Rast & Gasser M1898
Rast & Gasser · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1898
Also known as: M.1898, Rast-Gasser Model 1898
Overview
The Rast & Gasser M1898 was the standard service revolver of the Austro-Hungarian Army from its adoption in 1898 through the end of World War I. Designed by August Rast and Leopold Gasser and built by the Rast & Gasser firm in Vienna, it is a solid-frame, eight-round revolver chambered in the 8mm Gasser cartridge. Rounds are loaded one at a time through an Abadie-type loading gate and ejected individually via an extractor rod; opening the gate disconnects the hammer from the trigger as a loading safety while still allowing the cylinder to rotate for reloading.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 935 g (33.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 223 mm (8.78") |
| Barrel Length | 116 mm (4.57") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 240 m/s (787 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 235 J (173 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8mm Gasser · primary — also known as 8mm Rast-Gasser, 8x27mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder, Loading Gate
- Safety mechanisms: Loading Gate Hammer Disconnect
- Features: Solid Frame, Abadie Loading Gate, Floating Firing Pin, Rebound Hammer, Eight Round Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1898 · as M1898
- Czechoslovak Army
- Royal Italian Army
- Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1898-1919
Estimates range from roughly 200,000 to 250,000 examples
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: August Rast
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
Weight is given as 935 g by most sources, with one source citing 980 g; overall length is reported as 223-225 mm. Production is variously estimated at 200,000 to 250,000.
Background
The M1898 was unusual among military service revolvers for its eight-round cylinder at a time when nearly every contemporary, from the Russian Nagant to British and American designs, held only six or seven. It remained the Austro-Hungarian Army's standard sidearm for the entire span of World War I and soldiered on in second-line and captured use across Central Europe and the Balkans into World War II.