversations trying to nail down precisely what was made when and what quantity—for instance, even the Standard Catalog of firearms lists this pistol’s maximum barrel length as 7 1/2”, when it is clearly 10”. We know these began production post WWII, but we frankly don’t know when they stopped making the RD17, but we guess it was sometime in the 60s. Even finding photos of this model is difficult. This ought to make for a fun plinker even today, as mechanically this pistol is in great shape, and the bore is bright. Good luck and happy bidding!