Guns for the Pope's Police: Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver

Published on January 22, 2024
Duration: 13:44

This guide details the field stripping process for the Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver, a 9mm single-action firearm used by the Papal Gendarmerie. It highlights unique features like the upward-lifting loading gate and the lanyard ring serving as an ejector rod. The disassembly process, influenced by Lefaucheux designs, involves unscrewing the barrel and removing a side plate to access internal V-springs. Expert instruction is provided on handling these delicate components.

Quick Summary

The Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver, adopted by the Vatican's Papal Gendarmerie in 1868, is a compact 9mm single-action firearm. Manufactured by the Mazzocchi Brothers in Rome, approximately 2,500 units were produced. It features a sheath trigger and an innovative lanyard ring that doubles as an ejector rod.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Model 1868 Gendarmerie Pistol
  2. 01:21Search for a Compact Service Revolver
  3. 02:51The Mazzocchi Brothers Armory
  4. 03:41Design Features and Markings
  5. 04:56Mechanical Operation and Ejector
  6. 06:30Disassembly and Internal Components
  7. 08:51Cylinder Timing and Rotation
  8. 11:06Production and End of Papal States

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver used for?

The Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver, specifically the Model 1868 Gendarmerie pistol, was adopted by the Vatican's Papal States for their internal security force, the Papal Gendarmerie, in 1868.

Who manufactured the Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver?

The Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver was manufactured by the Mazzocchi Brothers, who were third-generation official armorers to the Vatican based in Rome. Their workshop produced approximately 2,500 units.

What caliber and action type is the Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver?

The Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver is a compact, single-action firearm chambered in 9mm Pinfire ammunition. It features a sheath trigger design.

What is unique about the Mazzocchi Pinfire Revolver's ejector mechanism?

A unique feature of the Mazzocchi revolver is its lanyard ring, which can be unscrewed and used as a manual ejector rod to assist in removing stuck cartridges from the cylinder.

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