Notes: While the Russian Nagant M-1895 is the most famous of the Nagant-type gas-seal revolvers, it was not the first. One of the first was the Model 1883, which was used by Norwegian officers and NCOs until finally completely replaced by automatic pistols in 1940. (It is also rumored that some were captured by Nazi forces and used by them during World War 2, but I have not been able to confirm this.) The Model 1883 is very similar to the Russian Nagant M-1895 in appearance and operation, but the barrel has a short portion ahead of the cylinders which is externally cylindrical, while the rest of the 5.5-inch barrel is hexagonal. The cylinder is also fluted. The not-very-wide grip looks clumsy, and has checkered wooden grip plates and a lanyard loop at the butt. The Model 1883 is double-action.

A later version, the Model 1887, is virtually identical, but chambered for a smaller round. It was later modified for greater safety and the name changed to the Model 1887/93. This version was issued to regular soldiers, and was also in use by the Norwegians until 1940. The Model 1887 was more often issued to regular soldiers instead of the larger and heavier Model 1883. The barrel of this weapon is 4.5 inches long.

The Swedes also used the same weapon (also called the m/1887); however, the Norwegians built these revolvers for them until 1897. The Swedes issued them only to their officers, and they were issued as late as 1947. Most Swedish m/1887s were later sold on the war surplus market or to collectors; unfortunately, some of them were later modified to fire .22 Long Rifle ammunition or fire .22 blank rounds (and used as starter pistols at sporting events).

It should also be noted that the m/1887 and m/1887/93s are also capable of chambering .32 Short Colt and .32 Long Colt ammunition; however, the bullet is a loose fit in the barrel and accuracy is therefore terrible with these two rounds. Firing these rounds, however, will not damage the revolver; you’ll just be lucky to hit the broad side of a barn.