*SOLD* 1931 Tula Arsenal Nagant 1895 7.62x38R Blk *DESIRABLE PRE-WWII EXAMPLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

Léon Nagant and his brother Émile were well known in the Russian Tsar's court and military administration because of the part they had played in the design of the Russian service rifle, the Mosin–Nagant Model 1891. The Nagant M1895 was adopted as the standard issue side arm for the Imperial Russian Army and police officers, where it replaced earlier Smith & Wesson models such as the Model 3. Production began in Liège, Belgium; however, Russia purchased the manufacturing rights in 1898 and moved production to the Tula Arsenal in Russia, and was soon producing 20,000 examples per year.

Until 1918 it was produced in two versions: a double-action version for officers and a cheaper single-action version for the lower ranks. It continued to be used after the Russian Revolution by the Red Army and Soviet security forces. The distinctive shape and name helped it achieve cult status in Russia, and in the early 1930s, the presentation of a Nagant M1895 revolver with an embossed Red Star was one of the greatest honors that could be bestowed on any Party Member.

The Nagant M1895 was chambered for a proprietary cartridge, 7.62×38mmR, and featured an unusual "gas-seal" system, in which the cylinder moved forward when the gun was cocked to close the gap between the cylinder and the barrel, providing a boost to the muzzle velocity of the bullet and allowing the weapon to be suppressed which is an unusual characteristic for a revolver.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Tula Arsenal

Model: Nagant 1895

Serial: 44964

Date of Manufacture: 1929

Caliber: 7.62x38mmR

Finish: Black

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

Optics/Sights: Ramp front with Fixed U-notch rear

Stock/Grips: Diamond checkered wood grips

Action: Double/Single Action 

Markings: Standard / Left side of the frame is stamped with the Tula Arsenal star/arrow proof mark and the date of manufacture "1931". The right side of the frame is stamped "1895 Russia 7.62x38R C.A.I. Georgia VT." and also stamped with an Import serial number "189520488".

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