Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Firearms Import & Export More Info

About the Gun

Entry-level double-action revolver. Production tied to Hermann Weihrauch under the Arminius line, focusing on budget entry into the .38 Special market. It uses a solid frame design with a removable cylinder. This mechanism aligns with early Arminius designs produced by Hermann Weihrauch, such as the HW-3 pattern, where the cylinder pin serves as the release.

Production

This model was imported from West Germany during the 1970s to the 1980s.

Market value

Current used market values average $85 to $95, with higher prices for units in excellent condition or with original packaging (up to $200 in rare cases).

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.38 Special
Alias:	.38 Smith & Wesson Special
More Info

Analysis

The FIE Standard revolver represents a classic example of 1970s–1980s budget importation, offering basic functionality at a rock-bottom price point that appealed to entry-level buyers or those seeking an inexpensive plinker or backup piece. While the solid-frame design with removable cylinder prioritizes simplicity and cost reduction over speed of reload, owners frequently report it as a decent cheap shooter for light recreational use, with adequate accuracy at close range when fed standard-pressure .38 Special loads (stick to 148-grain wadcutters or similar mild ammo to minimize stress). The double-action trigger tends to be heavy and rough, typical of economy-grade Arminius products, and the alloy frame limits long-term durability under heavy firing or +P pressures—potential for gradual wear or loosening is a noted concern. In today's market, these hold limited collector appeal but serve reliably as utilitarian tools if inspected for timing, cylinder lockup, and frame integrity. Many users describe them as "not the finest" but far from junk, often outperforming expectations for the era's low-end imports when properly maintained. At current used prices, it's a low-risk addition for casual shooting, though not ideal for defensive or high-volume applications without thorough evaluation.