M1879 Reichsrevolver
| Reichsrevolver Modell M79 | |
|---|---|
|
M1879 German Trooper's Revolver | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin |
 German Empire |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1879-1940s(?) |
| Used by | German Empire |
| Wars | German colonial conflicts, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | V.C. Schilling & Cie, Spangenberg &SauerC.G. Haenel & Cie, Gebrüder Mauser & Cie, Oberndorf-am-Neckar, and Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt |
| Variants | M83 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 2lb 5 oz (1040 g) |
| Length | 12.20 in (310 mm) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | 10,6x25R German Ordnance |
| Caliber | 10.6 mm |
| Action | Single-action |
| Muzzle velocity | 670 ft/s (205 m/s) |
| Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
The M1879 Reichsrevolver, or Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.
The two versions of the revolver differ only in barrel length. Although the design was dated, the weapon was extremely robust, and they were still used through World War I.
Design
Both were single-action solid frame non-ejecting six-shot revolvers. The caliber was an indigenous 10.6 mm with a medium length cartridge case, comparable to the contemporary .44 Russian round in size and power. Loading was via a gate on the weapon's right side, and the cylinder was released by pulling the hammer to half-cock. Removing empty cartridges could be done by removing the cylinder by withdrawing the axis-pin, and then removing the casings by hand, but in actual practice a separate small rod (stored in the ammunition pouch) was used to push the casings out without having to remove the cylinder.
Most revolvers came with a lanyard ring for attachment to the uniform.
References
- Military Small Arms of the Twentieth Century, 7th Edition, Weeks, John, Hogg, Ian V.
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Reichsrevolver Model 1879. |