Pistol · Obsolete
3mm Kolibri
Slightly larger companion to the 2.7mm Kolibri, chambered in a marginally larger vest-pocket pistol.
- Caliber
- 0.12″ · 3.048 mm
- Introduced
- 1914
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Self Defense
- Status
- Discontinued
- Introduced
- 1914
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Austria
- Inventor
- Franz Pfannl
- Manufacturer
- Franz Pfannl
- Standard
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 0.8 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:10
- Primer
- Centerfire
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi
- Max range
- 20 yd
- Recoil
- 0.1–0.3 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 3mm Kolibri — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · secondary source| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 3.05 | 0.120 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 3.81 | 0.150 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 3.81 | 0.150 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 3.81 | 0.150 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 0.41 | 0.016 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 8.13 | 0.320 | · |
| Overall length | 10.92 | 0.430 | · |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 3mm Kolibri is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Connected reference
History
Developed alongside the 2.7mm Kolibri by Franz Pfannl, the 3mm version offered trivially more power in a slightly larger pistol. Both are collector curiosities today; the distinction between the two calibers is primarily academic. Original specimens are extremely rare and command high collector prices.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 3mm Kolibri use?
- 3mm Kolibri typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 3mm Kolibri?
- 3mm Kolibri uses a 0.12″ (3.048 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 3mm Kolibri still in production?
- 3mm Kolibri is discontinued; typical availability is antique.
- What is 3mm Kolibri used for?
- 3mm Kolibri is primarily used for self defense.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — SAAMI cartridge & chamber drawing — 3mm Kolibri
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 3 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →