The history of the revolver
The first revolvers of the 16th century were very unreliable and even dangerous weapons. To ignite gunpowder, it was necessary to set it on fire using silicon or a wick. Theoretically, burning gunpowder on a special shelf activated the charge in the revolver cylinder. In fact, not only the desired charge often ignited, but also neighboring ones. This often resulted in injury to the shooter or rupture of the weapon's barrel.
Eventually, in 1818, Artemas Wheeler designed a flintlock revolver. However, the North American patent obtained for this invention was not significant, unlike the British document. Instead, having gone to Britain and slightly improved the revolver, his comrade Collier received a patent.
But the real birthday of the revolver is considered to be February 25, 1836, when the unknown gunsmith designer Samuel Colt invented the capsule weapon. Using the previously created capsule mechanism, Colt patented a new Colt Paterson revolver, equipped with a 6-cartridge drum.
“How the production samples will perform is the question”
An important detail: all improvements to the Lebedev pistol were discussed and tested by specialists. Major General Vyacheslav Selivanov, head of the Department of Technology and Research Activities of the Russian Guard, who participated in the development of tactical and technical specifications for experimental design work under the code “Lynx,” told Lenta.ru about this.
When creating pistols for the Russian Guard, the task was to obtain a modern melee weapon with advanced capabilities, also designed to perform special tasks. Thanks to joint work with representatives of the Kalashnikov concern, this was fully possible
Major General Vyacheslav Selivanov
As Major General Selivanov notes, the modularity and variety of design options for the Lebedev pistol were the result of joint work between the Russian security forces and the Kalashnikov concern. For the first time in history, several hundred officers of various special forces tested weapons: it was thanks to this approach that Lebedev’s pistol successfully passed state tests.
PLC - a compact version of the Lebedev pistol for police
Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
The submarine in various versions completely satisfies both operatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (a compact pistol that can simply be worn in the belt), and special forces (an accurate and accurate weapon that is convenient to work with gloves), and patrol officers (ease of use and reliability in any situation).
As the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs told Lenta.ru, “the systematic equipping of units with a Lebedev pistol will be carried out starting in 2022.” Meanwhile, although this is not said out loud, Lebedev’s pistol should not only replace the Makarov, but also compete with the Austrian Glock-17 and Glock-19, the most popular weapons among Russian officers.
Lebedev's pistol is quite young by weapons standards, but it has accumulated all the experience, including international experience. We are not surprised that it was chosen as the successor to the Makarov pistol
Executive Director of the Union of Russian Armourers Vladimir Zhikharev
The only thing that worries experts is the quality of Lebedev’s pistol when its production begins. Even in the experimental versions, testers identified defects, primarily related to the chrome plating of the barrel. “The prototypes are excellent, but how the serial ones will perform is a question,” says special forces instructor Igor N., who participated in the weapons tests, in an interview with Lenta.ru.
The structure of a modern revolver
The weapon consists of the following parts:
- barrel with a rifled channel;
- a drum that rotates on an axis and has chambers for cartridges;
- housing with parts of the trigger mechanism;
- a bolt to counteract the cartridge flange during a shot;
- lever;
- the frame of the weapon that connects the body to the barrel.
The frame of the revolver is unlocked. That is, open at the top, solid - rigid. All modern revolvers are equipped with it. The third type of frame is detachable, when when reloading the barrel and drum of the weapon are tilted upward on a special hinge.
Revolver OTs-17 "Titan"
TsKIB developed the OTs-17 “Titan” revolver with a drum capacity of 7 rounds, weapon dimensions 205x125x40 mm, weight 0.75 kg. Despite some advantages, it is difficult for revolvers chambered for a pistol cartridge to compete with self-loading pistols, especially with such reliable weapons as the PM. Such weapons can only gain any real advantages when using special large-caliber ammunition.
Since special revolver cartridges were not produced in Russia, new ammunition was developed on the basis of the metal casing of a 32-caliber hunting cartridge. For a rifled barrel this is a caliber of 12.3 mm, for a smooth barrel it is 12.5 mm. The first attempts to create such weapons were not entirely successful.
