1930 Nagant Model 1895 Imperial Tula Arsenal Gas-Seal Revolver

The Russian Gas-Seal Icon: Imperial Heritage and Suppressor Capability 

The Nagant Model 1895, bearing its original factory stamped date of 1930 and serial 30915, is a historically significant military sidearm manufactured at the celebrated Imperial Tula Arms Plant in Russia. Designed by the Belgian engineer Émile Nagant, this solid-frame revolver was officially adopted by the Russian Imperial Army in 1895 and saw uninterrupted frontline service through the Russian Revolution, World War I, and World War II. The Nagant is famous within small-arms history for its unique, patented "gas-seal" system. When the hammer is cocked, a complex mechanical linkage cams the entire cylinder forward, pushing the mouth of the chambered cartridge case inside the rear throat of the barrel. Upon firing, the specialized 7.62x38mmR cartridge mouth expands to bridge the cylinder gap completely. This eliminates the gas velocity loss inherent to all standard revolver designs, yielding an unexpected secondary benefit: it renders the Nagant one of the very few revolvers in existence that can be effectively and completely sound suppressed. This specific unit was later imported by Century International Arms (CAI), receiving a secondary regulatory stamped serial number of 189533973 to comply with contemporary domestic tracing rules.

Condition and Action Highlights

Action: Double-action / single-action (DA/SA) gas-seal revolver mechanism. The cylinder advances smoothly and steps forward firmly into lockup during the cocking motion.

Condition: Excellent condition. The factory military bluing is remarkably deep and consistent across the entire solid-frame receiver and barrel assembly, completely free of oxidation or thinning.

Blemishes & Hardware: Minor cosmetic blemishes are present, including on the left side of the frame directly above the trigger group. The original checkered wood grip panels are highly preserved, showing excellent grain structure with very light handling wear.

Bore: 4.5-inch barrel. The bore is in good condition, remaining bright and reflective with cleanly defined, sharp rifling grooves.

Accessories: Accompanied by a military-surplus canvas and leather flap holster.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Imperial Tula Arms Plant (Russia) / Imported by Century Arms (CAI)

Model: Model 1895 Gas-Seal

Serial Numbers: Original Stamped: 30915 • CAI Reserialized: 189533973

Caliber: 7.62x38mmR (Nagant Revolver)

Capacity: 7 Rounds (Cylinder)

Barrel Length: 4.5 Inches

Finish: Deep Military Blued Steel, Checkered Wood Grips