Nidar

Ordnance Factories Board · Pistol · In Production · 2016

Overview

The Nidar is a lightweight double-action revolver produced by India's Ordnance Factories Board at the Rifle Factory Ishapore near Kolkata. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with an eight-round cylinder, it uses a light aluminium-alloy (DTD1524) frame to keep weight down to about 250 g, making it, at launch, described as the lightest revolver produced in India. Introduced in 2016 as a compact, palm-sized personal-defence sidearm sold to Indian civilian licence holders, it was positioned as a cheaper alternative to the earlier titanium-framed Nirbheek revolver.

Specifications

Weight (empty)250 g (8.8 oz)
Overall Length140 mm (5.51")
Barrel Length40.3 mm (1.59")
Action TypeDouble Action Revolver
Firing MechanismDouble Action Single Action
Trigger TypeDouble Action
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeRotary
Effective Range7 m (8 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialAluminum
Barrel MaterialSteel

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2016-present

Low-volume civilian production sold through Indian licence-holder channels

Origin

Country of origin: India

Notes

Named 'Nidar' meaning 'fearless' in Hindi, echoing the earlier Nirbheek revolver launched in memory of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim. Launched in February 2016 at a price of around Rs 35,000, well below the Nirbheek.

Background

Marketed as the lightest revolver made in India, the Nidar was designed to disappear into a palm or a handbag, and its name, meaning 'fearless', was chosen as a tribute in the same spirit as its pricier predecessor, the Nirbheek.