M1879 Reichsrevolver

Infobox Weapon
name= Reichsrevolver Modell M79


caption=M1897 German Trooper's Revolver
origin=Flag|German Empire
type= revolver
is_ranged=yes
is_UK=
service= 1879-1908
used_by= German Army
wars= WWI
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=V.C. Schilling & Cie, Spangenberg &SauerC.G. Haenel & Cie, Gebruder Mauser & Cie, Oberndorf-am-Neckar, and Koniglich Gewehrfabrik Erfurt
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants= M83
spec_label=
weight= 2lb 5 oz (1040 g)
length= 12.20 in (310 mm)
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=
cartridge= 10,6x25R German Ordnance
caliber=10.6 mm
action= Single-action
rate=
velocity= 670 ft/s (205 m/s)
range=
max_range=
feed= 6-round cylinder
sights=

The M1879 Reichsrevolver, or Reichs-Commissions-revolver Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.

The two versions of the revolver differ only in barrel length. Although the design was dated, the weapon was extremely robust, and were still used through the First World War.

Design

Both were single-action solid frame non-ejecting six-shot revolvers. Loading was via a gate on the weapon's right side, and the cylinder was released by pulling the hammer to half-cock. Removing empty cartridges was done by removing the cylinder by withdrawing the axis-pin, and then removing the casings by hand.

References

* "Military Small Arms of the Twentieth Century, 7th Edition", Weeks, John, Hogg, Ivan V.