Back in the 19th Century, the German military needed a reliable revolver. Now, we don't want to get too far into stereotyping, but it's fair to say that the Germans have always been famous for their over-engineering ... and the revolver they came up with, the "Reichsrevolver," definitely contributed to that reputation. It's not that the wheelgun they created is bad, because it isn't.
It is, in fact, what NRA Firearms Museum Director Phil Schreier deems "one of the most solid revolvers I've ever held." It's simply ... not the prettiest ... firearm ever made. Which tends to be the case when a gun is created by committee. Nevertheless, the German military used this firearm all the way up until when it adopted the Luger just before World War I.
In this terrific video from our friends at American Rifleman, you'll learn all about the "Commission" revolver, and why it still holds such a place in the hearts of gun-history aficionados.
