MAS Modèle 1874

Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1874

Also known as: Revolver Modèle 1874, Mle 1874, Chamelot-Delvigne Model 1874

Overview

The MAS Modèle 1874 is a French six-shot, double-action/single-action service revolver chambered in 11mm French Ordnance (11mm Mle 1873). Designed by Jean Chamelot and Henri-Gustave Delvigne and built at the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, it was the officer's version of the Modèle 1873, distinguished by a lighter frame, a fluted cylinder, and a blued finish in place of the 1873's bright-steel 'in-the-white' appearance. It fired the same solid-frame, gate-loaded 11mm cartridge and remained in French service into the early 20th century.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1080 g (38.1 oz)
Overall Length240 mm (9.45")
Barrel Length110 mm (4.33")
Action TypeDouble Action Revolver
Firing MechanismDouble Action Single Action
Trigger TypeDouble Action
Magazine Capacity6 rounds
Muzzle Velocity183 m/s (600 fps)
Muzzle Energy194 J (143 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Maximum Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 35,000 · Production years: 1874-1886

Officer's model; produced at Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne

Origin

Country of origin: France

Designer: Jean Chamelot and Henri-Gustave Delvigne

Notes

The officer-grade 1874 was lighter and more finely finished than the enlisted Modèle 1873; roughly 35,000 were produced. Both share the same 11mm Mle 1873 cartridge and Chamelot-Delvigne double-action lockwork.

Background

The Modèle 1874 was the polished officer's cousin of the standard-issue Modèle 1873: its cylinder was fluted to shave weight and its steel was blued rather than left bright, giving officers a lighter, more elegant sidearm firing the same stout 11mm black-powder cartridge.