"Nagan" (pistol): history, description, characteristics

"Nagan" is a pistol created by armourers from Belgium by the brothers Emil (1830-1902) and Leon (1833-1900) by the Nagans. These weapons were manufactured in some countries in the late XIX - mid XX century. It was used to arm the army.

History of creation

At the end of the XIX century, many countries speculated about the rearmament of their troops. In those days, revolvers had high hopes: this personal short-barreled firearm combined sufficient simplicity of the device, reliability and multi-charge. The focus of European arms production was the city of Liège, located in Belgium. Since 1859 the factory of Leon and Emil Nagan worked there. It was a small family workshop, where Dutch pistols were being repaired, and sometimes even developed firearms.

The first unique revolver was presented by the elder brother Emil for testing to the Belgian military department. It was decided to use it as an officer and non-commissioned officer's weapon, called the "revolver of the 1878 model". This 9-mm pistol in 1878 was six-digit. It was equipped with a "double effect device": the trigger was cocked either with the hand of an arrow, or by pressing the trigger.

The non-commissioned infantry officers, the cavalry and the auxiliary staff of the Belgian army believed that the Nagan was a high-class pistol! Indeed, on the instructions of the leadership of this brave army, a 9-mm Nagan M / 1883 pistol was designed with deliberately deteriorated combat qualities: the design had a new part, which excludes shooting by "self-cocking". Simply put, when firing from this sample, it was necessary to cock the trigger after each shot.

As a result, another 2-3 modifications of different caliber and barrel length were made. A little later, Emil Nagan fell seriously ill and completely lost his sight. Now the main work on improving the device was taken up by Leon Nagan.

A sample of 1886

So, we are studying further the Nagan. The 1886 pistol weighed a little less than its predecessors. It was more reliable, and the design became technologically more efficient. In this model in the shock-trigger device, four springs were replaced by one double. In addition, the new product took into account the propensity for the development of weapons in the direction of diminishing caliber: experts chose the most popular at that time, the 7.5-mm charge with smokeless powder.

The most important problem that the designers of revolvers had to solve was the penetration of powder gases into the gap, which formed the front end of the drum and the breech of the trunk.

Belgian gunsmith Henri Pieper found a solution to the problem of obturation: the trigger mechanism of his invention before the shot moved the drum forward. The Henry revolver had a special design, in it the bullet was completely hidden in the sleeve, the sleeve of the cartridge case served as obturator, which was distributed by powder guns and pressed to the stem channel at the moment of the volley - this action prevented the breakthrough of gases.

This rule, with an impressive simplification of the device pushing the barrel on the barrel, was used by Leon Nagan in 1892. Under the new model of the revolver, he developed a charge with a sleeve equipped with a long dulce. What did the Nagan turn into? This pistol has now become a classic example, and subsequent models have not undergone significant changes in the design.

Device

All revolvers Nagan have a common base and properties:

• A double-effect trigger and trigger device allows you to shoot both with cocked cocking and self-cocking. The only exceptions are "soldier" and "noncommissioned" pre-revolutionary models, in which the self-cocking mechanism is blocked in order to reduce the consumption of ammunition.
• Non-removable monolithic frame.
• The door opening the drum chambers by a lateral turn. The only exception is the sample 1910, in which the door leans back and releases the drum that swings to the right.
• The trunk is on a blind landing, screwed into the frame.
• The ramrod, hiding in the fighting position in the axis of the drum. He after the completion of the shooting performs the function of the extractor - he pushes out the spent cartridges.
• The device is located in the frame and is closed with a flat lid.

The drum performs the functions of both the magazine and the chamber at the same time. At the most widespread sample of 1895 and at its many variations the drum contains 7 charges. In fact, the hollow shaft of the drum is inserted into the frame from the front and fixed to it with a ramrod tube. This tube is placed in front of the drum: it is attached to the neck of the barrel so that it rotates on it like an axis. Samples, in which the drum is pushed onto the barrel, the first has a return mechanism, which includes a drum tube and a spring.

The lock drum kit is attached to the right side of the frame. Its function is carried out by a spring-loaded door. When it is open (sideways), you can discharge and charge the weapon. When the door is closed, it closes the chamber without letting the charge fall, and it is thanks to it that the drum can not turn counter-clockwise.

"Nagan" fighting on the drum has seven nests and grooves necessary for the protrusion of the door in a closed and open position.

In general, the mechanism of the revolver basically consists of components working as a locking mechanism, turning and pushing the drum on the barrel: a slider, a breech, a trigger with a dog and a fighting spring. The number includes the shock-trigger mechanism.

By the way, in those years, the devices consisted of a fly placed on the front trunk portion and the head, which has an aiming slot at the top of the frame. In total, the device of the revolver of 1895 is composed of 39 elements.

Shock-and-trigger device

This weapon is equipped with a double-action kurk. At the same time, a model with single-action USM was also produced. This device has a hinge hinged on the trigger, attached to the battle plate spring - it is double, located on the handle.

The revolver's whisper is made together with the trigger. There is no fuse, but if you do not press the trigger, the special element will not allow the jaw to come into contact with the capsule. If the trigger is cocked, then it uses a special lock mechanism, which moves the drum of the weapon forward. Trigger hook at this moment will stop the drum so that it does not rotate.

