Is This a Japanese Handgun?

[agstudent]

I need help with this gun. It looks to be a .22 or .25, but I've never seen anything like it before. To load a bullet from the magazine into the chamber, you pull outward on the end of the barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the barrel moves backwards forcing the bulled backwards into the stationary firing pin. The only safety is a grip safety similar to my XD40 except that it is in the front instead of the back. The only markings anywhere appear to be a stamp of "316" on each of the pieces when disassembled. Here's some pics:
http://www.memdata.com/images/P1.jpg
http://www.memdata.com/images/P2.jpg
http://www.memdata.com/images/P3.jpg
http://www.memdata.com/images/P4.jpg

The only thing I've found that looks close is a Nambu, but it is the strange cocking method that has me stumped. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[tankgeezer]

The magazine has a germanic look to it, as does the grip, tho the metalwork has the look of an early Steyr pistol.
I have never seen or heard of these, it is an odd duck to be sure. Now you have my curiosity peaqued as well... - Raspenau -

[agstudent]

Thanks to the folks over on Glock Talk, I have found out that is is a Hino-Komuro which were manufactured between 1905 and 1912. It seems to be pretty rare (less than 1200 ever made), and because of that I haven't found a whole lot of information on them, but they are Japanese. If anyone knows anything more about it, I'd love to hear it. Thanks.

[Gutkowski]

Are you looking to sell it ?

[Bird'shead]

I’m Japanese, so my English skill is very pool. But I’ll try to explain.
This handgun is” 1904 HINO-KOMURO PISTOL”. Designed by first lieutenant KUMAZO HINO, Japanese Imperial Army. And got a patent by YUJIRO KOMURO (civilian).
I think, it’s the only handgun in the world that have a Blow-forward firing system.
“1904 HINO-KOMURO PISTOL” was manufactured in small gun factory “KOMURO JUHOU (gun) SEISAKUSHO (factory)”. But it wasn’t official handgun of Japanese Imperial Army.
Cartridge is probably, 6.35mm, 7.65mm, and 8mm LUGER. Magazine capacity is 8-15.
It’s very rare handgun. I never seen real one in Japanese military museum.

[Rising Sun*]

Bird'shead

Welcome to the forum. :)

It's great to have a Japanese member.

The Japanese view has been missing from our discussions on various matters, such as the reasons for Japan going to war http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4631 ; the Kwantung Army and it's fight with the Russians in the last days of the war http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2393 ; Japan's intentions about invading Australia http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4574&highlight=invade+australia and America http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4617 ; and Japanese military traditions http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3647 .

There's lots of other threads which would benefit from a Japanese contribution.

There's nothing wrong with your English, unlike my Japanese as I don't know a word of Japanese :D.

[Bird'shead]

Hi,Rising Sun and other members.
I'll do my best.

[Rising Sun*]

Hi,Rising Sun and other members.
I'll do my best.

Thanks.

It will be good to get a Japanese view on matters that we see only from our own Western histories.

It won't do us any harm to see some views which challenge our own views.

Cheers.