Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

Dreyse Reichsrevolver Model 1883 (Officer / Infantry Model)

History of the Dreyse Reichs Model 1883 Revolver (Officer/Infantry Model)

The Reichs Model 1883 Revolver introduced in 1883 was the standard pistol for the German Imperial Army until it was finally replaced by the classic Luger 9mm in 1908 Semi-automatic pistol. The Model 1883 was a further development and improvement of the earlier Reichs revolver Model 1879, better designed by the company of Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse, with a shortened barrel.

The pistol was in service from the late 19th century to the 1940s, and due to its availability, the line saw service to varying degrees in both World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945), Proved to be reliable weapons despite their age and simplicity.

As a revolver, the Model 1883 uses a six-round rotary cylinder chambered for the native 10.6x25mmR German Ordnance cartridge. The handle is ergonomically curved, the trigger ring is lined, and the hammer is mostly exposed. The barrel assembly is at the center of the weapon's layout, and the frame is made solid for added ruggedness in the field. The ejection rod is located under the barrel as usual, and the barrel itself protrudes slightly in front of the frame. Iron sights are located on top of the frame.

A loading door is located on the right side of the frame to aid in loading/reloading the weapon, while the cylinder can be completely removed from the weapon, or an external ejector rod can be used to remove spent cartridges. A lanyard loop is usually seen under the hilt, used to attach the weapon to the uniform.

The firing action is single-action (SA), which means that the hammer must be pulled manually for each round, with the trigger controlled to shoot down the hammer.

The Model 1883 was referred to by some as the "Officer's Model", as the earlier Model 1879 was referred to as the "Cavalry Model" or "Cavalry Model" - distinguishing the two similar designs by name. Physically, the Model 1883 had a shorter barrel length (5" to 7").