by hand, using the beak of the cylinder axis head as a key for releasing the side-plate lock screw.
In our opinion, the models of 1873 and 1874 are, from a mechanical standpoint, the finest of our French service revolvers.
THE FRENCH 11MM SERVICE AMMUNITION
The original loading consisted of a centerfire rimmed cartridge featuring a hollow base 179-gr. sharp pointed pure lead bullet propelled by 10 grains of black powder at a laughable 426 fps muzzle velocity for a muzzle energy of only 72 ft./lbs. If we compare with the .44 SW American loading of 1871 (180 grains bullet at 649 fps) intended for shooting in a top-break revolver, one wonders why a “solid frame” was required!
The hammer at the safety notch.
To remove the cylinder, depress the field stripping latch, with the ejector rod unlocked, and pull out the rod. With the loading door opened and hammer at the safety notch, the cylinder can be easily removed.
In front of the hammer, at the frame rear end, the rear sight “V” notch.
In the frame rear hump, on the left side, the side-plate slotted attachment screw.
On this detail view, above the cylinder pin, the ejector rod end fitting unlocked for extracting empty cases or removing the cylinder.
Obviously, French military engineers were later ashamed of such performance, as they increased the muzzle velocity to 623 fps in 1890! As a matter of fact, it is this later improved loading that was used during both World Wars.
SHOOTING THE 1873 SERVICE MODEL
With its circular grip, the gun – which balances at 42% of its overall length, under the cylinder rim, i.e. above the trigger with the hammer lowered – is very comfortable in the hand, as it is slightly muzzle-heavy, and points naturally.
The trigger lies a bit too far forward for double action shooting but is adequate for single action. However, the sights are too high at 1.57 inches above the hand and the “V” notch is quite narrow in relation with the bead for slow fire shooting at 25 meters.
Thanks to the grip rear hump, the gentle recoil is easily controlled. In fact, the only problem with this gun is its trigger pull (8.8 lbs. in single action and 15.4 lbs. in double).
Thanks to the fact that these Chamelot-Delvigne revolvers are now legally considered in France to be “antiques,” many people are using them, without licence, for competitive shooting, off-hand, at 25 meters (about 28 yards). As their only flimsy component is the trigger return spring, we now have French craftsmen who make spares, and as our modern shooters do not use their guns on horseback, such springs can be lighter than the originals, bringing the single action pull down to about 5 pounds, which is quite perfect!
THE ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS OF THE TIME
According to the “Shooting Regulations for Cavalry” of 1894 (“Règlement sur l’instruction du tir des troupes de cavalerie,” dated september 15, 1894), the shooting distances were 15 and 30 meters (49 and 98 feet) at circular targets of respectively 20 and 40 centimeters in diameter (8 and 16 inches). The larger target featured an internal 8-inch-diameter ring counting for two points and an outer one for one point.
At 30 meters, shooting was performed single action only (12 rounds) and, at 15 meters, both in single and double action (12 rounds each) for a total of 36 rounds. The larger targets were used at 30 meters only and the smaller ones, at 15 meters.
With scores reaching or exceeding 24/36, shooters were rated first class; at 12/36, they rated second class; and, under 12/36, third class. (Now, 115 years later, we shoot at 25 meters single action only, at the ISU international circular target featuring a 2-inch ten ring.)
JAMS AND COMPONENT FAILURES
The French 1873 cavalry revolver was quite a rugged gun for its time. Using the regular 1890 service ammunition, misfires were rare in single action, but return trigger spring breakages were quite common. In double action, to the contrary, firing pin spikes could occur and, more rarely, cylinder jams. The Cavalry manual instructions concerning combat use of the 1873 revolver gave the following advice (Manuel du cavalier – 15ème régiment des chasseurs. Belfort, 1876):
The Revolver: Its Use In Mêlée Same maintenance than for the Rifle; daily check of lock and ratchet. The revolver is a very efficient weapon in mêlée, but its use should be limited to very close range. Accordingly, the cavalryman armed with it must hold the saber in his bridle hand and use his revolver against a threatening opponent, an enemy out of reach, or gunners sheltered behind their cannons. Moreover if he is unhorsed, he can defend himself from infantry men…
PRODUCTION FIGURES AND COSTS
The Saint-Etienne arsenal manufactured 325,885 Model 1873 revolvers (including 67 pre-production guns) by 1884. 176 of these revolvers were rebuilt in 1884, using salvaged components.
When, in 1877, the French Navy abandoned their former Le-faucheux Model 1870 in favor of the 1873 revolver, this particular version was delivered blued, for improving its resistance to salt water. A total of 12,868 guns in the Navy configuration was delivered from 1877 to 1886. Many of them were still in service during World War II.
The 1873 service revolvers were charged to the Government from 41,30 Francs (about $8.26) in 1884, to 62,96 Francs (about $12.59) in 1886.
After World War II, this writer purchased a brand new second-hand example around 1952 at 1000 Francs (about $4 USD). They are now much more highly prized than that in Europe. Currently, as legal antiques, they are worth 1000 Euro ($1450 USD) in the same condition! As for the rarer Navy models marked with the anchor, if they retain their original blue finish, you may have to pay up to 2000 Euro ($2900 USD)!
1874 CHAMELOT-DELVIGNE FRENCH OFFICERS’ MODEL
In 1874, while the army was testing the first 67 production model 1873 troopers’ revolvers, the Saint-Etienne arsenal released the new, more lighter and compact “Officers Model of 1874.”
Basically, the action was the same as the M1873’s, but the cylinder was fluted and slightly shorter; the overall length was reduced by one inch (8.58 inches instead of 9.68 inches); the barrel was shorter (4.33 inches instead of 4.48 inches); the sights were improved; and the trigger pulls were smoother. Moreover, the guns were now blued, with the action components light yellow heat-treated. In short, it was now a gentleman’s handgun intended for general distribution among all French Army officers.
From the practical standpoint of the user, the “V” notch was slightly more opened and deeper than on the original 1873 version for troopers, and the front sight bead was .01 inch smaller.
In single action, the trigger pull was now in the 7 lbs. range but, in double action, it was similar to that of the 1873 model, as officers were also riding
