Abadie Revolver
L. Soleil et Fils · Revolver · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: Abadie System Revolver, Abadie Model 1878, Revolver systeme Abadie
Overview
The Abadie Revolver is a six-shot, solid-frame double-action revolver of the Abadie loading-gate system, built in Liège, Belgium by L. Soleil et Fils. Its defining feature is a gate that, when opened, disconnects the hammer so the trigger can be cycled to rotate the cylinder for fast loading and unloading. Commercial and officer-pattern examples were offered in .380 Short alongside the larger military calibers, with an octagonal barrel, integral ejector rod and fixed sights.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 700 g (24.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 225 mm (8.86") |
| Barrel Length | 112 mm (4.41") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 175 m/s (574 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 120 J (89 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 Short · primary — also known as .380 Revolver, .380 Webley, 9.5mm Revolver
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: 6-Round Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Loading Gate Hammer Block
- Features: Abadie Loading-Gate System Disconnects Hammer For Rapid Loading, Solid Frame, Octagonal Barrel, Integral Ejector Rod, Fixed Sights
Production
Estimated total produced: 12,000 · Production years: 1878-1900
Roughly 12,000 Abadie-system revolvers were produced across patterns, primarily by Liege makers including L. Soleil; commercial .380 examples were a small fraction of output.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Ismael Isaac Abadie
Discontinued: 1900
Notes
The .380 Short (also called .380 Revolver) chambering described here is a black-powder revolver cartridge and is distinct from the later .380 ACP self-loading round. The Abadie system also armed the Portuguese Models 1878 and 1886 service revolvers.
Background
Patented through Gustave Prevost and based on Ismael Isaac Abadie's loading-gate disconnect, the Abadie mechanism became one of the most widely copied solid-frame revolver systems in late-19th-century Belgian gunmaking and equipped the Portuguese Army.