Types of revolvers
Today there are two main types of weapons:
- Single action revolvers. In order to fire such a weapon, you must cock the hammer and pull the trigger.
- Double-action weapon - self-cocking. There is no need to cock the hammer as it de-cocks itself when the trigger is pulled. In this case, the time spent on the shot is slightly longer than in the first case, and the effort required from the shooter is greater. However, such revolvers are more compact and easy to handle. They have the most positive reviews.
- There is a third type of modern revolver - automatic. Such weapons fire according to the principle of recoil energy when firing. However, such revolvers are not popular.
"Weapon you want to work with"
The Lebedev pistol (in all variants) seems to have collected the most advanced ideas about hand-held firearms. It is narrow - only 23 millimeters, which is very convenient for any user: for comparison, the thickness of the Makarov is 30.5 millimeters, the thickness of the Glock-17 is 27 millimeters. The submarine's controls are double-sided - it has fuses, a magazine release button and a barrel delay lever on both the right and left.
For an operative, it is important that the gun is smooth and does not cling to clothing. For a special forces soldier, on the contrary, all the levers must protrude noticeably, so that when working with gloves, there is no fear of missing. Therefore, the controls are designed to be both narrow and wide, and replacing them does not require special workshops.
MPL-1 pistol with an extended barrel of 127 millimeters and a low-noise firing device for the Russian Guard
Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
Lebedev's pistol is designed for the 9x19 Par (parabellum) cartridge, the most popular among law enforcement officers in all countries of the world. Its production has long been mastered by domestic factories. The magazine capacity is 14 (version for the Ministry of Internal Affairs) or 16 (version for the Russian Guard) rounds.
The Lebedev pistol has excellent ergonomics, not inferior to its world analogues. It has an increased magazine capacity and allows the use of additional equipment, including under-barrel lights and laser designators
Director of External Relations of the Kalashnikov Concern Maria Vorobyova
Another feature of the Lebedev pistol that users like is its low-mounted barrel. Even without a muzzle brake-compensator, the weapon's throw is less than that of the PM, which allows for rapid, aimed fire. Some modifications of the Lebedev pistol have the ability to install a collimator sight.
Lebedev's pistol has a comfortable trigger and good accuracy of fire; it fits like a glove in the hand. During three months of use, I did not have any complaints about the weapon. This gun works like a clock and evokes only positive emotions, it is convenient and easy to maintain. This is a weapon you want to work with
Officer of the Vityaz Special Forces Center of the Russian Guard Maxim K.
Lebedev pistol compact
Video: Concern "Kalashnikov"
Cartridges for modern weapons
Today, revolvers are loaded with unitary cartridges with a metal sleeve. The first such element was designed by N. Dreyse back in 1827, long before the appearance of the revolver. At that time, such a cartridge was used in long-barreled weapons.
Over time, the idea was picked up by the creators of revolvers. Such a charge consisted of a metal sleeve, a primer and a bullet.
Currently, models of modern revolvers are weapons with a double action trigger mechanism. The drum of such revolvers tilts to the left side, and when a special extractor is pressed, all the cartridges are pulled out of it. Many revolvers are chambered in powerful .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum calibers. Cartridges for such weapons consist of a cartridge case with a special rim (rim) that holds the cartridge in the drum. Cartridges without this element are also possible. In this case, holders are used to hold them - plates in the shape of two crescents.
Best US pistols
Smith & Wesson M&P9
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 features a comfortable grip and minimal barrel lift.
The M&P in the name of the brand of pistol manufactured by Smith & Wesson Firearms Co. since 2005, stands for Military and Police. Nevertheless, weapons in this series are partially sold on the civilian market.
The peculiarity of the model is the material from which the frame is made—thermoplastic polymer is used instead of metal. The steel casing-shutter and barrel are coated with melanite, which eliminates glare and protects from external influences. Sand and other small debris do not remain on the frame chassis, but are pushed out by the shutter housing.
