Rifleman Q&A: Identifying Russian Revolver Ammo

by
posted on September 9, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Model 1895 Nagant revolver

Q: Can you help identify a small box of what I believe is Russian-made ammunition?


A: The text on your box reads “Revolver Cartridges, caliber 7.62 mm, 14 pieces.” The box should have the last two digits of the year it was manufactured and a code number identifying the factory that made these cartridges. Despite the out-of-focus photo supplied, it looks like maybe one number on the box is 18, which would indicate 1918 manufacture.

These cartridges (7.62x38 mm R) are for the Model 1895 Nagant revolver. It is a seven-shot revolver, so the box holds a multiple of seven rounds. The cartridge has an unusual design, with the bullet loaded down inside of the case. When you pull the trigger on this revolver, the cylinder moves forward a bit and the mouth of the cartridge moves into the chamber, thereby eliminating the gap and preventing the slight blowby gas of the charge from escaping at the gap, as it does on a normal revolver when the bullet passes into the barrel.

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.