This lesser-known pistol was released the same year as the Hi Power, manufactured under Nazi occupation, and was never made again. The Polish VIS Model 35, later designated the P35 (P) by the German occupiers, is a somewhat obscure World War II sidearm — but one of the nicest pistols of the era. Its story began in the early 1930s when Poland was seeking a new cavalry handgun. The poles were reportedly in talks with FN and planning on adopting their soon-to-be-released P35 — which we know as the Browning Hi Power.  That deal fell through, so they set out to pursue their own design. In 1935, they released the VIS Model 35, manufactured in Radom, Poland. These pistols are often simply referred to as Radoms. They are chambered in 9mm Luger and bear a striking resemblance to the Colt 1911. The frame, slide, extractor, magazine release, and slide-stop lever are all similar. However, certain parts like the hammer, bushingless barrel, and barrel locking lugs are all influenced by the Hi Powe...