Another advantage of the pistol is that it comes with interchangeable grip pads, making it possible to fit it to your palm.
The designers of the M&P9 managed to minimize barrel lift, thereby increasing the rate of aimed fire. Protruding elements have also been minimized so that the weapon can be removed without snagging on clothing. The length of the pistol is 194 mm, the weight (thanks to the thermoplastic frame) is only 680 grams. The M&P9 has several modifications with different magazine capacities (from 10 to 17 rounds) and different calibers.
Colt 1911A1
Colt 1911A1 - more than a hundred years in service!
The 1911 Colt, designed by the famous John Moses Browning, was in service with the US Army until 1985 and is still allowed for use today. Over 30 years ago, the Colt 1911A1 was discontinued, however, various variations of the pistol continue to be manufactured based on this model.
Loads with .45 ACP cartridges, 11.43 mm caliber. The classic model is equipped with a seven-round magazine. The dimensions of the Colt M1911 are large by today's standards: length - 216 mm, weight - 1.12 kg. The effective range is not inferior to newer weapons - 50 m.
Springfield Armory
FBI pays money - Springfield Armory releases M1911
Pistolet Springfield Armory M1911 is an improved Colt 1911A1, produced in quantities of 5 thousand units. by order of the FBI.
Main changes compared to the base model:
- improving the bevel profile of the chamber and the bridge near the magazine to prevent sticking when using different types of bullets;
- enlarging the fuse box to improve its reliability;
- alteration of the trigger - the knitting needle was replaced by a loop-shaped head;
- ease of descent;
- redesign of the magazine handle and cover to speed up reloading;
- more careful fitting of parts to each other;
- increasing magazine capacity to 8 rounds.
In addition, the length of the pistol was reduced to 203 mm while the weight remained the same. The caliber and cartridge of the M1911 have also not changed.
Sig Sauer P320
Sig Sauer has supplanted Beretta in the arsenal of the US Army.
The successful development of Sig Sauer for the sought-after 9 mm Luger cartridge, which first gained popularity in the civilian market as a means of self-defense and accuracy training, and in 2017 became a service weapon of the US Armed Forces.
The pistol frame is polymer, like the M&P9. A big advantage of the P320 is the variety of grip variations, allowing you to choose the right arrow for absolutely any shooter. Convenient for shooting with both right and left hands. Equipped with a device for installing a laser pointer or flashlight. There is an option to change the front sight to select the best height.
Main characteristics:
- length - 203 mm;
- weight - 833 g;
- Magazine capacity - 17 rounds.
Experts note the perfection of the P320 trigger mechanism, the clarity and speed of the trigger return stroke, which guarantees the rate of fire.
Desert Eagle
The formidable Desert Eagle is a favorite of filmmakers and gamers.
A long-range pistol with a great stopping effect of a bullet. He became famous for his formidable appearance, which ensured the “Desert Eagle” (as the name is translated) popularity among computer game developers, film directors and television series. But the Desert Eagle is not and is not expected to be in service with law enforcement agencies.
Designed in 1983 by American gunsmiths from Magnum Research, it was subsequently modified and put into production by Israel Military Industries. It is a pocket automatic rifle, resembling it not only in its firing range and power, but also in its reloading according to the powder gas exhaust system. It features excellent accuracy with low reliability. It has an extremely loud shot and strong recoil, which is dangerous for an inexperienced shooter, especially with a weak hand.
The length of the Mark VII modification is 269 mm, Mark XIX - 273/374 (6/10 inch barrels). Weight - 1.7 kg and 2 kg, respectively. Caliber - up to 12.7 mm. Cartridges - .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .357 Magnum.
List of modern Russian revolvers
The first weapons appeared in our country after the end of the Russian-Crimean War in 1859. At first, revolvers were ordered from foreign arms manufacturers. But in 1898, domestic Tula-made revolvers appeared.
Currently, in Russia, along with foreign weapons, domestic models are also popular. Since 1994, manufacturers have been the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the Kovrov Mechanical Plant, the Tula enterprise Instrument Design Bureau and others.
