“K” is For Kurz
Today, boys and girls, we’re talking about the letter “K.” And K is for Kurz.
Kurz is the German word for “short.”
If you’ve spent any time around European firearms or perused spec sheets on German-made guns, you’ve probably come across the word Kurz. It has long been used to describe compact variants of both ammunition and firearms, usually shortened cartridges or super-compact versions of full-size weapons.
While it might seem like a naming quirk, Kurz firearms (like that Mauser 1910 above) and ammo carry a fascinating lineage, one rooted in battlefield innovation and carried forward into modern defensive and sporting firearms. Its a concept dating back to the early days of the 20th century, only to be amplified during WWII. It’s stood the test of time and, not surprisingly, is still in use today.
That said, let’s take a short walk through the not-so-short chronological history of the Kurz concept.
But before we do, know that I have no illusions of being an expert in historical firearms, especially something as niche as the Kurz concept. And I’ve probably missed a few things, or might have a few things wrong. It happens.
Consider this an earnest attempt at an entertaining and educational overview.
The Birth of the Kurz Concept
In 1905, legendary American firearms designer John Browning introduced the .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge. To the American public, it held true to its .25 ACP moniker. It made sense. But in Europe, where it quickly gained popularity due to its mild recoil but reliable stopping power, it became known as the 6.35mm Browning Kurz.
And while it was preceded by several other Browning-made cartridges, the .25 ACP really seemed to be a catalyst; the beginning of the Kurz concept. Maybe I’m wrong. I probably am, but it’s as good a place as any to start. Right?
Anyway, the .25 ACP and 6.35mm Kurz are, essentially, two names for the same damn thing. But, because Americans and Europeans remain hellbent on being different in literally everything we do, Americans use the name “.25 ACP”, while Europeans use the name “6.35mm Kurz.”
Cause, reasons.
Keep that in mind, because it’s very much a recurring theme with Kurz guns and ammo.
And now minimalist K series rifle grip and equally minimalist AR stock.
I digress.
This tiny centerfire round was designed for compact pocket pistols, offering just enough power for personal defense while being small enough to fit in vest pockets and purses. European manufacturers like FN Herstal and Mauser jumped on board, producing a string of small semi-autos chambered in 6.35mm.
K is for Kurz: Noteworthy Guns
FN Model 1906
One of the earliest and most influential pocket pistols, the FN Model 1906 combined Browning’s .25 ACP cartridge with a compact, hammerless design that could be concealed in a vest pocket. It became wildly popular throughout Europe and set the stage for a wave of small, reliable pistols.
Colt 1908
Essentially the American twin of the FN 1906, the Colt 1908 was a streamlined .25 ACP pistol designed for deep concealment. It gained favor with American civilians and law enforcement as a discreet, highly concealable backup gun.
Mauser Model 1910
Mauser’s take on the vest-pocket pistol market, the Model 1910 was simple, reliable, and widely used across Europe in both 6.35mm and 7.65mm configurations. Known for its durability, it stayed in production in various forms through both World Wars.
7.65mm Browning Kurz (.32 ACP)
The 7.65mm Browning Kurz, known stateside as .32 ACP, hit a sweet spot between power, controllability, and concealability. It was standard for European police and civilian use, saw two world wars, and became a favored cartridge for spies, officers, and political assassins alike. Its soft recoil, simple blowback operation, and compact guns made it ideal before the modern era of 9mm subcompacts.
Noteworthy Guns
FN Model 1900
The FN 1900 was one of the earliest successful semi-automatic pistols and set the pace for future blowback designs with its distinctive over-the-barrel recoil spring.
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Another Browning masterpiece, the Colt 1903 was a sleek, reliable concealment pistol with a smooth, snag-free profile. Popular with military officers, law enforcement, and even gangsters, it remained in U.S. military service into the 1940s, famously carried by General George Patton.
Mauser HSc
A German semi-auto introduced in 1940, the HSc was known for its sleek, streamlined design and solid build quality. It was issued to the German military, police, and Luftwaffe during World War II, and though not as famous as the Walther PPK, the HSc earned a reputation as a reliable and well-crafted sidearm.
Beretta Model 1935
Essentially a scaled-down version of the Beretta 1934 (.380 ACP), the 1935 was Italy’s official military and police pistol in .32 ACP. It retained Beretta’s open-slide design and was widely issued during World War II.
Walther PP / PPK
Introduced in 1929, the Walther PP and its compact sibling, the PPK, became icons of European law enforcement. Chambered in 7.65mm Browning Kurz and later 9mm Kurz (or .380 ACP), these pistols were prized for their double-action/single-action operation and reliability.
The 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP)
In 1912, Browning’s .380 ACP, known in Europe as 9mm Kurz, became a global phenomenon. Developed as a step up from .32 ACP, the 9mm Kurz offered improved stopping power in the same concealable pistol platforms.
Noteworthy Guns
SIG P230 / P232
The P230 is a sleek, compact semi-auto pistol introduced in the late 1970s, built with European police and civilian carry in mind. Chambered in .32 ACP and .380 ACP, it was accurate, reliable, and easy to carry.
