Le Redoutable: A Double-Barrel 20-Shot Revolver

Published on February 3, 2022
Duration: 11:19

The Le Redoutable is a unique 20-shot, double-barrel revolver from Manufrance, chambered in .25 caliber (6.35mm). Its innovative design features staggered chambers and two barrels to achieve high capacity in a manageable size. Despite its complexity and high initial cost, it was eventually overshadowed by semi-automatic pistols after WWI, making it a rare historical curiosity.

Quick Summary

The Le Redoutable is a unique 20-shot, double-barrel revolver from Manufrance, chambered in .25 caliber (6.35mm). It achieved high capacity via staggered chambers and two barrels, featuring a simultaneous 20-round ejector. Despite its innovation, it was expensive and eventually overshadowed by semi-automatic pistols.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Le Redoutable 20-Shot Revolver
  2. 01:11Manufrance: The Retailer Behind Le Redoutable
  3. 02:04Evolution of High-Capacity Revolvers
  4. 04:02Le Redoutable Mechanical Overview
  5. 05:56Double Barrel Firing Sequence Explained
  6. 08:03Market Context & Rarity of Le Redoutable

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Le Redoutable revolver unique?

The Le Redoutable was unique for its 20-shot capacity achieved through a double-barrel system with staggered chambers. It also featured a simultaneous 20-round ejector plate and operated in double-action/single-action mode.

Who manufactured and sold the Le Redoutable revolver?

The Le Redoutable was produced and sold by Manufacture d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Étienne, commonly known as Manufrance. They were a major French retailer that sold a wide variety of goods, including firearms, through extensive catalogs.

What caliber was the Le Redoutable chambered in?

The Le Redoutable revolver was chambered in .25 caliber, which is equivalent to 6.35mm Browning. This allowed for a high number of rounds within its relatively compact cylinder design.

Why is the Le Redoutable considered a rare firearm today?

Le Redoutable was expensive at its release and faced competition from emerging semi-automatic pistols. Post-WWI economic shifts and changing firearm trends led to its discontinuation, making surviving examples rare and sought-after historical curiosities.

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