Each model of modern Russian revolvers has its own characteristic features. For example, the AEK-906 “Rhinoceros” weapon is equipped with a new layout of the barrel and drum lock in the lower area of the frame. The axis of the drum itself is located above the barrel. As a result, the Rhino has excellent balance and accuracy of fire.
The original design solution of the engineers of the Tula enterprise led to the creation of the R-92 revolver. Due to the use of an unusual weapon design, the result was a revolver with a shifted center of gravity towards the shooter’s hand. Thus, the weapon turned out to be more targeted and easier to use.
Modern Russian revolvers are also characterized by the fact that, in addition to conventional cartridges, other ammunition can be used to load them. For example, the brainchild of a technical university from Izhevsk, DOG-1, can also fire cartridges converted from 12.5x35 mm weapons. The bullets in such ammunition are made of plastic or lead. And the OTs-20 “Gnome” revolver can be loaded with powerful 12.5x40 mm cartridges with a steel or lead bullet.
The original Russian-made revolver is the MP-411 “Latina”, produced at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. Its specificity lies in the fact that it is made of a new, lightweight grade of steel combined with high-strength plastic. This makes the weapon more comfortable to use.
Almost Smith & Wesson
The result was the adoption by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of several models at once, often of the most bizarre appearance. The only thing that can be considered more or less decent is the Stechkin-Avraamov revolver, which began to be supplied to the police in 1992.
RSA, TKB-0216, OTs-1 “Cobalt” - many names, one revolver (photo: KardeN)
Initially, it was produced at the facilities of the Tula Central Design and Research Bureau (TsKIB). It was then called OTs-01 “Cobalt” (this modification had a polygonal barrel rifling). But in 1994 the documentation was transferred to Zlatoust and the Ural Machine-Building Plant.
As a result, the revolver (already with conventional rifling in the barrel) received several names at once - RSA, OTs-1, TKB-0216 - depending on the manufacturer. In addition, there was a modification TKB-0216S for security structures chambered for the 9×17 kurz cartridge (for some reason, in the 90s in the Russian Federation it was the German name of the cartridge developed by J. M. Browning for in 1908 that took root).
Externally, the OTs-1 strongly resembled the overseas Smith and Wesson, but it had one unique feature: Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin placed the protrusion that secures the drum not from below (like the vast majority of revolvers), but from above. In theory, this move made it possible to more accurately place the chamber with the cartridge opposite the barrel.
OTs-1 “Cobalt” (photo: KardeN)
Judging by the size of the drum, which is too long for the domestic 9x18 mm cartridge, the authors later wanted to remake the model for other calibers - for example, the American .38 Special. However, in Russia, short-barreled firearms never came into civilian use, and the RSA had no prospects at all abroad.
At foreign exhibitions where Cobalt was exported, our manufacturers stated the cost was around $500; while prices for similar American models from Colt and Smith & Wesson started at $400, and quite decent Spanish revolvers could be bought for $250. At the same time, the Russian product was distinguished by very low workmanship and rough finishing.
The exotic novelty also did not catch on with the Russian police: the revolver was bulky and clearly inconvenient to carry constantly.
The RSA did not have any advantages in comparison with the old Makarov pistol, and was more expensive. And with reliability, not everything turned out to be smooth sailing. For example, on the PSA I trained with, the trigger return spring broke twice.
By the early 2000s, regional police departments across the country began to massively hand over revolvers to warehouses.
Review of Wild West revolvers
The first drum weapon was invented in the USA. But revolvers reached the peak of their popularity in the 50-70s of the twentieth century. Such weapons have always been in great demand in America. Colt model weapons were especially in demand. Modern revolvers are in no way inferior, and even exceed the capabilities of their predecessors.
The triumphant return of American-made weapons during the First World War began. Then the most popular models were Colt New Service 45, 44 and 38 calibers, which later became known as Model 1909, Smith & Wesson New Century 45 and 44 calibers and Smith & Wesson Military & Police 1905 38 th caliber. These weapons have become widespread in the US military.
