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

Published on September 23, 2020
Duration: 7:50

The Brazilian Model 1883 Nagant revolver, chambered in 11mm Nagant (.44 Henry Centerfire), offered ammunition interchangeability with Brazilian Winchester 1866 carbines. Initially ordered as Mauser 1878 Zig-Zag revolvers, Brazil switched to Nagant due to perceived inferiority. Early models were single-action, with later Republican-era contracts featuring double-action variants. These revolvers served Brazil from 1883 until at least 1937, with some seeing use into the 1950s.

Quick Summary

The Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver is chambered in 11mm Nagant, equivalent to .44 Henry Centerfire, enabling 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 until the 1950s.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Brazilian Navy Nagant Revolver
  2. 00:33Procurement: Mauser vs. Nagant Order Change
  3. 01:51Caliber: 11mm Nagant & .44 Henry Interchangeability
  4. 02:42Model Variations: Single vs. Double Action
  5. 03:50Markings: Manufacturer & Government Proofs
  6. 04:56Ammunition Fit Test: .44 Henry Rimfire
  7. 05:31Service Life & Production Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver?

The Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolver is chambered in 11mm Nagant, which is effectively the same as .44 Henry Centerfire. This allowed for ammunition interchangeability with Brazilian Winchester 1866 lever-action carbines.

What was the history behind Brazil ordering Nagant revolvers instead of Mausers?

In 1883, Brazil initially ordered Mauser 1878 Zig-Zag revolvers. However, their agent in Europe deemed the Mauser inferior and unilaterally changed the order to Belgian Nagant revolvers, causing a minor scandal but resulting in a better sidearm.

Did the Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolvers have single or double action?

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

How long did the Brazilian 1883 Nagant revolvers remain in service?

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

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