The Colt M1873 and the French MAS 1873 revolvers differ significantly in design and use, reflecting their distinct military doctrines and technological approaches of the time.
Design Differences
Action Type:
The Colt M1873 is a single-action revolver, meaning the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.
The MAS 1873 is a double-action revolver, allowing the shooter to fire by simply pulling the trigger without manually cocking the hammer, though it can also be fired single-action.
Loading Mechanism:
The Colt uses a loading gate that opens to the side for loading and unloading cartridges.
The MAS 1873 features a loading gate that pivots rearward 90 degrees, which clears the way for easier loading and ejection.
Frame and Maintenance:
The MAS 1873 has a solid frame with a sideplate removable by a single screw for easy field stripping and maintenance, a feature not present on the Colt.
The Colt’s design is simpler but lacks this quick field-stripping capability.
Caliber and Ammunition:
The Colt M1873 was chambered primarily in .45 Colt, a powerful cartridge with good stopping power.
The MAS 1873 used an 11mm cartridge (11x17mmR), which was less powerful and slower (about 430 fps), considered anemic compared to the .45 Colt.
Weight and Size:
The MAS 1873 weighs about 1.04 kg (around 35 ounces) with a 4.5-inch barrel.
The Colt M1873 typically had a 7.5-inch barrel and weighed slightly less, but exact weight varies by model and barrel length.
Sights:
Both revolvers had fixed sights typical of the period, with the MAS having a simple notch rear and blade front sight.
Use and Historical Context
Military Adoption and Service:
The Colt M1873 was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 and became iconic in the American West, used extensively by military, law enforcement, and civilians.
The MAS 1873 was the first metallic cartridge revolver adopted by the French Army, serving from 1873 to 1945, including through World War I and II, and was issued to various French forces including the navy and police.
Durability and Reliability:
The MAS revolver was noted for its ruggedness and reliability, built with oversized components and designed to withstand harsh conditions, including use in cold climates with features like an oversized trigger guard for gloved hands.
The Colt was reliable but simpler and more delicate in comparison, especially when compared to later Colt double-action models.
Reloading Speed and Handling:
The Colt’s single-action mechanism required manual cocking, which could slow rate of fire but was straightforward and fast for experienced users.
The MAS’s double-action allowed faster firing without manual cocking, but the manual ejector rod and rearward loading gate made reloading slightly slower.
In summary, the Colt M1873 is a single-action revolver celebrated for its simplicity and power, emblematic of the American frontier, while the French MAS 1873 is a more mechanically complex, double-action revolver emphasizing ruggedness and ease of maintenance, reflecting European military preferences of the late 19th century. Both were influential in their respective countries but served different tactical roles and user needs