Galand Pinfire Revolver

Galand · Revolver · Discontinued · 1868

Also known as: Galand 12mm Pinfire, Galand Lefaucheux-System Revolver

Overview

The Galand Pinfire Revolver is a six-shot double-action revolver built by Charles-Francois Galand in Liege, Belgium, chambered for the 12mm Lefaucheux pinfire cartridge. Produced from the late 1860s alongside Galand's better-known centerfire models, it combined the self-contained pinfire system popularized by Lefaucheux with Galand's solid commercial revolver construction. Like other large-bore pinfire arms of the period, it offered rapid double-action fire but was eventually superseded by stronger centerfire designs.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	950 g (33.5 oz)
Overall Length	285 mm (11.22")
Barrel Length	120 mm (4.72")
Action Type	Revolving
Firing Mechanism	Hammer Fired
Trigger Type	Double Action
Magazine Capacity	6 rounds
Magazine Type	Cylinder
Muzzle Velocity	100 m/s (328 fps)
Effective Range	25 m (27 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Wood
Finish	Blued

Calibers

12mm Lefaucheux Pinfire · primary — also known as 12mm Pinfire, 12mm Lefaucheux

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
Features: Double Action, Octagonal Barrel, Six Shot Cylinder

Production

Production years: 1868-1880s

Produced commercially in Liege; pinfire chambering offered alongside Galand's centerfire revolvers

Origin

Country of origin: Belgium

Designer: Charles-Francois Galand

Notes

Many Galand revolvers were manufactured in Liege and carry Liege proof marks. Pinfire examples sit between the early Lefaucheux pinfire revolvers and Galand's later 12mm centerfire Model 1868 and Model 1872 designs.

Background

Charles-Francois Galand (1832-1900) was a French firearms inventor who manufactured many of his revolvers in Liege, Belgium. His simultaneous-extraction patents influenced military revolver design across Europe, including the Russian Model 1870.