Montenegrin Gasser Revolver
Leopold Gasser Waffenfabrik · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1870
Also known as: Gasser M1870/74, Montenegrin Revolver, Gasser Montenegrin
Overview
The Montenegrin Gasser is a large-frame, six-shot double-action revolver chambered for the powerful 11.3x36mmR (11mm Gasser) cartridge, built by the Leopold Gasser Waffenfabrik of Vienna on the Austrian Model 1870/74 pattern. Famed for its enormous cylinder, open-top frame and broomhandle-style grip, it became the national sidearm of Montenegro after Prince (later King) Nikola decreed that every able-bodied Montenegrin man should own at least one Gasser revolver. Overwhelming demand led to copies being made in Belgium and Spain, and production helped sustain the Gasser firm into the First World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 324 mm (12.76") |
| Barrel Length | 237 mm (9.33") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 220 m/s (722 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 484 J (357 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11mm Gasser · primary — also known as 11.3x36mmR, 11.25x36mm, .44 Montenegrin, Gasser M70/74
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Loading Gate Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Bar
- Features: Open Top Frame, Six Round Cylinder, Large Caliber, Broomhandle Style Grip, Ornate Silverwork
Service history
Operators
- Principality of Montenegro · adopted 1870
- Austro-Hungarian Empire
Conflicts
- Montenegrin-Ottoman War (1876-1878)
- Balkan Wars (1912-1913)
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1870-1918
Vienna production could not meet demand; numerous Belgian and Spanish copies were also made
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Leopold Gasser
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
Dimensions reflect the Model 1870/74: roughly 324 mm overall with a ~237 mm barrel and a weight near 1.3 kg. The 11mm Gasser cartridge is also called .44 Montenegrin. Montenegrin owners often had grips decorated with silver, turquoise, coral and pearl as status symbols.
Background
King Nikola of Montenegro proclaimed that every male citizen was obliged to own at least one Gasser revolver, and it was rumored he held a financial stake in the Gasser company and quietly profited from his own decree.