Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Firearms Import & Export More Info

About the Gun

Compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in the light .25 ACP cartridge, produced in the United States by FIE in Hialeah, Florida. It was assembled domestically during the 1980s as a response to the 1968 Gun Control Act's restrictions on importing small foreign pocket pistols, such as the Italian Armi Galesi Model 9 that FIE had previously distributed. This domestic assembly used U.S.-made components, including zinc-alloy frames, to comply with import regulations while following the Galesi's overall design.

Production

Production ran from early to mid-1980s until around 1990.

Market value

Current market value for a used example, typical condition (functional, moderate wear, no box): $50–$100

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.25 Automatic
Alias:	6.35mm Browning
More Info

Analysis

The Guardian served as an affordable option for users seeking a small, concealable pistol for pocket carry or close-range backup purposes, typical of budget .25 ACP models from that era. Its simple construction and light recoil allow for basic function with standard FMJ ammunition in many examples, though user reports note occasional feeding or ejection inconsistencies in some specimens, in line with the variable quality observed in similar Florida-assembled pocket guns. The alloy frame supports low weight for easy concealment but limits durability under extended use relative to steel-framed designs. Resale remains limited, appealing mainly to collectors of 1980s mouseguns or Saturday night specials, with chrome/nickel finishes and white grips sometimes receiving slightly more attention than blued versions for their period appearance. It occupies a standard position among domestic adaptations of banned imports, comparable to certain FIE Titan configurations, without significant differences in practical capability from the original Galesi pattern.