M1879 Reichsrevolver

The M1879 is referred to as the "cavalry model" and the M1883 as the "officer's model," by collectors, which were not official designations. • Illustration — Model 1883 Reichsrevolver

• Name — Reichsrevolver Model M79 • Origin — German Empire • Type — Revolver • Is Ranged — yes • Service — 1879 – 1945 • Used By — German Empire • Wars — German colonial conflicts, Boer Wars, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II • Manufacturer — V.C. Schilling & Cie Spangenberg & Sauer C.G. Haenel Mauser Königliche Gewehrfabrik Erfurt • Production Date — 1879-1908 • Number — about 450,000 (M1879 and M1883 combined) • Variants — M1883 (5 in barrel) • Weight — 1.3 kg (M1879) 0.9 kg (M1883) • Length — 345 mm (M1879) 225 mm (M1883) • Part Length — 181 mm (M1879) 117 mm (M1883) • Cartridge — 10.6×25mmR • Caliber — 10.6 mm (.41 in) • Action — Single action • Velocity — 670 ft/s • Feed — 6-round cylinder

Both models were single-action, solid frame, non-ejecting six-shot revolvers. The caliber was an indigenous 10.6×25mmR with a medium-length cartridge case, comparable to the contemporary.44 Russian round in size and power. Loading was via a gate on the revolver's right side, and the cylinder was released by pulling the hammer to half-cock. Removing empty cartridges could be done by removing the cylinder by withdrawing the axis pin, and then removing the casings by hand, but in actual practice a separate small rod (stored in the ammunition pouch) was used to push the casings out without having to remove the cylinder. A unique feature among these revolvers was the safety lever, which was often applied with the hammer resting in the half-cock position. Most revolvers came with a lanyard ring for attachment to the uniform.