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.
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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
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