Ballistic properties

What is the accuracy of the revolver "Nagan"? At this weapon the fixed sight is adjusted to a distance of 25 m. It should be noted that it is at this distance that the aiming point coincides with the middle point of hits. Different gaps can boast completely different hit points:

Distance, m		From the stand		With hands
eleven		4.0		7.0
18		5.6		9.0
25		7.2		13
36		eleven		19
50		14		-

The Power of Combat

A punch of pine boards 2.54 cm thick from thirty-five paces (25 meters) is monitored for punching: 3 boards - 100% bullets, 4 boards - 70%, 5 boards - 25%. The boards are placed at a distance of 8 cm from each other. One board is pierced at a distance of up to two hundred steps (140 m).

Production

Russian Izhevsk Arms Factory is now making very high-quality revolvers. But the Swedish "Nagan" model of 1887 was made in Belgium. Interestingly, the 9 mm sample of 1878 was praised by the Belgian army. This contributed to the popularization of the brand name of the Nagan factory on the world market.

The same pistol, created in 1895, as well as its variations, was produced by many gunsmiths around the world, namely the Russian Imperial Weapons Factory in Tula, the Polish arms factory in Radom, the German Enel in Suhl, the Belgian Lepage, Francot "and" Bayar "," Arizmendi-Goenaga "in Spain and others.

"Nagan" in the arsenal of the Russian army

At the end of the XIX century, the Russian Empire engaged in a massive rearmament of its troops. Mosin's rifle, released in 1891, was chosen as the standard of small arms. In those days, Russia's firearms represented a morally obsolete sample of the 4.2-linear (10.67 mm) Smith-Wesson III pistol, developed in 1880.

Even the commission for the production of small-caliber rifles, headed by Lieutenant-General N. G. Chagin, was connected to the search for promising models. It is interesting that the following requirements were imposed on the new army revolver:

• Impressive stopping action of the bullet. In those days, the main type of troops was the cavalry, so the shot at an effective distance (up to 50 steps) was to knock the horse.
• The "battle force" should be enough to punch 4-5-inch pine boards. The mass is small (0.82-0.92 kg).
• The caliber, direction, number, profile of the trunk cuts and the like should be identical to the parameters of the Mosin three-linear rifle. Thus, when creating revolvers, you can use rifle burrs.
• A revolver can not be equipped with a self-cocking device, otherwise its accuracy will deteriorate.
• The primary velocity of the bullet must be at least 300 m / s.
• The revolver must have an excellent accuracy of fire.
• It is necessary that the device be simple and technological.
• The weapon must be reliable, insensitive to dirt and poor operating conditions, easy to maintain.
• The sleeves should not be extracted simultaneously, but alternately.
• The sighting mechanism should be designed so that the trajectory of the bullet can cross the line of sight at a distance of 35 steps.
• The drum should contain at least seven charges.
• The cartridge was to be with a shell bullet, a brass flange sleeve and smokeless powder.

In general, self-cocked shooting and synchronous removal of shot cartridges were rejected because they complicated the device (this had a negative effect on the reliability and cost of the revolver) and resulted in an excessive consumption of ammunition.

To the announced competition and a potential colossal order, domestic and foreign arms sculptors showed great interest. Several samples of the Smith-Wesson pistol, revolvers and autopits were presented. In the finals, Belgian gunsmiths Henri Pieper started the serious struggle with the sample M1889 "Bayar" and Leon Nagan with M1892. By the way, the modern pneumatic gun "Nagan Gletcher NGT" is an exact copy of the model that won this contest.

Leon Nagan remade his product for the Russian 7.62-mm caliber. As in 1883, he eliminated self-cocking fire, spoiling the quality of weapons in accordance with the claims of the competition.

In total, two variants were proposed - six- and seven-shot revolvers. The Piper model was rejected because of the massive and unreliable device. Leon Nagan won the contest, probably because he had long-established connections in the Russian military department.

Nagan for a patent for a revolver broke the price of 75,000 rubles. He could not get this money, as he was refused. Next was a re-match, but with more subtle conditions. Now, in addition to the parameters, a bonus was offered: twenty thousand rubles for the construction of weapons and five thousand for the design of the charge. In addition, the winner had to give his offspring to the full ownership of the Russian government, which acquired the right to produce it both in his country and abroad without any payment to the inventor.

Piper at the competition showed newly recycled revolvers with unique automation. The commission considered them "unsuitable, but witty." Revolver SI Mosin with six barrels also was not adopted. Finishing in the device of the Nagan gun was less significant. Conducted comparative tests with Smith's Wesson 4.2-linear weapon, and the device was approved. It is interesting that after the military tests the officers wanted to get a revolver with a double effect and self-cocking fire.

The Commission returned to the self-cocking version of the sample, but did not see its unconditional success, therefore decided that the firearms of Russia Should be replenished with such revolvers: self-cocked for officers, and for privates and noncommissioned officers - not self-pressurized.

