This post focuses around my Russian (Soviet) 1895 Nagant revolver. Developed by those "evil" Belgians, the Nagant brothers, the revolver was designed with a unique "gas seal" technology. Found in no other firearm that I can think of, the "gas seal" promised about 50 fps extra velocity (which it may or may not actually do...depends on who you ask). The Nagant brothers had an "in" with the Russian court, and thus, had their handgun adopted by the Russian Empire. The Russians chose a 7.62mm caliber version, as it simplified manufacturing (they already had a 7.62mm rifle as general issue, the Mosin-Nagant 1891). The revolver also came in two variants, single-action and double-action.
After the fall of the Czar, the new Soviet government continued to manufacture and issue the Nagant revolver in only its double-action variant. It was offically replaced in general issue in 1933 with the adoption of the Tokarev TT-33 semi-automatic handgun. However, it continued to be manufactured and issued until 1950 (anything that could be used against the Germans was built and used, even if it was obsolete).
Now, on to my Nagant revolver. It was made at the Izeveck (sorry, I can't spell it) arsenal in 1944. I do believe that it was not issued, and not a rebuilt or refurbished one. I believe this because rebuilds usually had their wooden grips replaced with bakelite (plastic) grips, and my revolver has wooden grips. Lock-up is tight once the hammer is fully cocked. Otherwise, the revolver freely spins, progressing through stopping points created by the loading gate in the "up" position. The bore is in great shape, and not chrome-lined (I have a thing for chrome-lined barrels). The last time I acutally fired it was in 2006 (about 2 years ago) and it fired just fine. Accuracy was so-so, but that could have been the Russian target ammo that I was using (lead wadcutter at low velocity...came in yellow boxes with a target on the box). I did fire some Fiocchi ammo in it, that duplicates original specs, and that fired pretty much on center of the target. I did note that recoil was non-existant with either type of ammo (if the smoke didn't give it away, I'd say the Russian target ammo was magically moving the bullet without recoil). I plan on getting some of the Hotshot brand 7.62 Nagant ammo, but the higher cost compared to my 9mm Makarov ammo has put me off. I'll get some ammo soon, and take her out for another spin.
As these revolvers are only about $80-100, they're a good buy for a revolver if you just want one for the novelty, or for having the proper tool for "Russian roulette."
