“GRP” stands for Geiger Roller Pistol in loose translation. I first heard of this gem a couple of years ago and I knew I had to track one down at some point. When I realized MMB Imports was bringing them in one at a time, I got my name on the list back in the fall of last year. I had no idea how long it would take, but it was the sort of thing to basically forget about until the time came. As it turns out the time came quicker than I thought. MMB contacted me in May that a few were completed and ready to be imported into the States. Two were already spoken for, including mine. The other went on Gunbroker last month. The set price for the pre-ordered models was a bit over $9000 shipped to my FFL. While I know that’s not a cheap handgun by any means, the last model that went on Gunbroker brought nearly double that in a penny auction. Now the retail price from the importer has nearly doubled to match.
The Geiger GRP is a bespoke, hand built, roller delayed blowback pistol. Each one is meticulously made and assembled in Germany. To date, only about 30 have been produced and I wonder how long they will be in “production”. Mine is serial number 27 and chambered in 9mm. They are also available in 45ACP and I’m so impressed with this pistol that I wouldn’t mind having one in each caliber. However, I should have gotten it ordered before the huge price hike.
I am a huge fan of delayed blowback handguns and roller delayed is my favorite of them all. Its not a cheap or simple way to design a pistol and generally requires some intricate manufacturing. I’m honestly only aware of four handguns that use this method and three of the four are outrageously expensive to buy if you can even find one. I’m talking about the HK P9S, Korth PRS, Korriphila HSP, and this Geiger. The design is definitely very German and all four of the pistols are as well. The good news is that I own the others so I can directly compare them to this one as time goes on.
As for my thoughts on the Geiger GRP 9mm, the gun is impeccable. Build quality, parts quality, attention to detail, refinement, and fit and finish are on an otherworldly level and take me back to the finest pistols built in Germany over the past few decades. From a quality standpoint, the Geiger matches the very best pistols I own and since its built with today’s steel, certainly benefits from any metallurgy advancement during that stretch of time. Like it's brethren, all the Geiger's parts are machined in house from solid carbon steel billets and none are outsourced other than the grips. The beautiful blued finish, the perfect checkering on the front strap, back strap and trigger guard, and the classy Nill grips give the GRP a level of elegance only found in the world’s finest handguns. Even the roll markings are meticulously done, as shown. The case it comes in is simple, but also very classy and high quality. The owner’s manual is small, but informative (if you can read German). The Geiger is certainly old school and I love it for that characteristic.
I just received the pistol and haven’t even field stripped it as of this writing, but this 3 minute video recorded by Geiger himself shows you how its done. However, I will use the provided non-marring tool instead of a metal punch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGZLGWozSBIThe GRP is only available so far with a blued finish and 6” barrel. Whether that changes or not over time is anyone’s guess. If any options are offered in the future, I’d like to see one with a 5” barrel. However, I’m not holding my breath. While its uncertain how many of these masterpieces will be made, my guess is very few, which would be inline with other pistols in the Geiger’s class.
As far as some measurable stats are concerned, the SAO trigger is surprisingly light for a gun like this. It tested consistently under 4lbs and is very crisp with no creep at all. The thumbs safety is very positive and perfectly positioned and weighted. The mag release is easy to reach and activate. The sights are extremely old school, but work well and are befitting a handgun of this amazing stature. The weight is heavy, as in 46oz unloaded.
So there you have it. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to add this beauty to my German pistol collection. Its my finest purchase in the past five years. It ranks with my Korth Autopistols and Korriphila HSP’s among of the finest pistols I own and also one of the finest in the world past or present. While I plan to put a few rounds downrange, I really didn’t buy it as a shooter. I have plenty of high end pistols for that. This one is more of a rare museum piece that I only see gaining value as the years go by.
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks!
As far as German roller delayed blowbacks are concerned, the Korth PRS uses a very similar system. I must say that its not nearly as pleasing to the eye as is the Geiger.
Here the Geiger is on the right with one of my Korth Autopistols and Korriphilas HSP’s along side it. While the Korth is a locked breech pistol, the Korriphila also uses a roller delay. Besides the Korth PRS, Korriphila, and this Geiger, the only other handgun I know that uses a roller delayed system is the old HK P9S.
