South African Mamba 9mm 5” Semi Auto Pistol & Box, Magazine, MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB251202KM004
Make: Viper Engineering (Pty) Ltd., South Africa
Model: Mamba
Serial Number: A000019
Year of Manufacture: 1977 / Modern
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number, “A000019”. The slide has an import mark.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered plastic panels screw set to the frame. There are light handling marks throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn lead fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling/storage marks. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x Magazine, original box.
Our Assessment: This 1977 South African Mamba pistol, produced by Viper Engineering (Pty) Ltd., represents an uncommon chapter in international semi-automatic pistol development during the late 20th century. Manufactured in limited numbers during a period when South Africa was developing domestic arms solutions, the Mamba reflects a straightforward single-action design with clean lines and stainless steel construction. The 5 inch barrel places it within the full-size service pistol category, offering balanced handling and a sight radius consistent with duty-oriented semi-automatics of its era. The low serial number A000019 further underscores its early production status. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the pistol utilizes one of the most widely adopted military and service cartridges in the world. The single-action operation paired with a removable magazine reflects traditional semi-automatic design principles, emphasizing mechanical simplicity and reliability. The serrated front blade and dovetailed rear notch provide a practical and durable sight picture suited to range and service use. Stainless steel construction contributes to corrosion resistance and durability, particularly valuable in diverse environmental conditions.
Conditionally, this example retains approximately 98 percent of its original stainless finish, showing only light handling and storage marks with faint operational wear. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, earning a strong 9 out of 10 rating despite stubborn fouling. The checkered plastic grip panels remain intact with sharp checkering and no structural issues. The pistol includes its original box and one magazine, adding to its completeness and collector appeal. Taken together, this 1977 Mamba offers a rare and well-preserved example of a South African-manufactured 9mm semi-automatic pistol from a distinct period in regional firearms production. -R.E.
