Model 1879 Reichsrevolver

The Model 1883 Reichsrevolver served as the standard German handgun from 1883 to 1908, evolving from the larger 1879 model with a shortened barrel and improved ergonomics. While the military version was single-action-only with a manual safety, commercial variants like those from Dreyse featured a unique double-action system with two triggers. Both models utilized the 10.6mm German Ordnance caliber and a 6-round cylinder, with military models requiring a separate rod for ejection.

The German Reichsrevolver M1879 is a substantial antique firearm, weighing 2.9 lbs and measuring 13.6 inches. It fires 10.6mm black powder rounds and features a slow gate-loading process with manual cylinder indexing. Despite a smooth trigger and manageable recoil due to its weight, its single-action-only hammer is stiff, the grip offers little assistance, and ejection requires a separate tool.

This "American Rifleman Television" segment delves into the German Reichsrevolver, also known as the German Commission Revolver. The video highlights the unique appearance and heavy-duty nature of these late 19th-century military sidearms, detailing the two models produced in 1879 and 1883. The description humorously explains the "Commission Revolver" nickname, suggesting the gun's design reflects a committee's input.

This video provides a detailed explanation of the German Reichsrevolver Model 1879, a historical firearm. It highlights key features such as its 6-shot cylinder, single-action mechanism, manual safety, and gate-loading system without an ejector rod. The content is presented as part of a WWI Primer series, indicating a focus on historical military firearms. The creators encourage viewer support through Patreon and SubscribeStar.

This video from CandRsenal explores a selection of revolvers from the Great War, highlighting both exemplary and disappointing examples. It delves into various models, offering insights into their design, performance, and historical context. The description provides links to specific revolver reviews featured in the video, as well as support options for the channel and featured sponsors like Ballistol USA.

The Reichsrevolver, despite its historical significance in the German military, is critically examined for its outdated design compared to contemporaries. Its single-action-only mechanism, heavy hammer spring, awkward grip (especially on the 1879 model), cumbersome loading, and difficult ejection system highlight its shortcomings. European designs like the French Chamelot-Delvigne 1873 and Swiss Model 1878 offered superior double-action capabilities, better ergonomics, and integrated ejectors, making the Reichsrevolver a lackluster firearm for its era.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.