“The Formidable” was the name given to one of many different civilian pocket-carry revolvers made by the French Manufrance firm in St Etienne. This particular model was introduced in 1895, although it went through a significant redesign in 1902. The example I have here is the later pattern, which was sold until 1916 (when arms production completely shifted to military weapons). It is a 5-shot, swing-out cylinder double action revolver chambered for the 8mm French Ordnance (aka 8mm Lebel Revolver) cartridge. The double action trigger pull is very heavy at about 17 pounds, and the hammer is bobbed to prevent snagging in a pocket.
Select-fire Rifles
How to Swap FAMAS Ejection Left to Right
One of the very nice features of the FAMAS is that it can be swapped between left-hand and right-hand ejection in just a few moments without needing any tools or spare parts. I had this […]
Bolt Action Rifles
French Underfolding Paratrooper Rifle: MAS 36 CR39
The CR39 (“crosse repliable”, or folding stock) is the paratrooper version of the MAS 36. The need for a more compact and transportable pattern was recognized almost as soon as the MAS 36 was finalized, […]
Vintage photo
Vintage Saturday: French Troops with an M1916 Cannon
We think the M1916 37mm cannon is just terribly cute. Here one is being used by French troops – note in particular the spare ammo in a belt. The same belt and ammunition was used […]
If I identified it correctly in Alfa weapons catalog 1911 this weapon was also available chambered for Nagant revolver for same price, following variants are known to said catalog:
– 5 shots Colt ejector, steel barrel, horn grip, black, 440 g, price 31.00
– same as above but case hardened, marbled, blued cylinder, price 31.50
For comparison 7-shot Nagant service model price was 30.00
I must disagree with you Ian about the rear sight. It’s a scratch not a sight.
The British did quite well during WW2 with a 17 pounder so no excuse.
Handguns were scarcely a decisive factor in the war.
Horrid grips, hammer, capacity, sights and trigger pull but some plates went down and the gun in your hand is better than the gun you left at home!
A completely fun gun for casual plinking similar to the S&W Chiefs Special in .38 Special which also has only five rounds, but a significantly lighter trigger pull and more visible sights.
Very French that you have to bring your own bag, just like at the Carrefour or Cora!