Galand Velo-Dog
Galand · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1894
Also known as: Velo-Dog, Velodog, Velo Dog, Galland Velo-Dog
Overview
The Galand Velo-Dog is the original pattern of small, double-action-only pocket revolver introduced by the Parisian gunmaker Galand around 1894. Its name fuses 'velocipede' with 'dog', reflecting its purpose as a defensive arm for cyclists menaced by aggressive street dogs. Chambered for the diminutive 5.5mm Velo-Dog centerfire cartridge, it carries a fully concealed hammer and commonly a folding trigger so it would not snag when drawn from a coat pocket, while its short, frequently smoothbore barrel kept it tiny and easily hidden. The design proved so popular that the Velo-Dog became a generic pattern copied by makers across Belgium, Spain, Germany and Russia into the early 20th century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 224 g (7.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Barrel Length | 44 mm (1.73") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 40 J (30 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 5 m (5 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog · primary — also known as 5.5x29.6mmR, 6mm Velo-Dog, Velo-Dog Calibre
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Loading Gate Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Double Action Only Trigger, Shrouded Hammer
- Features: Concealed Hammer, Folding Trigger, Pocket Size, Smoothbore Barrel, Snag Free Design, Loading Gate
Production
Production years: 1894-1940
Galand originated the design; large numbers of Velo-Dog type revolvers were subsequently produced by many manufacturers across Europe as the pattern became generic
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Charles-Francois Galand
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
Galand offered the type with folding or fixed triggers, with or without a trigger guard. Ammunition was available with conventional lead bullets as well as cork, wax, dust-shot and even cayenne-pepper loads intended purely to deter a dog rather than wound it.
Background
Born of the late-Victorian cycling craze, the Velo-Dog was marketed to bicyclists threatened by street dogs and could be loaded with cork, wax or cayenne-pepper cartridges meant to scare an animal off rather than kill it. It went on to become one of the archetypal European pocket revolvers of the Belle Epoque.