Beretta Cheetah 84
An elegant Italian double-stack gun, the Cheetah 84 became a favorite for European police and civilians alike. It provided higher capacity and better ergonomics than earlier blowback designs.
1942 – 45: 7.92×33mm Kurz & The Birth of the Intermediate Rifle Cartridge
WWII was a pivotal moment for the Kurz concept. The German military identified the need to bridge a tactical gap on the battlefield, as infantrymen faced a huge dilemma. They could carry a powerful, full-sized rifle like the Gewehr 98, which was great at longer ranges, but proved to be cumbersome and overpowered in the close-quarters engagements of the Eastern Front.
Or, they could carry a compact, fast-firing submachine gun chambered in a lighter and faster-shooting pistol caliber, which was handy up close but quickly ran out of steam at extended ranges.
Ever efficient, the Germans decided to split the difference and began developing firearms chambered in a more intermediate, shortened Kurz cartridge: the 7.62x33mm Kurz.
Shortened from the full-power 7.92x57mm, this new intermediate cartridge balanced controllable recoil, respectable range, and effective terminal performance. It marked the first true assault rifle round and changed the trajectory of small arms development forever.
That is to say, while the Germans got a lot of things really wrong throughout the 20th century, their arms development was absolutely spot on.
Noteworthy Guns
StG 44
Developed in Nazi Germany, and often considered the world’s first true assault rifle, the StG 44 combined select-fire capability with the new 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge. Its controllable recoil, 30-round magazine, and versatility made it invaluable on the Eastern Front.
MKb 42(H)
A developmental precursor to the StG 44, the MKb 42(H) was one of the first rifles designed explicitly for the 7.92 Kurz cartridge. Though produced in limited numbers, it proved the viability of intermediate cartridges for general infantry use.
Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5
A last-ditch German weapon issued to the Volkssturm (people’s militia) during the final months of WWII, the VG 1-5 was a crude, blowback-operated semi-automatic rifle in 7.92x33mm Kurz. It was designed for rapid, low-cost production using stamped and welded parts. Despite its poor ergonomics and reliability, it demonstrated how desperate Germany had become by 1945.
CETME Modelo A
An early Spanish postwar battle rifle design that took heavy inspiration from the StG 45(M), the CETME Modelo A was initially chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz for testing and development. Though eventually rechambered for 7.62x51mm NATO, its roots trace directly to Germany’s late-WWII rifle experiments. The CETME program would later inspire the Heckler & Koch G3.
1943-1947: The Influence of the 7.92 Kurz on Soviet and Western Design
While production of the 7.92x33mm Kurz and StG 44 wound down after the war, its impact didn’t. The Soviets, impressed by the StG 44’s performance on the Eastern Front, initiated development of their own intermediate cartridge: the M43 7.62x39mm round.
Similarly, NATO countries eventually pursued intermediate cartridges like the 5.56x45mm NATO, essentially following the concept pioneered by the 7.92 Kurz.
Modern Legacy: .380 ACP, .300 Blackout, and the Kurz Spirit
In the 21st century, the Kurz concept has evolved past its original German nomenclature, but its DNA is everywhere, and its influence persists.
The .380 ACP / 9mm Kurz remains popular in modern concealed carry pistols, with models like the Glock 42, Sig P238, HK SP5K, and Walther PK380.
On the rifle side, modern intermediate rounds like .300 AAC Blackout (7.62x35mm) and 6.5 Grendel continue the Kurz concept of developing a short, efficient cartridge offering better terminal performance in a compact, carbine-friendly package.
.300 AAC Blackout (7.62x35mm) in particular is arguably the most direct modern descendant of the Kurz philosophy.
Much like the original 7.92x33mm Kurz was designed to offer controllable automatic fire and reliable stopping power from the StG 44’s compact frame, the .300 Blackout cartridge was built for versatility in suppressed and unsuppressed carbines, providing reliable stopping power in tight quarters and urban environments.
It excels particularly in SBRs (short-barreled rifles) and PDW-style builds, making it a favorite among special operations units and civilian shooters who value performance from compact platforms. Its subsonic loadings pair exceptionally well with suppressors for stealthy, sub-velocity shooting, while supersonic loads extend its reach to match traditional intermediate rifle rounds like 7.62x39mm or 5.56 NATO.
Conclusion: The Quiet Legacy of Kurz
From pocket pistols to battlefield rifles, the Kurz designation quietly marked some of the most pivotal innovations in firearms history. These cartridges offered the right blend of size, power, and portability; a concept that continues to be used and refined with more modern guns and ammo.
And while you may not often see the word Kurz stamped on modern arms and ammo boxes, its influence is evident in every compact carry gun and intermediate rifle cartridge on the market today. It’s the uncredited ancestor of everything from .380 pocket pistols to suppressed .300 Blackout SBRs.
In short, while we’re sometimes obsessed with bigger, faster, and louder, the Kurz concept reminds us that sometimes, smaller really is better. Because while magnum boomsticks and 20-inch barreled battle rifles have their place, it’s more about the motion of the ocean than the size of the waves. Or something like that…