The officer's revolver is a statement piece, sure. An a rifle is more effective against the enemy but maybe especially during WWII it was more a threat against the Russian soldier that he'd face it if he fled.Yes I also considered this. Do you suspect very few troops were issued handguns? It seems all Military issues officer sidearms. But the "Grunt's" handguns are more closely rationed?
The Nagant predates Communist Russia by 23 years.It is also perfectly Stalinist: Whether you like it or not, Comrade. They churned out millions of a pistol no one could shoot, which is a cameo of what is wrong with a command-driven economy. Da, efficient, no gap in barrel! Approve it at once!
I don't use GB or eBay much anymore, but from what I remember the latter has an option to only search completed auctions. This gives a better idea of what people are actually willing to pay instead of the one guy who repeatedly tries to sell the same item for 500% markup in the hopes that one sucker exists.Gunbroker is not the best place to save money on anything that has become rare or prized. Local gun stores (around here at least) still go by book value, or by what they remember something being worth. In 2012 I bought a Smith & Wesson 1006 for $375 (comparable guns on Gunbroker at the time were around $850). A few months ago I bought, from another local spot, an East German Makarov for $200.
My point is, if you want something odd ball that used to be cheap, keep an eye on the local shops.