MAS 1873 revolver

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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[1] 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)[2]
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 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.

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.