Galand de Guerre Model 1872

Galand · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1872

Also known as: Revolver Galand Modele 1872, Galand de Guerre

Overview

The Galand de Guerre Model 1872 was a solid-frame, top-strap service revolver that Charles-Francois Galand designed in Liege to meet the French Army's 1871/1872 revolver trials. Unlike Galand's earlier open-frame self-extracting revolver, the Model 1872 used a closed frame with a conventional loading gate and ejector rod. It was a close competitor to the Chamelot-Delvigne but lost the trials on cost.

Specifications

Overall Length270 mm (10.63")
Barrel Length144 mm (5.67")
Action TypeDouble Action
Firing MechanismDouble Action Single Action
Trigger TypeDouble Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Magazine TypeCylinder
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1877-1893

Manufactured in Liege; produced in modest numbers after the trials

Origin

Country of origin: Belgium

Designer: Charles-Francois Galand

Discontinued: 1893

Notes

Distinct from the earlier open-frame self-extracting Galand (Model 1868 / Russian Navy M1870). This is the French-trials solid-frame gun; it was NOT adopted by the Russian Navy. The trials winner became the French M1873 service revolver.

Background

Reviewers judged the Galand 1872 simpler and more elegant than the Chamelot-Delvigne and tool-free to disassemble, but it was rejected as the more expensive option and faulted for an undersized loading door and ejector-rod pushbuttons.