Brazilian 1883 Nagant Revolver: The .44 Henry Rides Again!

Published on September 23, 2020
Duration: 7:50

This review delves into the Brazilian Model 1883 Nagant revolver, highlighting its unique procurement history where a switch from Mauser to Nagant occurred due to quality concerns. The video emphasizes its 11mm Nagant caliber, interchangeable with .44 Henry Centerfire, and discusses variations in action type and markings. Expert analysis from Ian McCollum underscores the firearm's historical significance and long service life.

Quick Summary

The Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver is chambered in 11mm Nagant, equivalent to the .44 Henry Centerfire, allowing ammunition interchangeability with Winchester 1866 carbines. Initially ordered as Mausers, Brazil switched to Nagants due to perceived inferiority. Early models were single-action, later ones double-action, serving officially until 1937.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Museum Thanks
  2. 00:33Procurement History: Mauser vs. Nagant
  3. 01:51Caliber and Ammunition Interchangeability
  4. 02:42Model Variations: Single vs. Double Action
  5. 03:50Markings and Identification
  6. 04:56Ammunition Fit Test
  7. 05:31Production and Service Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver?

The Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver is chambered in 11mm Nagant, which is functionally equivalent to the .44 Henry Centerfire cartridge. This allowed for ammunition interchangeability with other Brazilian firearms like the Winchester 1866 carbine.

What is the history behind the Brazilian 1883 Nagant's procurement?

Brazil initially ordered Mauser 1878 Zig-Zag revolvers, but their agent in Europe deemed the Mauser inferior and unilaterally changed the order to Belgian Nagant revolvers, causing a minor scandal but ultimately providing a superior sidearm.

Were there different action types for the Brazilian 1883 Nagant?

Yes, the first 3,000 units of the Brazilian Model 1883 Nagant were single-action. Later contracts, following Brazil's transition to a Republican government, specified double-action models manufactured by Nagant and in Germany.

How long did the Brazilian 1883 Nagant serve?

The Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolvers had an exceptionally long service life, remaining official sidearms until 1937 and continuing to see use in rural police departments into the 1950s.

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