The name is derived from Kolibri, the German word for hummingbird, which is among the smallest of birds.

The 2mm Kolibri's small size makes handling and loading individual cartridges difficult, and the bullet itself is fairly weak, with literature at the time suggesting the round was capable of penetrating only 10–40 mm (0.39–1.57 in) of pine board.

The round also suffers some accuracy issues, since the technology of the time was incapable of applying rifling to the bore of such a small caliber, resulting in no spin on the bullet.

[4] Due to the weakness and inaccuracy of the firearm, the 2mm Kolibri was advertised as a ladies' self-defence weapon that was small enough to fit inside a handbag.

[5] As with the related firearm series, this gun is now a collector's item with about a thousand ever produced.