Raven Arms

Raven Arms was a Southern California based firearms manufacturer best known for the MP-25, an ultra-compact .25 ACP pocket pistol that brought low cost personal protection to a wide audience from 1970 until the early 1990s. Founded by machinist George Jennings after the 1968 Gun Control Act cut off imports of inexpensive handguns, the company became the original “Ring of Fire” maker, producing millions of small, zinc alloy blowback pistols for the U.S. market. Although Raven Arms is now defunct and its designs live on through Phoenix Arms and a large used inventory, Raven pocket pistols remain common in gun shops and collections as examples of affordable American self-defense handguns.

Raven MP-25 Pocket Pistol Reliability

Raven’s MP-25 gained its reputation as a no-frills pocket pistol that many owners carried as an entry level defensive option. The simple striker-fired blowback design kept parts count low and operation straightforward. A long-running review in print noted that, despite criticism of production quality, the author saw large numbers of MP-25s in circulation and rarely encountered examples that required repair. For buyers who accepted the limitations of the .25 ACP cartridge and the pistol’s budget construction, the key attractions were functional reliability, easy manual of arms, and a price tag that put a centerfire handgun within reach of many first-time owners.

Concealed Carry Size And Everyday Access

Raven Arms focused on ultra-compact dimensions that made the MP-25 and related models pocketable in a jacket or small holster. The pistols used short barrels, slim slides, and flat grip panels to keep overall size and weight down, which suited ankle carry, purse carry, or discreet belt rigs. With a typical capacity of six rounds plus one in the chamber, users gained a small reserve of .25 ACP in a package that was quick to stage and simple to load or unload. These traits, combined with very low retail cost, turned Raven pistols into one of the most widely sold American pocket gun patterns of their era and keep them relevant today for collectors, curio pieces, and budget backup roles.

Materials, Maintenance And Service Life

Raven Arms kept prices low by building frames and slides from injection-molded Zamak, a zinc alloy that reduced machining time compared to steel. The pistols used simple steel barrels and small parts inside the alloy shell, creating a compact package that was inexpensive to produce yet serviceable for modest round counts. Owners who maintain their pistols with standard cleaning, appropriate lubrication, and sensible ammunition choices often find that these pocket guns continue to function reliably decades after production ended. At the same time, the use of zinc alloy means most enthusiasts view Raven pistols as utilitarian sidearms or nostalgic collectibles rather than high-volume range pistols.

Product Focus

Raven Arms Pistols

Raven Arms production centered on small semi-automatic pistols like the P-25 and MP-25 in .25 ACP. These striker-fired blowback handguns used fixed barrels, single-stack magazines, and simple manual safeties that evolved through several versions during the company’s life. Finishes ranged from blued to chrome, often paired with black plastic or faux pearl grip panels that gave these pocket guns a distinctive look in the display case. Most examples seen on the used market today are compact vest-pocket pistols that appeal to buyers who want an inexpensive glove box gun, a backup with historical interest, or a representative piece from the “Ring of Fire” era of American handgun manufacturing. Collectors often pay attention to early production variations, safety lever styles, and original box and paperwork, which can slightly boost value in a segment still rooted in affordability.

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Raven MP-25 Parts And Aftermarket Support

Since Raven Arms closed after a factory fire in 1991 and the designs transitioned to Phoenix Arms, support for original Raven branded pistols now comes from aftermarket sources and parts scavenged from donor guns. Enthusiasts rely on specialty suppliers, used parts dealers, and online marketplaces for magazines, springs, firing pins, and other small components that keep MP-25 pistols in working order. Because many Raven pistols were produced, magazines and basic spares remain relatively common, and owners often keep a second gun on hand as a ready source of components. Some shooters also experiment carefully with modern .25 ACP defensive loads, while staying within pressure levels appropriate for older pocket pistols. For anyone maintaining a Raven today, attention to magazine condition, ammunition selection, and routine cleaning tends to have more impact on reliability than extensive gunsmithing.

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Holsters And Carry Options For Raven Pistols

Holsters for Raven MP-25 and P-25 pistols are typically sourced from makers who produce generic pocket, ankle, and belt rigs sized for small-frame autos. Period examples include simple clip-on leather holsters and soft pouches intended for discreet pocket carry. Modern options favor minimalist pocket holsters that cover the trigger guard and break up the pistol’s outline, along with compact inside-the-waistband rigs for those who still carry a Raven as a deep-concealment backup. Because Raven pistols share approximate dimensions with many other vest-pocket guns, owners often select holsters based on fit rather than brand-specific models. When evaluating any carry method for these legacy pistols, proper trigger coverage and secure retention are more important than period styling, especially for guns that still see defensive use.

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Frequently asked questions

What types of firearms did Raven Arms produce?

Raven Arms produced compact semi-automatic pistols in .25 ACP, most notably the P-25 and MP-25 pocket pistols aimed at the entry level personal protection market in the United States.

Are Raven Arms pistols reliable for everyday carry?

Raven pistols were designed as simple, affordable pocket guns. Many owners and some gunsmiths report that functioning examples can be surprisingly reliable within their intended use, provided magazines and ammunition are matched to the gun and the pistol is kept clean.

Does Raven Arms still operate today?

No. Production at Raven Arms ended after a factory fire in 1991. The designs and tooling passed to Phoenix Arms, which continued to produce related .22 and .25 caliber pistols.

Are parts and magazines available for Raven MP-25 pistols?

Yes. Original factory parts are no longer produced, but magazines and many small components remain available through aftermarket suppliers, used-parts dealers, and online listings. Some Phoenix Arms parts may also interchange, depending on the model.

Are Raven pistols suitable for new shooters?

Raven pistols are compact and simple to operate, which can appeal to beginners. At the same time, they are older designs constructed from zinc alloy and chambered in .25 ACP, so many instructors recommend that new shooters train extensively, understand the cartridge’s limitations, and consider more modern options while treating Ravens as budget backups or collectible curios.

Where can I purchase Raven Arms pistols today?

Raven Arms pistols are no longer manufactured, but large numbers appear on the used market through local gun shops, pawn shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces that list pre-owned firearms.

About

Raven Arms began in 1970 when George Jennings entered the handgun market with a low cost .25 ACP pistol designed for domestic sale after import restrictions on inexpensive guns. Based in California and later Nevada, the company grew into one of the most prolific producers of compact pocket pistols in the United States and became closely associated with the “Ring of Fire” group of makers focused on economy priced handguns.

History

Popular Models

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