Fact Check: "The Swedish army revolver used before 1900 was named 'revolver m/1880'"
What We Know
The claim that the Swedish army revolver used before 1900 was named "revolver m/1880" is inaccurate. The Swedish military adopted the revolver known as the m/1887. This revolver was a significant development in Swedish military firearms, introduced in the late 19th century, specifically designed to meet the needs of the Swedish army at that time (Göta Association for Weapon History, VGCA).
Prior to the m/1887, Sweden utilized the m/1863 revolver, which was based on the pin-fire cartridge system (Göta Association for Weapon History). The m/1887 revolver was chambered in 7.5 mm and featured a double-action mechanism, which was a notable advancement compared to its predecessors (Göta Association for Weapon History, VGCA).
Analysis
The assertion that the revolver was named "m/1880" appears to stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding the timeline of Swedish military revolvers. The m/1887 is well-documented as the revolver adopted by the Swedish army, and there is no credible evidence to suggest that a revolver designated as "m/1880" ever existed in the Swedish military arsenal.
Sources such as the Göta Association for Weapon History and VGCA provide detailed histories of Swedish military firearms, confirming the m/1887's introduction and its specifications. Furthermore, the m/1887 was developed in response to the advancements in military technology following the Franco-Prussian War, indicating that the Swedish military was actively modernizing its armaments during this period (VGCA).
In contrast, the m/1863 revolver, which preceded the m/1887, is often referenced in discussions about Swedish military revolvers, but it is distinctly different from the m/1887. The lack of any historical reference to an "m/1880" revolver in credible firearms literature further supports the conclusion that this claim is false.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that the Swedish army revolver used before 1900 was named "revolver m/1880" is incorrect. The correct designation for the revolver adopted by the Swedish army during that period is the m/1887. There is no historical evidence or documentation supporting the existence of a revolver named "m/1880" in the Swedish military context.
Sources
- 7.5mm 1882 Ordnance
- Nagant M1895
- swedish military pistols and revolvers 1863 - 1988
- PDF Swedish Military Pistols & Revolvers - V.g.c.a
- PDF THE SWEDISH m/1887 REVOLVER - V.G.C.A
- Swedish revolver m/1887 in 7.5 mm - gotavapen.se
- The m/1887 Revolver by Arne Thell - Gunboards Forums
- TINCANBANDIT's Gunsmithing : Featured Gun: Swedish Nagant M1887 - Blogger
