My 2 cents on the 1895 Nagant

[white smoke]

Just had to have one, you know how it goes. A couple of years ago my son gave me a copy of a Woodsman magazine and it featured the 1895 Nagant. I was intrigued then forgot about it for a while. A deal came up locally for one (2 in fact) with lot's of ammo. I couldn't resist and dragged it all home. Yesterday I took the pistols and 2 types of ammo (1978 Russian surplus and PPU commercial). Of the 2 guns, one was clearly mechanically superior to the other. It was the less cosmetically appealing of the 2 but it had an obviously better trigger and seemed to lock up better. I put 100 rounds through them and what fun to shoot. Forget the double action, it's just near impossible. Both were surprisingly accurate for such an ancient design. Both were WW2 era refurbs and nicely done I must say. They both shot to center with a 6 o'clock hold and no sight adjustments needed. The target shows a group from 10 yards from a sandbag and the wild scattering of shots is a vain attempt with the double action. Home defense gun? Not at all practical. Fun factor is way up there if you enjoy shooting historical pieces as I do. Supplies seem to be drying up and prices are going up but that's how it always seems to be when caches of old surplus are turned loose on the market. Both are Tula, one is 1941 and the other 1944.

 

[S&W657]

Agree

I too wanted one ever since I read about them. I always looked a gun shows, pawn shops and LGS but always came up empty handed. A guy I work with has a C&R and I asked him to order me a Yugo Tok, since he was ordering some for himself. He said he liked it better than his Nagant, so I said "really"!? I'll take that too , please.... I got a package deal for both with a bunch of ammo for around 400. I was a happy camper and I too really enjoyed shooting them. If nothing else, they are worth their price as show pieces for historical value.

 

[palmetto99]

I got to take a close look at a few of these at a local shop that deals in a lot of mil-surp stuff. I just couldn't part with the cash. A little to rough and clunky for me. Still think they are kind of neat, but I put the money into reloading stuff.

 

[utbrowningman]

I should have picked one up 15 months ago when they were $99. Now they are close to double.

 

[JSH1]

Home defense gun? Not at all practical.

I don't know about that. You did manage to put 7 rounds on target at 10 yards. I can't see how it would be worse that a single action revolver like a Ruger Single Six or Blackhawk. You even have an extra round.

I would like a Nagant revolver as well but I can't seem to find one.

 

[Deaf Smith]

I have found the 1895 Nagant is an EXCELLENT GUN for my OPPONENT to have.

Other than that it makes a good sinker for my fishing rod.

Deaf

 

[Dain Bramage]

I have a Nagant and appreciate taking it out to the range. However, its operation is clunky and its manual of arms strange enough, I'd agree on the statement: home defense gun - not practical.

Mind you, I'm not saying impossible. I'm not ready to break out Deaf's monster offshore fishing gear that would require a Nagant sinker. I'm just saying not practical.

I bought a crate of the Russian flat nose surplus rounds. They are quite peppy. I have no doubt they could kill a man (historical accounts leave no doubt), but I would not want to count on those little icepicks stopping a threat late at night when I have much better choices available.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

If I bought a Nagant revolver, it would be for use in the local vintage and modern military pistol matches. Especially if the ammo stays affordable and available. And even there on the ammo front, folks seem to do well with .32 S&W Long and handloads using reformed .32-20 brass in the M1895.

No it would not be a first choice as a weapon of defense. But I suspect it would do in pinch, and would be a better deterrent than harsh words. But honestly most folks keep guns for recreation or curio collection, and what is more fun than putting an old war horse to peaceful use?

 

[SC Shooter]

I rarely shoot mine, because the ammo is pretty pricey, but I do find it a fun gun to shoot, and I have always been intrigued with the technology. I took it to the range last weekend, along with my Tokarov, and my Makarov in honor of the Sochi Olympics.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

There was a time when a Nagant was the only handgun I owned. Fun little shooters and I have a couple in the collection; I wouldn't use one for defensive purposes unless it was all I had, but they're neat pieces.

I suppose I should point out that if one did keep a Nagant loaded for whatever reason, it would be wise to remember that it's an old design and not at all drop-safe; leave the chamber under the hammer empty.

 

[ldlfh7]

They are fun old guns to plink with. I bought one a few years ago for $80. Prices today are simply not worth it. But still a cool old gun to shoot.