![lefaucheux revolver .7mm lefaucheux revolver .7mm](https://www.galeriedemars.fr/59830-large_default/lefaucheux-revolver-20-coups-7mm-broche-2-canons-vers-1870-france-xixe.jpg)
This would let anyone handling the firearm tell at a glance if it was loaded or unloaded (we’re not so sure if our ancestors always held to the modern safety rule of treating all firearms as if they’re loaded). On the other hand, a pinfire round could be dangerous when dropped or mishandled because a direct impact or inertia could move the pin and cause the round to detonate.Ī fellow Parisian, Benjamin Houllier, came to Lefaucheux’s aid in 1846, over a decade after Lefaucheux developed his pistol. The pin protruded from a hole cut in the top of the breech for the hammer to strike. If the pinfire had one benefit over its contemporaries, it was safety. Keep in mind, the black powder propellant used at the time was hygroscopic and corrosive. The obvious downside to this (with the benefit of two centuries hindsight) was that the cartridge was not gas-tight therefore, pressure was low and there was an increased risks of powder going unburnt and gas escaping. Most early pinfire rounds consisted of a brass base and paper tube, which contained powder and projectile. However, three years later he applied for a patent extension, this time for a “pin” added to the base of the cartridge loaded with priming compound that ignited when struck by the hammer of the gun. It was soon referred to as the “pinfire” cartridge and was the first major step toward modern fixed ammunition cartridges.
![lefaucheux revolver .7mm lefaucheux revolver .7mm](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2018/1/23/b/8/0/b80fa6fe-2e01-424d-b83b-d46a8a7a7f4b.jpg)
The system still relied upon ignition from a percussion cap, as did most contemporary muzzle loading firearms. His original patent was for a breechloading paper shotgun cartridge in which the barrel hinged downward to load and unload. Pinfire ammunition was invented in 1832 by Parisian gun maker Casimir Lefaucheux. The Lefaucheux faced competition from various revolvers of the era, particularly the Beaumont-Adams Revolver (the first true double action revolver) and the Remington 1858.We recently came across an interesting revolver with a folding trigger that extends itself when the hammer is cocked. It’s a pocket pistol designed for personal defense and chambered in 7mm Pinfire.
![lefaucheux revolver .7mm lefaucheux revolver .7mm](https://www.antiquepistols.co/wp-content/uploads/le-forshew-pocket-pistol-7mm.00_00_09_21.Still013.jpg)
Soon, however, the Lefaucheux began to be replaced as Colt and Remington increased their production to quickly supply both sides. The French Cavalry would also use the Lefaucheux during their deployment to Mexico in 1862, while other Lefaucheuxs would be sold to various nations such as Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Norway and Russia as well as both sides of the American Civil War.ĭuring the American Civil War 12,000 Lefaucheuxs were purchased for use by the Union forces, which were largely issued to cavalry units. The Lefaucheux M1858 was never adopted by the French Army, the French Navy instead adopting it as their primary service revolver in 1858. This cartridge was specifically designed for the Lefaucheux with a pinfire primer and blackpowder charge, while the large calibre better matched the other firearms of the era. The Lefaucheux M1858 was chambered to accept a 12mm diameter bullet, fired from a metallic cartridge. An extractor system was also featured on the Lefaucheux, which had an ejector rod that ran along the barrel and pushed cartridges out of the gate. The gate would then be closed before firing (although the Lefaucheux would still fire with it open). When open, the gate allowed acess to the the 1st chamber on the right-hand side of the hammer and allowed the user to load each chamber one at a time. The Lefaucheux also had a basic double action system, and was one of the earliest examples of a true double action system (following the Beaumont-Adams Revolver).Ĭartridges were loaded via a hinged gate located at the rear of the cylinder. The percussion lock system itself was modified to allow the Lefaucheux to use pinfire cartridges, with the hammer modified to better strike the cartridge. The Lefaucheux M1858 was of a fairly basic design, with an open frame and a modified percussion lock system.