Velo-Dog Pocket Revolver
Galand · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1894
Also known as: Velodog, Velo Dog
Overview
The Velo-Dog is a small, double-action-only pocket revolver developed in France by Charles-Francois Galand around 1894, designed so that cyclists could fend off aggressive dogs (the name fuses 'velocipede' with 'dog'). Chambered for the diminutive 5.5mm Velo-Dog centerfire cartridge, it features a fully shrouded hammer and often a folding trigger so it would not snag when drawn from a pocket, and its short, frequently smoothbore barrel kept it tiny and concealable. The design proved enormously popular and was copied by makers across Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and beyond into the early 20th century.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Barrel Length | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 40 J (30 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 5 m (5 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog · primary — also known as 5.5x29.6mmR, 6mm Velo-Dog, Velo-Dog Calibre
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Loading Gate Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Double Action Only Trigger
- Features: Shrouded Hammer, Folding Trigger, Pocket Size, Smoothbore Barrel, Snag Free Design
Production
Production years: 1894-1940
Produced in large numbers by many manufacturers across Europe; the design became a generic type
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Charles-Francois Galand
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
The name and pattern became generic; many makers produced 'Velo-Dog' type revolvers. Ammunition was offered with lead bullets as well as cork, wax, dust-shot and even cayenne-pepper loads intended purely to deter dogs rather than wound them.
Background
Born of the late-Victorian cycling craze, the Velo-Dog was marketed to bicyclists menaced by street dogs, and could be loaded with cork, wax or cayenne-pepper cartridges meant to scare off an animal rather than kill it.