The service revolver model 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne was the first modern handgun of the French army (Double Action). It was produced by Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne from 1873 to 1887 in about 337,000 copies. Although soon replaced by the Modele 1892 revolver, it was nevertheless widely used during the First World War, and issued to reserve units in 1940. The Resistance made widespread use of it during the Occupation.

The model 1874, of which 35,000 were made, was an officer version. It differs from model 1873 by a lighter structure and a darker finish. Many civilians copies were made in France and Belgium.

Both the 1873 and the 1874 use a 11mm cartridge which proved to have an insufficient velocity. The weapons themselves were very reliable and resistant.

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.

Features

Army model 73

• Length: 240 mm
• Barrel length: 115 mm
• Weight (empty): 1.04 kg
• Cylinder: 6 cartridges
• Ammunition: 11 mm Mle 1873 (11x17 R)
• Rifling: 4 right
• Operation: single or double action.

Army model 74

• Length: 228 mm
• Barrel length: 110 mm
• Weight (empty): 1 kg
• Cylinder: 6 cartridges
• Ammunition: 11 mm Mle 1873 (11x17 R)
• Rifling: 4 right
• Operation: single or double action

Usage

Model 1873 was issued to the French Army, the French Navy, the National Gendarmerie and the National Police until 1962. It was also in use with Banque de France, the French Forces of the Interior and the National Forests Office.

The MAS 1873 served from the early days of the French Third Republic and the conquest of its empire, up to the Great War and the Second World War.

External links

• Les armes de poing
• Index Général Gazette des Armes de 1972 à 2007