Pros/cons on single-action Nagant-type revolver

O

Oleg Volk

Staff Alumnus
With the resurgence of single-action guns for target shooting and hunting, I am wondering why Nagant type with the cylinder pivoting forward to close the gap isn't more popular.

Seems to me that the old-style Abadie gate would ease re-loading and pivoting culinder reduce noise and fouling. Single action would mean that the effort of moving the cylinder isn't affecting accuracy.

I can see that it would be
1)relatively fragile compared to fixed cylinders
2)more complex
3)limited to ammo with bullet set back in the case

However, given that tastes vary, some folks might like the trade-offs. Would have to make special ammo for it. Using .357 cases with deeply-set bullets and 38spl level charges might be the first step.

Any reasons not to do it? Does the design limit accuracy or reliability in some way I have not thought of?

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Oleg "cornered rat" Volk (JPFO,NRA)

http://dd-b.net/RKBA
 
Can any normal reloading press (Dillion?) be used for loading 7.62 Nagant round? If I were to get a hold of some brass and bullets (what kind would fit?), can I find dies for it? I am seriously thinking of getting into reloading for that caliber...but not sure if I am missing something as far as problems. Got to go check out 1895 Nagant site a bit more...
 
Oleg, .32 Long brass is usually used. Remember to keep the pressures down. I understand Nagants have terrible DA trigger pulls. Is that because of the B/C closing feature?
 
Hi, guys,

Let's see. I think Oleg's last idea was a modern top break. He just does this to stir up talk. But it's fun.

The Nagant is (for practical purposes) the only revolver to have used that system. Strength is not really an issue, as I think a very strong action could be produced. The real problem is that making up for the small amount of gas (and velocity) loss isn't worth the added complexity and cost.

Fragility is not a problem. The Nagant is rugged as hell and about impossible to break. The atrocious DA pull is due more to a heavy main spring than to the need to move the cylinder forward.

As to using the system without the sealing cartridge case, you can't seal the gap tight enough to prevent gas escape and with the narrower gap, the gas will have greater speed. This means much more gas cutting than in a conventional revolver. (This is one of the reasons why manufacturers set a minimum barrel-cylinder gap of around .006. Heat expansion and fouling are the others.)

I think the problems of reloading could probably be overcome. It might involve a final sizing after loading the powder and bullet.

Jim

[This message has been edited by Jim Keenan (edited March 02, 2000).]
 
Velocity increase isn't the issue, comfort and noise levels are. I am also wondering in inherint accuracy would be greater (though actual Nagants aren't great) because the bullet woun't need a forcing cone (or am I wrong on that?) I also suspect less fouling around the front of the cylinder would be nice.
 
Oleg, at one time I was thinking about the same idea. I expect it to work w/o any
problems, if as you say, .357 case is used.
The other thing that seems nobody is talking about, is that if I feel correctly, the
crimped nose part of Nagant cartridge also
helps a lot to center barrel/cylinder system
by use of crimped surface of cartridge and
forcing cone of the barrel (taper/taper contact). I believe it may help with accuracy
besides just providing gas seal.
 
The Nagant is a most interesting concept and gun. I recently saw one the Constabulary in an area of Ireland I worked in had confiscated. The finish was long gone and the gun most likely was in the Great War.
The officers thought it a real novelty and since they had some ammunition with it, decided to fire it. Crude of course but it still fired and was accurate as one would need for self-defense.
Interesting Oleg's interest in such things. At times we have things to learn from such designs. Our factories allow very wide cylinder to barrel gaps from new guns. I read the post on top break guns. In Ireland the various Webley designs still are found and highly regarded. Granted, the semi-automatic is common, but those of us with declining hair upon our heads hold a fondness for such things.
 
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