[string1946]

I have a M 1895 Nagant and a M 1898 Rast Gasser revolver and both will allow the cylinder to rotate forward and it doesn't lock until just before the hammer falls in double action or when the hammer is cocked in single action. I'm guessing this in normal but seems a little strange. Is or was this common?

[Bob Wright]

I'm only slightly familiar with those two guns, but have some experience with similar revolvers. The actions of these, and many other European made revolvers, use the trigger as the locking bolt. As the trigger comes back to the cocked position, a projection on the trigger extends up through the frame and enters the notch on the cylinder. The hand, or pawl, that rotates the cylinder combines with this projection to lock the cylinder at the time of firing. Not too sophisticated, but its worked for many years.

Bob Wright

[gunsmoke11]

The Nagant is a revolver that can actually use a sound suppressor that works, unlike those phony Hollywood revolvers. Who would've known well over 100 years ago how unique they were?

[Bob Wright]

Further, if you will notice the cylinder notches are triangular "leads" rather than notches. When at rest, the cylinder will rotate freely. When the action is cocked, the trigger projection prevents further clockwise rotation, while the hand, or pawl, prevents reverse rotation.

Bob Wright

[nitestalker]

You have to wonder how many Communist were snapping their Nagants when a GI capped them with a positive feed 1911.

[Bob Wright]

Originally Posted by nitestalker

You have to wonder how many Communist were snapping their Nagants when a GI capped them with a positive feed 1911.

Probably not as many as you would think. Most of the firing during that era was with the M1 Rifle and Moisin rifles. And far more were taken out with the 155mm howitizer.

Bob Wright

[string1946]

Originally Posted by gunsmoke11

The Nagant is a revolver that can actually use a sound suppressor that works, unlike those phony Hollywood revolvers. Who would've known well over 100 years ago how unique they were?

The unusual action that actually cams the Nagant cylinder forward to enclose the rear of the barrel at the moment of fireing is one of the reasons I added one to my collection. Plus you can pick like new examples for around $100.