Nagant

Nagant refers to a family of firearms and their associated cartridges, most notably the Nagant M1895 revolver. Developed by Belgian inventor Léon Nagant in the late 19th century, the Nagant M1895 was adopted by the Russian Imperial Army in 1895 and became a standard sidearm for Soviet forces.

The Nagant M1895 is a six-shot, gas-seal revolver designed to fire the 7.62×38mmR cartridge. It features a unique design where the cylinder moves forward when cocked, creating a seal between the cylinder and the barrel. This mechanism increases muzzle velocity and suppresses vapor escape, enhancing range and accuracy.

Production of the Nagant revolver continued through various governments and manufacturers, with significant use during World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II. It was renowned for its robustness, relatively simple construction, and effectiveness as a service weapon. The revolver was also exported to numerous countries, including China and Finland.

In addition to the original military version, variations and civilian models were produced, including compact and target versions. The Nagant's design influenced later handgun developments, and it remains a symbol of early 20th-century military firearm engineering.

The Nagant family also includes different calibers and adaptations for police and civilian markets, but the M1895 remains the most prominent. Today, historical and collector interest continues, and some models are still in circulation as surplus firearms.

Overall, the Nagant revolver is recognized for its innovative sealing mechanism, durability, and historical significance within military firearm development.