Lefaucheux-Francotte Model 1865
Auguste Francotte & Cie · Revolver · Discontinued · 1865
Also known as: Francotte Lefaucheux Model 1865, Lefaucheux-Francotte pinfire revolver
Overview
The Lefaucheux-Francotte Model 1865 is a 12mm pinfire double-action revolver built by the Belgian firm Auguste Francotte & Cie of Liege on the Lefaucheux system. A solid-frame, six-shot service revolver with a loading gate and a fixed ejector rod, it developed the earlier single-action Lefaucheux M1858 pattern into a self-cocking double-action arm. Francotte-made Lefaucheux revolvers of this type were widely exported and saw Scandinavian military service before the pinfire cartridge was superseded by centerfire designs.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1060 g (37.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 290 mm (11.42") |
| Barrel Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 168 m/s (551 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12mm Lefaucheux · primary — also known as 12mm pinfire, 12mm Lefaucheux pinfire, 12x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Six Shot Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Solid Frame, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Pinfire Cartridge, Six Shot Cylinder, Double Action Trigger, Lanyard Ring
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian Army · adopted 1864
Production
Production years: 1865-1880s
Commercial and military production by Auguste Francotte & Cie in Liege; exact totals unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Eugene Lefaucheux
Notes
Part of the family of Belgian Francotte-manufactured Lefaucheux pinfire revolvers; many were later reworked or replaced by centerfire models such as the Lefaucheux-Francotte M1871. Exact per-contract dimensions varied between makers.
Background
Auguste Francotte & Cie of Liege, founded in 1805 and one of Belgium's oldest gunmakers, produced Lefaucheux-system pinfire revolvers under the combined 'Lefaucheux-Francotte' name that were exported across Europe and adopted for Scandinavian military service.