The Kuwabara revolver[1] (桑原製軽便拳銃 Kuwabara Seikei-ben Kenjū), also known as the Kuwahara revolver, is a Japanese revolver.
History[]
Produced by the Kuwabara Firearms Dealership based in Tokyo, the Kuwabara revolver was sold during the Sino-Japanese War to officers for the price of JPY 15 (in 1894 yen). The revolver was apparently well-received by officers who used it. It is unknown how many were produced, though it does not appear to have been produced in significant numbers.
Accessories for the revolver were also produced, including a bullet mold, bullet reloading tools and a cleaning brush.[2]
Design Details[]
The revolver is apparently based on the Type 26 revolver, despite it resembling an American-styled top-break revolver. Similar to the Type 26, the revolver could separate into two halves for easy cleaning and maintenance.
When compared to the Type 26 in terms of functionality, however, there is a world of difference; the most notable difference between both weapons is their action, with the Kuwabara having an actual hammer spur, allowing it to operate in both double- and single-action modes.
The Kuwabara combines elements from multiple revolvers, such as the Galand revolver's locking latch to release the cylinder, the layout of the Smith & Wesson Model 3 and the side grip panels of the Modèle 1892 revolver. The receiver is nickel-plated to prevent rust.
Reloading the weapon is simple; push the trigger guard forward and break open the top half of the weapon. Spent casings should be automatically ejected à la Webley revolver.[3]
References[]
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