**The Nagant Revolver (M1895)**
The Nagant revolver was designed by Belgian gunsmith **Léon Nagant** (together with his brother Émile) in the early 1890s, building on their earlier revolver models. The brothers already had a good reputation in Russia — Émile had contributed to the development of the Mosin rifle. In 1895, by decree of Tsar Nicholas II, the seven-shot 7.62×38mm R revolver with its unique gas-seal system (the cylinder moves forward to lock against the barrel) was officially adopted by the Russian Imperial Army, replacing older Smith & Wesson models.
Initial production took place in Liège, Belgium (1895–1898), before full manufacturing was transferred to the Tula Arms Plant in Russia. The revolver saw service in the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II, remaining in use well into the 1950s. Over 2 million units were produced in total.