French model 1892 revolver 8mm

posted 09 November 2021, 12:36 am
01. Original name Revolver d’ordonnance modèle 1892  
02. Other official names Revolver Modèle 1892  
03. Popular names Lebel (N.B. This is a misnomer – the revolver was not invented by Lebel), St Etienne 8mm  
04. Chamberings 8x27R  
05. Designed by Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne  
06. Design date St Etienne worked on several new designs in the 1880s, but the Modele 1887 Trials is where the new design is most recognisable  
07. In service date(s) Produced from 1892 until 1924. Officially replaced in 1935 but still saw use into the 1960s.  
08. Adopted by France. Were also in use in Belgium, Monaco, Algeria and Vietnam  
09. Production quantities Upwards of 350,000. More if civilian versions are included  
10. Mechanism 6 shot double action revolver with a swing-out cylinder (cylinder unusually swings to the right) and rebounding hammer with pivoting tip to reduce breakage  
11. Weight 840 grammes  
12. Mountings “Jambon” style holster. Regular flap holsters also found  
13. Practicality in action Adequate in use. Hampered by low power cartridge but served well through WW1. Easy cleaning due to smokeless cartridges (although black powder cartridges can be found too)  
14. Comments / Other information Long service career. Much lighter than its predecessor and designed for smokeless powder. The cartridge is reported as being low powered but adequate