Bodeo Model 1889
Metallurgica Bresciana gia Tempini · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1891
Also known as: Pistola a Rotazione Modello 1889, Modello 1889 Bodeo, Sistema Bodeo
Overview
The Bodeo Model 1889 was the standard service revolver of the Kingdom of Italy from its adoption until the introduction of the Glisenti Model 1910 semi-automatic, and it remained in widespread Italian service through both World Wars. A solid-frame, gate-loaded, six-shot single-action revolver chambered for the 10.35mm Italian Ordnance cartridge, it was produced by a wide range of Italian and Spanish makers. Two principal patterns existed: a 'troop' version with an octagonal barrel and folding trigger (no trigger guard), and an 'officer' version with a rounded barrel and a conventional trigger guard.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 950 g (33.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 232 mm (9.13") |
| Barrel Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 255 m/s (837 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 367 J (271 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10.35mm Italian Ordnance · primary — also known as 10.35x20mmR Glisenti, 10.4x22R Italian Ordnance, 10.35mm Ordinanza Italiana
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: 6 Round Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Loading Gate Safety
- Features: Solid Frame, Gate Loaded Cylinder, Rod Ejector, Fixed Sights
Variants
- Bodeo Model 1889 Type A (Officer) — Trigger Guard
- Bodeo Model 1889 Type B (Troop) — Folding Trigger
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1891 · as Pistola a Rotazione Sistema Bodeo Modello 1889
Conflicts
- Italo-Turkish War (1911-1912)
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1937)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1889-1931
Approximately 200,000 produced; built by numerous Italian and Spanish contractors including Glisenti, Metallurgica Bresciana, Real Fabbrica d'Armi, Vincenzo Bernardelli, and Spanish makers Errasti and Arostegui.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Carlo Bodeo
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Despite the 1889 model designation, official adoption and large-scale production began around 1891. The revolver was so durable and inexpensive to make that it was never formally retired until 1945. The 10.35mm Italian Ordnance cartridge fired a heavy round-nose bullet at a relatively low velocity, typical of late 19th-century service revolvers.
Background
The Bodeo's folding-trigger 'troop' pattern had no trigger guard at all; the trigger snapped flat against the frame for carry and dropped down only when the hammer was cocked, a cost-saving feature that also helped prevent snags on a cavalryman's gear.