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