Nagant pistol quality?

[bboy]

I am debating about buying a Nagant pistol. Places like Gunbroker and Buds have them for approximately $125.00. Anyone know what the quality is like on these? How available is ammo?

Thanks

B

[fitz19d]

Ammo readily available online and Jensens at least has some in generally. Not all that cheap, I think it was like .40 or .50 cents a round? Could be mistaken.

No idea on quality, I doubt one would explode with correct ammo that isn't hot.

[obawon]

I collect a bit of C&R and have thought about the nagant revolver several times, but never pulled the trigger. As mentioned, ammo is available online. Ballistics on the round are totally anemic, and double action trigger pulls are notoriously long & heavy since the clyinder mechanism cams forward to seal off the cylinder gap to minimize gas leakage...kind of an over-complicated Rube Goldberg solution for a "problem" that really isn't a problem at all. If the gee whiz aspect of that appeals to you (like it does to me) then that makes the Nagant a more viable choice.

[ray1970]

I had one. Briefly. Made like everything else the Soviets make. Clunky and awkward but built like a tank. Possibly one of the worst double action revolver trigger pulls I have ever felt. I would say it would be an interesting collectible but not really a good "shooter".

[Troublco]

I have one. I've shot it a little, just to do it, but I wouldn't use it for anything but punching holes in paper. As Obawon said, it's a neat piece and fun to look at, very interesting from a mechanical and engineering standpoint.

[bboy]

Cool thanks guys, I think I will pull the trigger on one in the near future. I may shoot it but it definately has the gee whiz appeal.

[SAnd]

It is the quietest gun I own. I threaded the barrel on mine and use a silencer on it. I don't know of another revolver that you can do that to. It increases the "gee whiz" factor of the Nagant tremendously.

[stubbicatt]

I've had mine for several years now. It has "1930" on the frame, beneath the importer's billboard. I like the little thing, but to say the trigger needs work is an understatement.

AIM Surplus has ammo for it these days. I bought a few boxes of it. It is corrosive and berdan primed, but it shoots reliably. Must be a very low pressure round judging from the appearance of primers in the fired brass.