Revolver Showdown: The Fastest Gate Loader versus a Smith & Wesson

Published on December 26, 2017
Duration: 13:30

This video compares the Swiss Model 1882/29 gate-loading revolver with the Smith & Wesson Military & Police swing-out cylinder model, highlighting the significant speed advantage of the latter in reloading. The presenter, Mike from TFB TV, demonstrates the Abadie system's slower operation compared to modern designs, concluding that gate loaders are inherently less efficient for rapid use.

Quick Summary

The Swiss Model 1882/29, the last black powder military revolver, features the Abadie gate-loading system. In a comparison, its reload time was 20.84 seconds, significantly slower than the Smith & Wesson Military & Police swing-out cylinder, which completed a 12-shot sequence including reloads in 20.39 seconds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Last Black Powder Military Revolver
  2. 00:12The 7.5 Swiss Ordnance Cartridge
  3. 00:33Swiss Model 1882/29: Design and Updates
  4. 01:16Gate Loader Explained: Abadie System
  5. 02:02Abadie System Reload Mechanism
  6. 03:02General European Double Action Revolver Design
  7. 03:35Unissued Revolvers and Historical Context
  8. 04:35The Rise of Paratroopers and Sidearm Relevance
  9. 05:03Abadie System Origin and Comparison
  10. 05:25The Showdown: Swiss vs. Smith & Wesson
  11. 05:37Smith & Wesson Military & Police: British Pattern
  12. 05:49Test Parameters: 12 Shots, 10m Target, Reload
  13. 06:12Ammunition Used for Testing
  14. 07:20Shooting the Swiss Model 1882/29 (Double Action)
  15. 08:46Swiss Model 1882/29 Reload Time: 20.84 Seconds
  16. 09:06Shooting the Smith & Wesson M&P (Double Action)
  17. 10:02Smith & Wesson M&P Total Time: 20.39 Seconds
  18. 10:28Conclusion: Gate Loader Inefficiency
  19. 10:51Historical Adoption of Swing-Out Cylinders
  20. 11:32Comparison of Handling and Feel
  21. 12:14Effect on Target
  22. 12:42Final Verdict: Gate Loader vs. Swing-Out
  23. 12:49Outro and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Abadie system on revolvers?

The Abadie system, seen on revolvers like the Swiss Model 1882/29, is a type of gate loading mechanism. When the ejection rod gate is opened, it disconnects the double-action sear and blocks the hammer. A unique feature is that the cylinder rotates with each trigger pull, aligning for ejection.

Why was the Swiss Model 1882/29 considered the last black powder military revolver?

The Swiss Model 1882/29 was the last black powder revolver adopted by a Western military. It used the 7.5 Swiss Ordnance cartridge, which, due to inertia, was still loaded with black powder as late as the 1960s or 1970s, long after smokeless powder became standard.

How does the reloading speed of a gate loader compare to a swing-out cylinder?

Reloading a gate-loading revolver like the Swiss Model 1882/29 is significantly slower than a swing-out cylinder model such as the Smith & Wesson Military & Police. In testing, the gate loader's reload took 20.84 seconds, while the entire 12-shot sequence with reloads for the swing-out cylinder was completed in 20.39 seconds.

What were the intended roles for the Swiss Model 1882/29 revolver?

The Swiss Model 1882/29 was typically issued to non-commissioned officers, dog handlers, and military police. It served as a sidearm for personnel in rear-echelon roles who preferred not to carry a long arm for their duties.

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