Rohm Firearms

Rohm Firearms, marketed under the Rohm Gesellschaft or RG name, is a German brand known for compact handguns, starter pistols, and blank firing guns aimed at the budget end of the market. Originating in the 1950s as a diversification of Rohm GmbH, the company moved from machine tool production into gas alarm pistols, revolvers, and small semi autos that were widely exported. In the United States, RG Industries in Miami assembled inexpensive revolvers and pistols in calibers such as .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 S&W, and .38 Special, making Rohm one of the better known makers of so called Saturday night special handguns during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the RG name continues primarily on blank and gas pistols within the Umarex family, while original Rohm revolvers and pistols remain of interest to collectors, historians, and shooters who appreciate their place in firearm history.

Affordable Defense Heritage

Rohm handguns were designed to bring self defense and personal protection within reach of buyers who needed a compact firearm at a low price point. Zinc alloy frames, simple lockwork, and modest finishes kept costs down, creating a line of revolvers and small autos that were easy to carry and straightforward to operate.

Compact Carry Focus

From pocket sized RG10 rimfire revolvers to bigger frame RG31 and RG38 revolvers, Rohm emphasized compact dimensions and uncomplicated controls that suited purse, pocket, and nightstand roles. Chamberings in .22 Short, .22 LR, .25 ACP, .32 S&W, and .38 Special gave users options that ranged from casual plinking to basic close range defensive use.

Rohm Construction And Service Life

Rohm firearms are typically built on zinc based alloys paired with steel barrels, cylinders, and pressure bearing parts. This construction helped keep prices low, but it also means that many examples are best treated as light duty curios or collectibles today. Well maintained revolvers and pistols can still run, yet age, metallurgy, and past use make professional inspection important for anyone planning regular range time.

Product Focus

Revolvers

Rohm revolvers are central to the brand’s identity. Models such as the RG10 in .22 Short, the RG14 in .22 LR, and the RG31 in .38 Special are compact wheelguns that gained wide distribution through U.S. importers like RG Industries. Their simple fixed sight layouts, small frames, and economical materials led many buyers to treat them as budget back up guns, glove box pistols, or entry level defensive tools. The same traits also placed Rohm at the center of debates over inexpensive handguns, especially after an RG14 revolver was used in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Today, collectors and enthusiasts often view Rohm revolvers as snapshots of a particular era in firearm regulation and mass market handgun sales. Commentary on models like the RG31 often notes that they can be rough but functional, highlighting that they can still run with appropriate ammunition and realistic expectations. For many owners, the appeal lies as much in the story as in the shooting.

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Pistols

Alongside its revolvers, Rohm produced a line of compact semi automatic pistols such as the RG25, RG26, and RG42. These pocket autos typically used blowback operation, small calibers like .25 ACP or .22 LR, and minimal controls to keep size and cost to a minimum. These pistols filled much the same role as the revolvers: highly affordable, concealable handguns suited to very short range defensive use or casual plinking. Shooters often note that Rohm pistols can be finicky about ammunition and benefit from careful maintenance, yet functional examples still provide a glimpse into mid twentieth century pocket pistol design and the market demand for low cost personal protection.

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Blank Guns And Gas Alarm Pistols

Rohm also built a significant reputation in the blank gun and gas alarm segment. The company produced starter pistols and blank firing revolvers such as the RG2s and RG3s, along with later models like the RG56, RG59, RG88, and RG96, many of which continue to be offered under the RG name by Umarex. Calibers range from 6 mm Flobert blanks to 8 mm and 9 mm P.A.K. cartridges commonly used in training, signaling, and theatrical work. For owners who need realistic noise and operation without live ammunition, these blank and gas pistols provide a practical solution. They see use in dog training, film and stage work, and as collectors’ pieces that mirror the lines of classic Rohm revolvers and pistols. Many shooters know the brand today primarily through these modern blank firing offerings, which extend the RG legacy into non lethal applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What types of firearms did Rohm manufacture?

Rohm manufactured compact revolvers, semi automatic pistols, derringers, starter pistols, and blank or gas alarm guns under the RG brand, along with related accessories and parts.

Are Rohm RG revolvers safe to shoot today?

Many RG revolvers still function, but their pot metal frames and age mean they should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before use. They are best treated as light use curios or historical pieces rather than heavy duty range guns.

Why are Rohm firearms called Saturday night specials?

Rohm handguns became associated with the term Saturday night special because they were small, inexpensive pistols and revolvers sold in large numbers, often to budget conscious buyers. Gun control debates in the 1960s and 1970s frequently singled out RG revolvers like the RG10 and RG14 as examples of cheap handguns that were easy to obtain.

Does Rohm still make firearms?

The original Miami based RG Industries plant closed in 1986, and Rohm later sold its firearms manufacturing business to Umarex in 2010. The RG name now appears mainly on blank firing and gas pistols, starter guns, and replicas distributed by Umarex and related outlets.

Are Rohm guns collectible?

Yes. While Rohm firearms were originally marketed as low cost handguns, they now attract collectors and historians who focus on Saturday night special era guns, Reagan era firearms, and budget revolver history. Models tied to significant events or in unusually clean condition tend to draw the most attention.

Where can I buy Rohm firearms and blank guns?

Original Rohm revolvers and pistols appear on the used market through dealers, auctions, and online platforms that specialize in surplus and collectible firearms. Modern RG branded blank and gas pistols are offered by Umarex and retailers that carry training and theatrical guns.

About

Rohm Firearms represents the firearm branch of Rohm Gesellschaft, a German company that expanded from machine tool production into compact handguns and gas pistols in the 1950s. The brand’s emphasis on affordability and basic function produced a long list of small revolvers, pocket pistols, and blank guns that shaped conversations around access to firearms and budget self defense. Today, Rohm remains best known for its RG labeled revolvers and pistols, along with current blank firing offerings that carry the name forward.

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