REICHSREVOLVER M/83

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Just paid for a Reichsrevolver model 1883.  Have to wait for the transfer procedure to go through the Gun Registry.  My hope is to have it removed from the registry as an antigue.  In Canada, that is a handgun made before 1898 and in a calibre not commonly available.

I reviewed this topic last night and found no references to this revolver.  I did find other references through Google.  I know I can use .44 Russian brass with .427 bullets, and that I should use the Holy Black, or counterfeit powder.  I might have to trim the rims a bit as the cylinder has rim seats.

All info is welcome.  Thanks.

[Mikey]

I believe that somewhere in my pile of stuff I have one of those or a similar model.  I have never fired it but have read the postings about the use of 44 Russian brass.  I know that I can fit a sized 44 special case into my chambers but is a far as I have taken it.  Mikey.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Thanks Mikey;  It is a BIG revolver.  the earlier M/79 is said to rival the Walker in size.  Cartridges of the world, 3d ed., says the case is very close to the Russian case.  I have to wait for the registry to decide whether they will transfer it to me "on the books' or de-register it as an antique.  When i get it i will have to try it out!

In my search I stumbled on to <www.collectiblefirearms.com/Holsters.html>

I need a holster for my Webley MKVI as well.

[S.S.]

If it is the 11 mm (actually about 10.8 mm). it used a heel based bullet
that may be a bit hard to find.. It weighed about 262 grains and was .451 dia.
as far as I can remember. I would load with 777

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Thanks S.S.;

I wondered what I could do with my NEI, heeled mould for the .44 Colt?

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Yee Hah!  My Reichsrevolver is officially an antique, and is on its way to me.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Got it!  Now to see if it can still Sprachen.

[canon6]

Sir, can you post a picture , I am not familiar with that revolver.. thanks  Doug

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

No Piccies, yet, but here are some web references with pictures;

http://www.horstheld.com/0-Reichsrevolver.htm

http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_fgp.html

Mine is apparently a civilian model as it has no provision for a lanyard.  Yes, .44 Russian looks like a fit, and I will try a cylinderfull with the RCBS 200 FP  (.429) over a modest load of FF Goex

[Lee N. Fielder]

FWIW, I just recently bought a M/83 and of course I want to shoot it.  I slugged the bore on my m/83 last week to determine what size bullet I need.  It slugged out at .435".  If you look around you can find .430 cast lead bullets, and they would probably work with mediocre accuracy, but what would probably work best is a soft .429" or .430" hollow-base wad cutter.

-Lee

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I fired a cylinder load of .44 Russian reloads.  18gr of Goex 2F and a card.  RCBS .44 200 FP unsized at .430.

The .430 bullet is a loose fit in the cylinder throats, and I believe my bore is about the same as you measured. 

One round still had some flair as I couldn't crimp it with my.44Spl/RM dies.  The result is that it didn't chamber until I ran it a nudge into the sizing die.  I'm sure a .435 bullet would prevent chambering.  I haven't seen any reference to any sort of heeled bullet.  I do agree that softer, unsized, bullets are the way to go.

My one offhand group at 10 yards showed promise, (3 of the 4 in 1.5", the fourth an inch farther out) just a bit high & left.  I've just dug out more .44 Russ cases, and will put 'er through her paces next time.