1895 Nagant revolver (gas seal)

[Ranb]

I bought an 1895 Nagant revolver a while back. It is interesting because it is (was) the only mass produced revolver that can be effectively suppressed. This is due to the unique action that pushed the cylinder forward to allow the brass mouth to enter the back of the barrel. The brass is very long, about 1/10th of an inch longer than the cylinder and crimped enough to allow it to enter the barrel.

Typical target loads are 700 fps with a 98 grain bullet (106 ft-lbs), this makes it less powerful than a 38 special or a 22lr rifle (about 125 ft-lbs). Accuracy is not so great and the double action trigger pull is the second worst I have ever seen. The worst was an old 38 Webley which took two fingers to pull.


The Lee die set is unsuitable for loading the Nagant brass. I had to make a longer expander to ensure the case did not bulge and the seater needed a plug installed to seat the bullet down past the mouth. I also use a Lee 30 carbine factory crimp die to crimp the mouth closed enough to ensure properly operation of the gun action.

The video does not do the noise suppression justice, but unsuppressed it is almost as loud as a 38 special, but suppressed is it nearly as quiet as a P-22.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGoPE7VQ9GY

Ranb

[Yeadon]

That is sexy!!!

[coctailer]

Nagants rule!!!

[Ranb]

How well does yours seal? I wrapped tissue paper around the cylinder and shot it. The tissue had a small amount of soot on it, but was not damaged, so it leaks a bit.

Ranb

[coctailer]

I think they all leak a bit.

I haven't shot it. Seems like I just work all the time but never actually go shooting.