After the end of World War II, modern American revolvers began to be used in police and security systems. Weapons were also used for private purposes by ordinary citizens.
Today in the United States, revolvers from Smith & Wesson, Colt and Ruger are in particular demand. The models of these weapons use the most powerful cartridges such as .357 Magnum. It is this ammunition that has a high penetrating effect of the bullet.
From the Boxer Rebellion to the fronts of the Civil War
The contract with the company of the Nagan brothers provided for the delivery of 20,000 revolvers over three years. The Belgians were also obliged to assist in establishing the production of revolvers at the Imperial Tula Arms Factory.
For the first time in the Russian army, Nagant system revolvers were used in 1900 to suppress the “Boxer Rebellion” in China.
Mass production of revolvers stalled due to reduced appropriations, and a surge occurred only during the Russo-Japanese War.
By the beginning of the First World War, the army was equipped with revolvers a little more than 97 percent: the troops had 424,434 Nagant revolvers of all modifications. But when the fighting began, the losses of this type of weapon were so significant that emergency measures had to be taken to organize production on a large scale. A total of 474,800 revolvers were produced between 1914 and 1917.
During the Civil War, revolvers served both sides of the conflict, but they brought victory to the Reds, and for the Whites they became perhaps the favorite way to commit suicide. The officers, who had lost everything, enthusiastically played “Russian roulette,” betting on an existence that had lost its meaning for them.
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Modern weapons of Europe
The first official patent for drum pistols was received in Britain. And today, European manufacturers surprise consumers with their original approaches to creating firearms.
This also applies to the French modern Manurhin MR 73 revolvers of .357 Magnum caliber. The first weapon was created at the Manurin factory and was similar to the Walter pistol. At the same time, the firearm somewhat repeated the system of the Smith & Wesson revolver. The difference was the double-action trigger mechanism, which had a locking trigger pull. The Manurin drum holds 6 rounds.
Belgian brothers Henri-Leon and Emile Nagant created revolvers that became popular all over the world. At first they repaired the Dutch Hemburg guns, but soon decided to produce their own firearms. And although the first Nagan appeared back in 1878, it remains the leader among revolvers today.
Shot from a tank
The production of revolvers continued in Soviet Russia, but now we were talking only about the “officer” version. Even the appearance of the TT pistol did not complete the history of the revolver. It was believed that the revolver was excellent for shooting through the embrasures of a tank, and this was its advantage.
During the Great Patriotic War, units of the Red Army, the NKVD, as well as various allied units formed in the USSR (for example, the Normandy-Neman regiment) were in service with about 1,000,000 revolvers. At the same time, the revolver began to noticeably lose in combat qualities to self-loading pistols.
The production of Nagan system revolvers was completely curtailed in the USSR in 1950. Nagants were removed from service by the Soviet army.
Nagan or TT? Guess the weapons of the Great Patriotic War Read more
Unusual revolvers of the world
Fire-drum weapons are also unique records for original solutions. Thus, a photo of modern revolvers depicts the largest firearm in the world - Pfeifer Zeliska. This model is suitable for real strongmen who want to impress others. The revolver weighs about 6 kg and reaches 55 cm in length. Accordingly, the recoil of such weapons exceeds all expectations in terms of strength.
If there is the largest revolver, then the smallest one is also put up in opposition to it. The Mini Swiss Gun was created in Switzerland. Its length is 5.5 cm, weight is 0.128 g. The baby should be charged with 2.34 mm cartridges. Such a weapon would be suitable for a sophisticated lady or for a private collection. However, if necessary, it will also serve as a means of self-defense.
In the same Belgium, another original revolver was invented - the brass knuckle revolver. This combination helps the shooter deal with the enemy when the cartridges run out. This revolver is loaded with 7 gauge cartridges.
