Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE and SOUGHT-AFTER rifle today for a penny-start auction; this is the Mateba Unica 6 Sportiva Grifone!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Mateba
Model: Unica 6 Sportiva Grifone
Serial: 001164
Date of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 16" w/ Muzzle
Optics/Sights: U-Bracket Rear w/ Fixed Post Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Pistol Grip and Smooth Forearm
Action: Recoil-Operated Semi-Automatic Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Mateba, short for Macchine Termo-Balistiche, was an Italian manufacturer founded in 1978 by engineer Emilio Ghisoni, who envisioned a new kind of revolver—one with semi-automatic operation powered by recoil. This culminated in the Model 6 Unica (commonly called the Autorevolver), introduced in the late ’90s. Produced from 1997 to 2005, it was one of the few successful recoil-operated revolvers ever made. The design was notable for its lower-barrel alignment—firing from the bottom chamber—which minimized muzzle flip and provided a smoother shooting experience. What set the Unica 6 apart was the way it harnessed recoil to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer. Its upper assembly—including the barrel and cylinder—slid rearward upon firing, internally cycling the action before returning forward to chamber the next round. This made it a truly semi-automatic revolver. In addition to its unique cycling mechanism, the revolver had interchangeable barrels ranging from short 3-inch versions up to long 8-inch options and supported calibers from .357 Magnum to .454 Casull, appealing to both sport shooters and hunters. The “Dynamic Sportiva” designation refers to a version of the Unica 6 outfitted with either a 5- or 6-inch barrel, typically chambered in .357, .41, or .44 Magnum—balancing portability and power for dynamic use scenarios. The Grifone, on the other hand, is a true carbine derivative: Mateba mounted the revolving action onto a rifle-like stock and handguard, combining an 18-inch barrel with traditional rifle ergonomics. This hybrid design maintained the Autorevolver's mechanical genius while offering superior length-of-pull and sighting, effectively bridging handgun and rifle platforms in a unique package. The Mateba Unica 6 and its Grifone counterpart embody Ghisoni’s ambition to reinvent revolver ergonomics by lowering the bore axis and introducing recoil cycling. The open-top frame and forward-sliding upper assembly were highly unconventional, yet effectively handled powerful cartridges like the .454 Casull. Its innovative—but complex—design limited widespread adoption, and when Mateba ceased operations in 2005, both models became rare collector’s items. In sum, the Mateba Unica 6 Sportiva Grifone stands as a testament to out-of-the-box firearms engineering. It merges rifle precision with revolver mechanics—offering recoil-assisted auto-loading and interchangeable components within a rifle framework. Though produced in limited numbers, its ingenuity and the audacity of its design ensure it remains a standout collectible for enthusiasts intrigued by unconventional firearm innovations.
Contents:
Model: Unica 6 Sportiva Grifone
Serial: 001164
Date of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 16" w/ Muzzle
Optics/Sights: U-Bracket Rear w/ Fixed Post Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Stock w/ Checkered Pistol Grip and Smooth Forearm
Action: Recoil-Operated Semi-Automatic Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Mateba, short for Macchine Termo-Balistiche, was an Italian manufacturer founded in 1978 by engineer Emilio Ghisoni, who envisioned a new kind of revolver—one with semi-automatic operation powered by recoil. This culminated in the Model 6 Unica (commonly called the Autorevolver), introduced in the late ’90s. Produced from 1997 to 2005, it was one of the few successful recoil-operated revolvers ever made. The design was notable for its lower-barrel alignment—firing from the bottom chamber—which minimized muzzle flip and provided a smoother shooting experience. What set the Unica 6 apart was the way it harnessed recoil to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer. Its upper assembly—including the barrel and cylinder—slid rearward upon firing, internally cycling the action before returning forward to chamber the next round. This made it a truly semi-automatic revolver. In addition to its unique cycling mechanism, the revolver had interchangeable barrels ranging from short 3-inch versions up to long 8-inch options and supported calibers from .357 Magnum to .454 Casull, appealing to both sport shooters and hunters. The “Dynamic Sportiva” designation refers to a version of the Unica 6 outfitted with either a 5- or 6-inch barrel, typically chambered in .357, .41, or .44 Magnum—balancing portability and power for dynamic use scenarios. The Grifone, on the other hand, is a true carbine derivative: Mateba mounted the revolving action onto a rifle-like stock and handguard, combining an 18-inch barrel with traditional rifle ergonomics. This hybrid design maintained the Autorevolver's mechanical genius while offering superior length-of-pull and sighting, effectively bridging handgun and rifle platforms in a unique package. The Mateba Unica 6 and its Grifone counterpart embody Ghisoni’s ambition to reinvent revolver ergonomics by lowering the bore axis and introducing recoil cycling. The open-top frame and forward-sliding upper assembly were highly unconventional, yet effectively handled powerful cartridges like the .454 Casull. Its innovative—but complex—design limited widespread adoption, and when Mateba ceased operations in 2005, both models became rare collector’s items. In sum, the Mateba Unica 6 Sportiva Grifone stands as a testament to out-of-the-box firearms engineering. It merges rifle precision with revolver mechanics—offering recoil-assisted auto-loading and interchangeable components within a rifle framework. Though produced in limited numbers, its ingenuity and the audacity of its design ensure it remains a standout collectible for enthusiasts intrigued by unconventional firearm innovations.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory-Original Mateba case, paperwork, and everything pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
