Sci-fi anime Ghost in the Shell's Mateba Model 6 Unica

Are you a fan of sci-fi and cyberpunk? If so, you are familiar with Ghost in the Shell, a manga and anime series by Masamune Shirow. The series is set in a futuristic world where humans can enhance their bodies with cybernetics.

One of the things that makes the movie so relevant and stand out is Togusa’s use of the  Mateba Model 6 Unica, also known as the Mateba Autorevolver. This is a rare and unusual firearm that has both revolver and semi-automatic features.

In this post, we explore the history, design, and performance of this weapon from Ghost in the Shell.

A Brief History

The Mateba Model 6 Unica was developed by Mateba, a company based in Pavia, Italy. The company was founded by Emilio Ghisoni, an engineer and inventor who has a passion for firearms. Ghisoni is also famous for designing the Chiappa Rhino, another revolver with a low barrel alignment.

The first production of Mateba Model 6 Unica was in 1997 and was later discontinued. This was occasioned by financial difficulties and low demand. The gun is chambered in various calibers, such as;

• .357 Magnum
• .41 Magnum
• .44 Magnum
• .454 Casull

You can also get the firearm in barrel lengths, ranging from 3 inches to 18 inches.

The Mateba Model 6 Unica is one of the few semi-automatic revolvers ever produced, along with the Webley-Fosbery and the Union Automatic Revolver. Unlike conventional revolvers that require manual action, it uses the recoil from firing to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer. This makes the gun faster, easier, more accurate, and reliable to shoot.

Design

The Mateba Model 6 Unica has a distinctive design that sets it apart from other revolvers.

Barrel Alignment

Instead of being aligned with the top of the cylinder, as in most revolvers, the barrel is aligned with the bottom of the cylinder. This lowers the bore axis (the line of the barrel) and reduces the muzzle flip (the upward movement of the gun after firing). Which, improves the recoil management and accuracy of the gun, as well as your comfort and ergonomics.

Recoil Mechanism

The Mateba Model 6 Unica has a recoil-operated mechanism. The gun’s upper assembly (barrel, cylinder, and frame) is mounted on rails on the lower frame (trigger, hammer, and grip).

When firing, the upper assembly recoiled by half an inch on the lower frame, cocking the hammer and rotating the cylinder. This eliminates the need for an external hammer or a double-action trigger pull, making the gun simpler and smoother to operate.

Speed Loading

Another feature that makes the gun stand out is that it can be loaded with moon clips or speed loaders. It has an adjustable rear sight and a fixed front sight with two dots for night vision.

The gun has a safety lever on the left side of the frame that blocks the hammer from striking. It also has a Picatinny rail on the front of the frame for mounting accessories such as lights or lasers.

Performance

Power and Versatility

The Mateba Model 6  Unica is a powerful and versatile firearm that can handle various types of ammunition and situations. The gun can fire high-velocity rounds such as .357 Magnum or .454 Casull, delivering high energy and penetration.

It can also fire low-velocity rounds such as .38 Special or .45 Colt, offering low recoil and noise. This makes the firearm ideal for those who like hunting, target shooting, sport shooting, and self-defense.

Accuracy and Reliability

The Mateba Model 6 Unica is praised for its accuracy and reliability. The gun’s low bore axis and recoil-operated mechanism reduced the muzzle flip and improved the stability of the gun.

Moreover, its semi-automatic action increased the rate of fire and reduced the trigger pull weight. The gun’s design minimized the jamming or misfiring problems that often affect revolvers.

Material

The Mateba Model 6 Unica is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and steel, making it lightweight and robust. This durability offers a hand with managing recoil. It also aids in making it less maintenance-intensive and longer-lasting. Its construction also makes it comfortable to hold, with its ergonomic design and weight helping offset muzzle flip.

Drawbacks

• It is heavy and bulky. The gun weighs about 3 pounds and measures about 11 inches in length.
• The gun is expensive and rare. It costs $3,000+ and is available in limited numbers.
• It can be difficult to maintain and repair. Requires specialized tools and parts.

Here is a complete video review of Mateba Model 6 Unica: 

Conclusion

The Mateba Model 6 Unica is a remarkable firearm that combines the best features of a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol. It is powerful, accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot.

It is also a unique and stylish weapon that caught the eye of many sci-fi and cyberpunk fans, especially those who followed the  Ghost in the Shell series. Throughout the movie, Togusa uses this recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol revolver almost embodying it.

The Mateba Model 6 Unica may not be the most practical or common firearm in the real world, but it is certainly one of the most fascinating and impressive ones. It is a gun that deserves respect and rating from all firearm enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike.

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