Videos tagged with Manufrance

This video explores "The Formidable," a pre-WW1 pocket revolver manufactured by Manufrance in St. Etienne, France. The featured example is a later pattern introduced in 1895 and redesigned in 1902, sold until 1916. It's a 5-shot, double-action swing-out cylinder revolver chambered for the 8mm French Ordnance cartridge (also known as 8mm Lebel Revolver). The presenter highlights its heavy double-action trigger pull (around 17 pounds) and a bobbed hammer designed for concealed carry, preventing snagging.

This video dives into the unique "Le Redoutable," a 20-shot, double-barrel revolver chambered in 6.35mm, manufactured by Manufrance. Introduced around 1910-1911, it featured an innovative cylinder design with staggered chambers and superposed barrels to accommodate its high capacity. The description highlights its status as a luxury item, priced comparably to high-end semi-automatic pistols of the era. The video also touches upon its counterpart, the "Le Terrible," and the discontinuation of the Manufrance catalog during WWI.

This video explores a mystery pump-action shotgun from France, featuring a highly unusual operating mechanism. While details regarding its designer, manufacturer (likely Manufrance), and production period are unknown, the focus is on showcasing its unique action. The shotgun was proofed at the St. Etienne proof house. The video aims to document this interesting piece of firearms history, thanks to access granted by Ader of Paris.

This video delves into the Le Français Type Armée, a service pistol developed from a smaller civilian defensive model. Designed by Etienne Mimard in 1912 and cataloged by Manufrance in 1914, the original was a .25ACP pocket pistol with a double-action trigger and tip-up barrel. The Type Armée, introduced in 1928, was a larger variant chambered in 9mm Browning Long, intended for military service. Despite being tested by the Versailles Commission, it was rejected due to its loading and trigger mechanisms being better suited for a pocket gun, and the lack of an extractor. Approximately 4900 were sold, including to officers purchasing their own sidearms, with early models featuring a smooth barrel and later ones (1931 pattern) distinguished by a finned or ribbed barrel.

This video provides an in-depth look at the Le Français pistol, a firearm produced by Manufrance from 1912 to the late 1960s. The example discussed is in .32 ACP caliber, specifically a commercial variant from the 1950s and 60s. The description highlights its unique features, including a grip-frame mainspring with a bellcrank mechanism for slide operation, a tip-up barrel, and a full double-action-only trigger. The video notes that Le Français pistols came in various calibers (.25 ACP to 9mm Parabellum) and served civilian, police, and military roles. It also mentions that few of these firearms, especially larger caliber versions, have reached the United States.

This video analyzes the Gaulois (Gallic) palm pistol, a compact squeeze-type firearm manufactured by Manufrance in St. Etienne during the 1890s. It details the pistol's 5-round capacity for 8mm ammunition and its unique firing mechanism activated by squeezing the rear grip. The description explains the Gaulois' eventual decline in popularity due to advancements in conventional handguns, offering comparable or superior functionality without the design complexities of palm pistols. The video also references similar designs like the Chicago Protector and My Friend, highlighting the historical context of these novel handgun types.