The MAB PA-15 (Pistolet Automatique 15, also known as the P-15 or P.15 Standard) was designed by the Manufacture d'armes de Bayonne. The model number, 15, refers to the magazine capacity. When introduced, this was the first pistol holding a greater number of rounds than the 13-round Browning Hi-Power. The PA-15 was introduced in 1966 along with a short-lived 8-round version with a straight stack magazine, the P-8. The PA-15 was designed for commercial sale, primarily for export as French laws severely restrict the possession of "military-caliber" arms (which include the ubiquitous 9mm). The pistols were proofed at the St Etienne proof house and many were exported to the US. Early pistols are blued, later ones Parkerized. There was a competition version called the P-15 F1. This version had