Melior 32

[Battis]

I went to a local shop to check out their 44 mags but what caught my eye was a Belgian Melior Model 1911 .32. There's not much info online about these guns. Anyone here have any experience with one?

[Battis]

I'm not surprised that no one has heard of this pistol. There's not much info on it. It's an odd ball.
Here's one from an old auction site:
http://www.armsbid.com/lot_detail.cfm?lot_id=12426

[Petrol & Powder]

That looks like a copy of an FN model 1900.

[Petrol & Powder]

And just a quick internet search produced:

https://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/R-K/r-k.html

Upon reading it appears that it was a copy of the Browning BUT done in such a manner as to avoid infringing on Browning (FN) patents. So it is externally similar (good for sales) but has a different action (to avoid patent infringement).

[Battis]

Yeah, I found that info, which is good to know. I'm concerned about finding parts if they're needed. Maybe the Browning parts (firing pin, spring) might fit. But, the gun is in great shape now, so I'll probably take the chance.

There's one for sale on GB. I'm curious as to the final price.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/797812116

[Battis]

I picked up this Meloir .32 yesterday. Nice looking gun. It was professionally reblued at some point. Very clean, inside and out (even the mag is clean).
It came with the original grips and a holster.
It's an interesting design - the recoil spring is on the top with the barrel beneath it. Only the rear portion recoils (pic with dowel).
Buying a gun like this is a gamble - there's not many parts available.