Russian Nagant Gas Seal Revolver cal

This is the Russian Nagant Revolver, M1895. It was designed in Belgium and incorporates a unique “gas seal“ mechanism, whereby the cylinder is cammed forward as the hammer is cocked so that the mouth of the case enters the forcing cone of the barrel, preventing escape of gases upon firing. This yields a slight increase in muzzle velocity. This example was built at Izhevsk Arsenal in 1944. These revolvers are reputed to be “As reliable as a hammer“.