F.I. Industries Model D .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol — CPA Prefix, 3" Barrel, 7+1 Capacity
This CPA-prefix Model D is a scarce 1970s micro-size .380 ACP pistol from Firearms International. Built on frames originally intended for Colt’s cancelled Pony project, it combines a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame with a locked-breech action and full 1911-style controls. Limited production—estimated at only a few thousand units—makes surviving examples desirable to shooters and collectors alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – shows prior use with noticeable handling marks and areas of finish loss.
Bore Condition: Good – bore is clear, clean, and well-maintained with minor wear.
Rifling Condition: Good – lands and grooves remain well-defined.
Specific Condition Notes: Scratches and finish thinning are present on frame and slide, consistent with regular carry and holstering.
What’s Included
- F.I. Industries Model D .380 ACP pistol
- Two 7-round steel single-stack magazines
Production of the CPA-prefix Model D ran roughly from 1974 to 1978 in Washington, D.C., after F.I. Industries acquired unused frames from Colt. As a result, total numbers are low, and the CPA marking instantly distinguishes these guns from later FI and Iver Johnson variants.
Unlike most pocket .380s of the era, the Model D uses a locked-breech mechanism instead of simple blowback. This design lowers slide mass and felt recoil, helping the 3" carbon-steel barrel deliver better control in a featherweight package.
The aluminum-alloy frame and polished blue slide keep weight down while maintaining a classic appearance. Checkered wood grips with inlaid FI medallions provide a secure purchase without adding bulk.
Controls mirror the familiar 1911 layout: single-action trigger, external spur hammer, left-side manual thumb safety, half-cock notch, and a push-button magazine release. These features give the pistol a straightforward manual of arms that many shooters already know.
Sighting is handled by a fixed Patridge-style front blade set in a dovetail and a drift-adjustable rear notch, offering a clear sight picture on a gun this size.