Weight: 2.96 lbs (1.340 kg)(6 inch barrel) empty.
Caliber: .357 magnum
Barrel Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm), 4 inch (10.2 cm), 5 inch (12.7 cm), or 6 inch (15.2 cm).
Action: Semi-automatic Double Action.
Range: 200 ft (60 m).
Cylinder: 6 rounds .
Cost: $ 1,000.
Made in: Italy.
Special: Semi-automatic action. Very accurate, very high quality, interchangable barrels.
The Model 6 Unica is a very unusual revolver produced by Mateba in Italy. It is currently the only automatic revolver made in the world today. In the past the Webley-Fosbery was also made, but this weapon has been out of production for more than sixty years.
The Unica functions as follows: The first triggerpull is a normal double action pull, it cocks the hammer, and then releases it, firing the gun. Upon firing the upper part of the frame recoils. This movement then cocks the hammer, and automatically rotates the cylinder. When the upper frame has completely recoiled, it is pushed forward again by a spring. When it has returned to its forward position the gun is ready to fire another shot, only this time a light pull in Single-Action mode, as the hammer is already cocked and the cylinder rotated.
The revolvers construction involves two major parts: the lower and the upper frame assembly. The lower assembly houses the trigger mechanism, a strong spring and the grip, and on top are a pair of rails, on which the upper frame assembly rides. The upper assembly holds the interchangable barrel and shroud, the cylinder, and the safety mechanism. The upper assembly is held in place by a spring, and a crossbolt prevents the assembly from moving off the lower frame. The cylinder itself swings out like that of any other revolver.
The entire revolver is made out of high quality steel, and the workmanship displayed is of the highest quality. The barrel can be replaced by means of a special wrench. When removing the barrel the shroud automatically is loosened as well, and there are different styles and lenghts of shroud available. The grip itself is of a single piece, and it too can be easily replaced for another style grip.
When disassembling the Unica some care must be taken to hold the revolver in a level position, because if it is held canted, several small parts can fall out of the frame. Replacing these can be somewhat bothersome, but this can be prevented by taking care during the disassembly and assembly of the weapon.
The Unica is chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, and this is really the only cartridge to be fired with the gun. Weak loads or .38 Special rounds wil not generate enouhg recoil to operate the mechanism. On the other hand, the recoil powered mechanism reduces felt recoil considerably.
The last special feature of the weapon is that the adjustable sight is located on the front of the barrel shroud. Instead of adjusting the solid (but replacable) aft sights, one has to adjust the front sights.
