Vintage F.I. Industries Model D – .380 ACP
A fascinating piece of mid-century American firearms history, the F.I. Industries Model D boasts a unique origin story. Originally stemming from the Spanish Star Model DK, this micro-1911 design was famously intended to be produced and sold as the “Colt Pony.” When Colt ultimately dropped the project in the 1970s, Firearms International (F.I.) took over the tooling and parts, releasing the pistol under their own banner as the Model D (with many frames still bearing the “CPA” serial prefix originally meant for “Colt Pony Auto”). Later, this exact design would live on as the Iver Johnson Pony.
Operating as a true locked-breech, single-action-only pistol rather than a simple blowback, the Model D is incredibly soft-shooting for its small size. Featuring a thumb safety, exposed hammer, and classic 1911-style ergonomics, it is a highly collectible and surprisingly capable little .380 ACP that serves as a fantastic conversation piece and a fun range companion.
Product Specifications
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Manufacturer: F.I. Industries (Firearms International Corp., Washington D.C.)
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Model: Model D
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Caliber: .380 ACP
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Action: Single-Action Only (SAO) Semi-Automatic (Locked-breech design)
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Capacity: 6 Rounds (Single-stack magazine)
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Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
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Sights: Fixed front blade with a drift-adjustable dovetailed rear notch.
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Grips: Factory checkered walnut grips with F.I. medallions.
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Safety: Frame-mounted manual thumb safety (1911-style) and a half-cock hammer notch.
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Finish: Traditional factory blued carbon steel.
Condition Report
This vintage Model D is a previously owned, honest survivor from the 1970s. It has been carried and fired, showing expected cosmetic character while remaining mechanically functional.
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Finish: Retains approximately 80-85% of its original factory bluing. There is standard finish thinning around the muzzle, the high edges of the slide, and the front and rear grip straps from typical handling and holster use. You may find scattered, very light surface handling marks, but there is no deep rust or heavy pitting.
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Bore: Very Good. The bore remains bright with visible, intact rifling. Shows no signs of heavy neglect, though typical of pistols from this era, it benefits from staying well-oiled.
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Grips: The checkered walnut grips are in very good condition. The checkering shows some slight smoothing from decades of handling, and there are a few minor dings, but no structural cracks or splits. The F.I. medallions remain securely seated.
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Mechanics: The single-action trigger breaks crisply. The slide retracts smoothly, and the manual thumb safety clicks into the “Safe” and “Fire” positions with positive tactile feedback. As with many vintage micro-1911s, it runs best on quality, round-nose full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition rather than modern hollow points.
Included Accessories
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Magazine: Includes one (1) vintage 6-round steel magazine (shows expected insertion wear and age).
