Most pistol calibers do not generate enough gas volume to take advantage of the extra 12-16 inches of barrel length, and the small cases can't be effectively loaded with longer, more aerodynamic rifle projectiles. The carbine is more accurate than a self-loading service pistol, not because of its barrel length, but mainly due to the lack of moving parts and the stable firing platform offered by a weapon with a sturdy shoulder stock. and possibly others, with some minor improvements made over time.
The Destroyer was initially manufactured in Eibar, Spain by Gaztanaga y Compania, then by Ayra Duria S.A. The longer rifle barrel resulted in greater muzzle velocity, accuracy, and range. The Destroyer fired the same ammunition as the standard-issue police handgun but used a 5-shot single stack magazine.
It is essentially a scaled-down Model 1893 Mauser with two rear-mounted locking lugs and a Mauser-style two-position flip safety. It continued the tradition, started in the 1890s, of issuing police units with a short, handy, repeating carbine in pistol ammunition calibre. It was used by Spanish police and prison services, including the Guardia Civil from the mid-1930s until the late 1960s, replacing the El Tigre Rifle. The Destroyer Carbine is a small bolt action carbine usually chambered for the 9 x 23 mm Largo cartridge.