History of WWI Primer 069: Japanese Revolver Type 26 Documentary

Published on January 30, 2018
Duration: 48:57

This guide details the field stripping process for the Japanese Type 26 revolver, focusing on accessing its internal mechanisms via the unique hinged side plate. The video from C&Rsenal, presented by an authority on WWI small arms, demonstrates how to open this plate for cleaning and maintenance, a process influenced by designs like the Galand de Guerre. Proper safety protocols are emphasized throughout.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 26 revolver, Japan's first domestically produced military sidearm, features a top-break action, weighs 2 lbs, and measures 9.1 inches. It fires the 9x22mmR cartridge and operates in Double Action Only (DAO). Its design was influenced by S&W, Galand, and Chamelot-Delvigne systems, though it notably lacks a cylinder lock when at rest.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Type 26
  2. 00:38Physical Specifications
  3. 01:12Historical Context and Influences
  4. 05:04Mechanical Design Origins
  5. 08:10Takedown and Internal Mechanics
  6. 13:35The Cylinder Lock Issue
  7. 16:229mm Japanese Revolver Cartridge
  8. 18:30Internal Animation
  9. 20:46Production Variations
  10. 23:26Service History
  11. 30:32Shooting Impressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key physical specifications of the Japanese Type 26 revolver?

The Japanese Type 26 revolver weighs approximately 2 lbs (0.91 kg), has an overall length of 9.1 inches (23.1 cm), and features a 6-round cylinder chambered in 9x22mmR. It operates with a Double Action Only (DAO) mechanism.

What historical influences shaped the design of the Type 26 revolver?

The Type 26 revolver is an 'amalgamated' design influenced by several late 19th-century global patterns. Its extraction system is inspired by the S&W Schofield, while its lockwork heavily draws from the Galand system and the French Chamelot-Delvigne 1873.

What is the primary criticism regarding the Type 26 revolver's design?

The most significant criticism of the Type 26 revolver is its cylinder lock mechanism. The cylinder does not lock when the hammer is at rest, allowing it to rotate freely in a holster, which poses potential safety and security concerns.

What caliber does the Japanese Type 26 revolver use, and what are its ballistics?

The Type 26 revolver uses the 9x22mmR cartridge. Ballistics data indicates a 9.7g (149gr) bullet traveling at approximately 195 m/s (639 fps), comparable in power to the .38 S&W cartridge.

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