Pistol "Baby", OTs-21
Another direction of small-sized weapons is the Malysh pistol, OTs-21, developed in Tula. It is produced for two types of ammunition: 9x18 and 9x17. Dimensions of the gun: 126x100x20 mm. Weight 0.56 kg, magazine capacity 5 rounds. The gun is flat and has no protruding parts. It doesn’t even have a safety lock, and fire is carried out in self-cocking mode, which, on the one hand, ensures maximum safety and, on the other hand, the ability to instantly open fire in the most difficult conditions.
“Kid” from Tula is a weapon of last chance.
Here the fire is conducted almost instinctively, which makes such a weapon closer in its convenience to a revolver. The effective firing range is up to 15 meters.
Interesting facts about revolvers
The weapons came to Russia thanks to the pleasure trip of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to America. There he became acquainted with the Smith and Wesson revolver and fell in love with firearms forever. Subsequently, the supply of weapons was entrusted to the military attache A.P. Gorlov, who selected and purchased the best images for the Russian army.
Modern revolvers around the world have always attracted famous people. For example, Pablo Picasso in his spare time amused himself by “shooting” offenders from the type of weapon he was studying, loaded with blank cartridges. He did this, as a rule, spontaneously, and forever discouraged anyone from arguing with him even over the slightest issue.
Perhaps the most unusual revolver is the Colt .38 special with a built-in camera. The movement of the hook activated the camera, which took a snapshot. This, however, has not found worthy application for practical purposes. Although the revolver could also take pictures when unloaded, it is still considered the craziest invention.
“Secrecy is the wish of the security forces”
For the first time, Lebedev’s pistol under the symbol PL-14 was demonstrated at the first International Military-Technical Forum “Army-2015” in Patriot Park and immediately attracted great attention. This weapon was proactively developed by a group of designers from the Kalashnikov concern under the leadership of Dmitry Lebedev.
The Lebedev pistol was planned as a weapon that meets all modern standards and the needs of various law enforcement agencies
press service of the Kalashnikov concern - Lente.ru
A year later, the pistol was modified taking into account the comments made at the exhibition. The PL-15, a modernized version with a barrel length of 112 millimeters, was already shown at the Army 2016 forum, and a year later the PL-15K model appeared, with a barrel shortened to 92 millimeters.
Lebedev pistol (PL-15) at the Army 2018 forum in Patriot Park
Photo: Sergey Bobylev / TASS
Today, according to the press service of the Kalashnikov concern, there are four models of the Lebedev pistol. According to Kalashnikov's director of external relations, Maria Vorobyeva, a compact version of the Lebedev pistol (PLC) with a barrel length of 82 millimeters was developed by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is ideally suited for concealed carry required by operational police and intelligence officers.
At the same time, in the interests of the Russian Guard, a full-size version of the pistol was developed, the so-called Lebedev modular pistol (MPL) with a barrel length of 112 millimeters. In February 2022, the MPL successfully passed state tests and was adopted by the Russian Guard.
Director of External Relations of the Kalashnikov Concern Maria Vorobyova
As Vorobyova notes, along with the MPL, a special modification of the pistol was also adopted by the Russian Guard - MPL-1 with an elongated barrel of 127 millimeters and a low-noise firing device. In addition, based on the combat version of Lebedev’s “police” pistol, the PLC-T traumatic pistol chambered for 10x28 cartridge was created.
However, it is no longer a secret that Lebedev’s pistol also has a fifth version - it was presented in February 2022 in Abu Dhabi, at the 14th international exhibition of arms and military equipment IDEX-2019. This is the SR-1, a sports export version of the submarine. It is distinguished from the model adopted for service in Russia by its removable front and rear sights.
PLC - a compact version of the Lebedev pistol for police
Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
The cost of Lebedev’s pistol today is both a commercial and state secret (state defense order) - but, according to experts, it is competitive and about 30 percent lower than its analogues. For now, the main tactical and technical characteristics of the weapon, such as accuracy and effective shot range, are also kept secret.
Such secrecy is the wish of customers from law enforcement agencies. But the real characteristics of Lebedev’s pistol differ for the better from those published online.
Lenta.ru source in law enforcement agencies
