Lefaucheux Model 1858
Lefaucheux · Revolver · Discontinued · 1858
Also known as: Lefaucheux de Marine 1858, M1858 Navy, 12mm Pinfire Navy Revolver
Overview
The Lefaucheux Model 1858 was a French single-action pinfire revolver designed by Eugene Lefaucheux, son of pinfire-cartridge pioneer Casimir Lefaucheux, and adopted by the French Navy in 1858. Building on the Model 1854 - the first metallic-cartridge revolver ever adopted by a national government - it chambered the self-contained 12mm Lefaucheux pinfire round in a six-shot cylinder, loaded through a hinged gate and ejected with a rod. Large numbers were purchased by the Union during the American Civil War, making it one of the most common imported cartridge revolvers of that conflict.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 980 g (34.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Barrel Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| 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: Open Frame, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Pinfire Cartridge, Six Shot Cylinder, Lanyard Ring
Service history
Operators
- French Navy · adopted 1858 · as Lefaucheux de Marine modele 1858
- Union Army · adopted 1861
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
Production
Production years: 1858-1870
Tens of thousands purchased by the Union Army during the American Civil War; produced at MAS St. Etienne and in Liege, Belgium
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Eugene Lefaucheux
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
Military models were single-action; civilian versions were often offered in double-action. Produced at the French state arsenal at St. Etienne (MAS) and by licensees in Liege, Belgium. The pinfire cartridge featured a small pin protruding from the case that struck an internal primer when hit by the hammer.
Background
The Lefaucheux line gave the world its first nationally-adopted metallic-cartridge revolver, and the M1858's self-contained pinfire rounds let Civil War soldiers reload in seconds while their enemies were still ramming loose powder and ball down percussion cylinders.