German Reichsrevolver 1879

Published on March 14, 2026
Duration: 1:00

This expert review from C&Rsenal details the German Reichsrevolver M1879, highlighting its significant size, slow 6-round gate-loading mechanism, and 10.6x25mmR caliber. The presenter, Mae, discusses its manageable recoil due to mass but criticizes its poor ergonomics and stiff single-action trigger, concluding it was likely difficult for soldiers in World War I despite being entertaining to shoot today.

Quick Summary

The German Reichsrevolver M1879 is a substantial firearm, weighing 2.9 lbs and measuring 13.6 inches. It fires 6 rounds of 10.6x25mmR ammunition via a slow gate-loading mechanism. While recoil is manageable due to its mass, its stiff hammer, poor ergonomics, and single-action-only design present significant handling challenges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Specs Overview
  2. 00:17Loading Mechanism & Ammunition
  3. 00:25Ergonomics & Action Type
  4. 00:34Trigger, Recoil, & Sights
  5. 00:44Safety & Ejection
  6. 00:51Conclusion & Historical Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the German Reichsrevolver M1879?

The Reichsrevolver M1879 is a large revolver weighing 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) with a 13.6-inch (34.5 cm) barrel. It holds 6 rounds of 10.6x25mmR ammunition and operates in single-action only with a gate cylinder loading mechanism.

How is the Reichsrevolver M1879 loaded and what are its ammunition details?

Loading is slow via a gate cylinder, requiring manual indexing for each of the 6 rounds. It uses the 10.6 Revolverpatrone a/A cartridge, featuring a 262-grain (17g) bullet with a muzzle velocity around 670 f/s (204 m/s).

What are the ergonomic and handling characteristics of the Reichsrevolver M1879?

The grip offers poor hand guidance, and cocking the stiff hammer is difficult. While the trigger pull is smooth, the single-action-only operation and slow loading make it cumbersome for modern use.

How does the Reichsrevolver M1879 handle recoil and what are its sights like?

Recoil is manageable due to the revolver's significant mass, despite a high bore axis. The sights are tall, featuring a shallow V-notch in the rear sight.

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