Nagant M1883
Fabrique d'armes Emile et Leon Nagant · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1883
Also known as: Belgian M1883 Nagant, Nagant Model 1883, M1883 .44 Nagant
Overview
The Nagant M1883 is a Belgian six-shot, solid-frame, double-action service revolver chambered for the 9.4mm Nagant cartridge. Designed by Leon Nagant and built by the Nagant brothers' Fabrique d'armes in Liege, it loads through a hinged side gate and clears spent cases with a swing-out ejector rod. Belgian production could not meet demand from export customers, so manufacture was licensed to the Suhl Consortium in Germany, including Simson & Co., to fill contracts for Brazil and Argentina.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Barrel Length | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 198 m/s (650 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 237 J (175 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9.4mm Nagant · primary — also known as 9.4x22R, 9.4mm Belgian, .44 Nagant, 11mm Belgian Nagant
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Solid Frame, Loading Gate, Swing Out Ejector Rod, Fixed Sights, Lanyard Ring
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Navy · adopted 1883
- Argentine Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1883-1900
Produced in Liege by Nagant and under license by the Suhl Consortium (including Simson & Co.) in Germany for Brazilian and Argentine contracts.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Leon Nagant
Discontinued: 1900
Notes
Some early examples were produced as single-action only, while the bulk of Belgian and German-licensed production was double-action. The German-made guns are marked by their Suhl manufacturers and are often found with Brazilian Navy markings.
Background
When the Nagant brothers' Liege workshop could not produce enough revolvers to satisfy South American orders, the design was farmed out to German gunmakers in Suhl, so many surviving 'Belgian' M1883 Nagants were actually built in Germany.