Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver (Shooting)

Published on December 20, 2016
Duration: 13:28

This guide details the disassembly of the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver, focusing on accessing its internal mechanism. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum highlights the unique side plate design and the intricate clockwork, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interaction between the loading gate and trigger indexing for maintenance and appreciation of this historical firearm.

Quick Summary

The Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver is chambered in 7.5mm Swiss and features an Abadie loading system with a rebounding hammer for safe carry. Mechanically similar to the French 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne, it remained in service due to its lower cost compared to the Luger, despite its relatively weak cartridge performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver
  2. 00:58Historical Context and Caliber Evolution
  3. 01:557.5mm Swiss Cartridge Performance
  4. 02:38Military Service and Cost Analysis
  5. 03:56Mechanical Features: Abadie System & Safety
  6. 05:13Shooting Demonstration and Trigger Feel
  7. 06:01Loading and Unloading Procedures
  8. 07:39Markings, Serial Numbers, and Variations
  9. 09:43Disassembly and Internal Mechanism Explained
  10. 12:06Conclusion and Ammunition Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver?

The Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver is chambered in 7.5mm Swiss. This caliber was adopted to align with the military's transition towards smaller-caliber smokeless powder rifle cartridges.

How does the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver compare mechanically to other firearms?

Mechanically, the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver is considered closer to the French 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne action. Despite some visual similarities, it differs significantly from firearms like the Russian Nagant.

Why did the Swiss military keep the 1882 Revolver in service alongside the Luger?

The Swiss military retained the 1882 Revolver for rear-echelon troops and NCOs post-WWII primarily due to cost. It was approximately half the price of a Luger, making it a more economical choice for widespread issue.

What are the key mechanical features of the Swiss 1882 Ordnance Revolver?

Key features include an Abadie loading system for easier cylinder indexing and a rebounding hammer for safe carry with all six rounds loaded. It also has a heavy double-action trigger pull contrasted by a good single-action pull.

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