I have a Model 244 ManuFrance with the same, self-opener spring.
Mine is a standard A&D style 16 BLE. I was told that Model 244 was made from 1932 to 1939. Leftover stock was sold until 1948 following the war.
The gun will self-open fired or unfired even when inverted. The self-opener springs are always active. They are not connected to the ejectors in any way.
I have always believed the adage that:
The French copy no one, and no one copies the French. (Think Citron CV2)
This mechanism fits the adage. I have never seen it copied or used by anyone else. It is really a cool mechanism.
It appears the self-opening springs could be removed if the feature is not needed.
Joe
