What year Nagant revolver is the best shooter?

C Philip · April 28, 2009, 01:21 PM

I have heard that the pre 1900 Nagant revolvers were the best quality and the most accurate, while the more common re-arsenal post 1940's are the worst quality and relatively inaccurate. Is this true? Is the difference in accuracy enough to justify the difference in price?

noelf2 · April 30, 2009, 06:07 PM

Doesn't really matter because accuracy is about the same when shot 4" from the scull.

32 Magnum · May 3, 2009, 07:25 PM

The difference in price/valuation rests primarily in the collector interest in N-95s made before the 1917 Revolution. Pieces with Czarist Imperial markings run in the 300 to 400 dollar range because of collectibility. Pieces from the mid 1920's to the late 1930's with CCCP marking are second in collector interest - all others are of third interest and value. I don't believe that accuracy of the piece really enters into the equation. Our shop has sold about 400 of these in the past 10 years or so - and the ones that have generated the most interest are the pre 1918 and pre 1900 pieces.

James K · May 3, 2009, 10:17 PM

If the term "accuracy" is in your dictionary, you might consider something other than a Nagant. They are accurate enough by "minute of German" standards, but the trigger pull and handling keep them from being anything like target revolvers.

The Russians used them for target shooting and the armorers did their best with them, but I am afraid the words that come to mind involve silk purses and sows' ears. In one international competition some years ago, the Russian team conspicuously practiced with Nagant target models, to the amusement of the other shooters. When match day came, the Russians turned up with S&W K-38s and cleaned up.

Jim

April 28, 2009, 01:21 PM	#1
C Philip Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 784	What year Nagant revolver is the best shooter? I have heard that the pre 1900 Nagant revolvers were the best quality and the most accurate, while the more common re-arsenal post 1940's are the worst quality and relatively inaccurate. Is this true? Is the difference in accuracy enough to justify the difference in price?

April 30, 2009, 06:07 PM	#2
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	Doesn't really matter because accuracy is about the same when shot 4" from the scull. __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

May 3, 2009, 07:25 PM	#3
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	The difference in price/valuation rests primarily in the collector interest in N-95s made before the 1917 Revolution. Pieces with Czarist Imperial markings run in the 300 to 400 dollar range because of collectibility. Pieces from the mid 1920's to the late 1930's with CCCP marking are second in collector interest - all others are of third interest and value. I don't believe that accuracy of the piece really enters into the equation. Our shop has sold about 400 of these in the past 10 years or so - and the ones that have generated the most interest are the pre 1918 and pre 1900 pieces.

May 3, 2009, 10:17 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	If the term "accuracy" is in your dictionary, you might consider something other than a Nagant. They are accurate enough by "minute of German" standards, but the trigger pull and handling keep them from being anything like target revolvers. The Russians used them for target shooting and the armorers did their best with them, but I am afraid the words that come to mind involve silk purses and sows' ears. In one international competition some years ago, the Russian team conspicuously practiced with Nagant target models, to the amusement of the other shooters. When match day came, the Russians turned up with S&W K-38s and cleaned up. Jim