The device was made a few minor changes and approved it in the spring of 1895. The holster for the Nagan of this model was a cloth. It was manned with a leather cord-trench and a ramrod for cleaning weapons.

May 13, 1895 decree of Nicholas II "officer" and "soldier" samples of the pistol "Nagan" were adopted by the Russian army. It is noteworthy that by the military department this weapon was officially adopted in June 1896.

Modifications

Too troublesome to get permission for a rifled weapon - it is necessary to bypass a lot of cabinets. And many can not do this, so people get pneumatics. But we will not be distracted and list the samples of the amazing revolver "Nagan". Here they are:

• The Nagant M1910 is a Belgian weapon of the 1910 model. Has a simultaneous extraction of shot cartridges.

Combat Models:

• The Soldier "Nagan" is a stunning weapon of the 20th century with a shock-triggered non-self-powered device. Its production was discontinued in 1918.
• "Nagan", created for the officers, is equipped with a self-cocking self-cocking device.
• On the eve of the First World War carbines were made for border troops in small numbers: a carbine with an integral butt and a barrel 300 mm long and a revolver with a removable butt and an enlarged barrel up to 200 mm.
• "Nagan", created for commanders, is a compact version of a revolver designed for concealed wearing. Its barrel is reduced to 85 mm, and the handle is shortened. The sample was developed in 1927. It was produced until 1932 in small batches. A total of about 25,000 pieces of these products. The OGPU and NKVD officers were armed with this model.
• For the reconnaissance-sabotage battalions in 1929 a pistol with a silencer was equipped with a silent shooting apparatus "Bramit", which excludes the appearance of a flame. Developed by the brothers IG and VG Mitin.
• Nagant wz. 30 - weapons created by Nagan in 1895, made by the Poles. From 1930 to 1939 it was serially produced in the city of Radom at an arms factory. In total, Poland produced 20,000 revolver pieces "Nagan" of two samples: Ng wz.30 and Ng wz.32.

Sports models are weapons of the 20th century

These wonderful products:

• Training revolver Nagan-Smirnsky for training, developed in 1926. Its designer is AA Smirnsky. From 1925 to 1939, these products produced 3,500 pieces under a 5.6-mm round-ring charge.
• The revolver "Nagan" for sports was created in 1953. Its designer is VA Paramonov. This sample was produced from 1956 to 1966. In total, 8,220 pieces of MC-4 and MC-4-1 were manufactured.
• TOZ-36 - sports weapons of the 1962 model. This model was designed by E. L. Khaidurov.
• TOZ-49 - pistol of the 1972 model, made for sport. It was designed by EL Khaidurov. Has a shortened drum under the shortened cartridge 7,62Х26 Mm.
• TOZ-96 is an export version of TOZ-49 under the charge .32 S & W Long Wadcutter. It is produced since 1996.

Sport and hunting models

And now consider the weapon Following samples:

• Carbine KR-22 "Sokol" is a conversion sample for the charge .22 LR. This revolver "Nagan" is equipped with a trunk, elongated to 500 mm, wooden fore-fence and a wooden butt-butt stock. This product weighs 2 kg. To make it started in 2010.
• The "Thunder" gun is a conversion model manufactured by the Ukrainian company SOBR. This sports pistol under the 4-mm charge Flaubert, created for training.

Civil defensive weapons

What is the "Nagan" traumatic and gas? In the early 2000s, several variations of such pistols were created, produced by changing the combat "Nagans".

1. In Russia, the following defensive weapons are produced: the trauma R1 "Naganych" under the charge of 9 mm RA and VPO-502 "Nagan-M" under a charge of 10X32 mm T, the service injury of the RS under a charge of 10X23 mm T.
2. In Ukraine, gas and traumatizing guns are manufactured: Combrig, Scat 1R, G-Nagan, short SKAT 1RK and Nagan RF.
3. In the USA, a pneumatic gun "Nagan Gletcher NGT" is manufactured. It's a gas-ball twin of the legendary revolver.

Due to forensic requirements, in the device of the weapon shooting rubber bullets, there were changes forbidding shooting by combat charges.

Signal (noise) models

• VPO-503 "Nagan-S" ("Bluff") - signal pistol under the capsule "Zhevello". It is produced since the summer of 2006 by the Vyatsko-Polansky factory "Molot".
• Nagan MR-313 (Nagan-07). In this sample, in comparison with the "Bluff", the trunk blocking device has been changed (the new plug has more elaborate outlines). This model is equipped with a barrel of smaller diameter, it does not have a factory number on the frame, the milled part of the trunk does not milled the frame.

"Nagan MR-313" is equipped with a drum, the number of which does not match the number on the frame. The sleeves of the revolver under the "Zhevello" are not pressed into the chambers, but are screwed into the thread.

It is interesting that in 2008 the production of these revolvers on the "Molot" was canceled and transferred to the Izhevsk Arms Factory.

• Р-2 is a signal weapon under the capsule "Zhevello", the next model after "Bluff" and МР-313. The manufacturer is Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant.

And the last: if you are lazy to get permission for rifled weapons (not many like red tape), you can buy a sports Nagan under the charge of Flaubert. These items shoot loudly, perfectly protect against stray dogs, do not require permission to buy and carry.