MAS 1873 revolver
The service revolver model 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne was the first double-action revolver used by the French Army. It was produced by Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne from 1873 to 1887 in about 337,000 copies. Although replaced by the Modele 1892 revolver, it was nevertheless widely used during the First World War and issued to reserve units in 1940. The French Resistance made widespread use of it during the German occupation.
| French modèle 1873 revolver | |
|---|---|
Model 1873 | |
| Type | Service Revolver |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1873–1945 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | French Colonial conflicts, Monegasque Revolution, Balkan Wars First World War, Second World War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Henri-Gustave Delvigne J. Chamelot |
| Manufacturer | Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne |
| Produced | 1873–1887 |
| No. built | 337,000 |
| Variants | MAS 1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.04 kg |
| Length | 240 mm |
| Barrel length | 115 mm |
| Cartridge | 11 mm Mle 1873, 12 mm Lefaucheux (Navy models) |
| Caliber | 11 mm |
| Action | Double Action revolver |
| Rate of fire | 20–30 rounds/minute |
| Effective firing range | 50 metres |
| Maximum firing range | 300 metres |
| Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
| Sights | Fixed front blade and rear notch |
The model 1874, of which 35,000 were made, was an officer's version. It differs from the model 1873 by having a lighter structure and a darker finish. Many copies for civilian sale were made in France and Belgium.
Both the 1873 and the 1874 use an 11mm cartridge which proved to have insufficient velocity. The weapons themselves were very reliable and resistant to damage.
A Navy version was also produced. A more powerful cartridge was produced for this version, but production ceased and they turned to the regular ammunition when the stocks were depleted.