Lefaucheux M1858

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	Weapon: Lefaucheux M1858 Type: Revolver Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1858 Caliber: 12mm Lefaucheux Action: Pinfire Revolver Overall Length (mm): 350.0 Overall Length (in): 13.78 Weight (kg): 1.20 Weight (pounds): 2.65 Effective Range (m): 50 m Effective Range (yards): 54.68

The Lefaucheux M1858 was a groundbreaking revolver designed by Eugene Lefaucheux, a pioneer in the development of self-contained cartridge firearms. Chambered for 12mm pinfire cartridges, it was one of the first revolvers to utilize metallic cartridges, eliminating the need for loose powder and ball. Its double-action mechanism allowed for rapid fire, while its robust frame and distinctive loading gate made it both reliable and easy to operate. The M1858's design set the stage for modern revolvers, influencing subsequent firearm developments worldwide.

Manufactured primarily in France and Belgium, the Lefaucheux M1858 was produced in significant numbers during the mid-19th century. The total production is estimated at around 300,000 units, with many being sold to civilian markets, military forces, and private individuals. It gained widespread adoption in several European countries and saw notable use in conflicts such as the American Civil War, where both Union and Confederate forces imported the revolver due to its advanced design and availability.

The Lefaucheux M1858 gained notoriety for its innovative use of pinfire cartridges and its reliability in combat situations. Although it was eventually superseded by more advanced cartridge revolvers, it remains an important milestone in firearm history. Collectors value the M1858 for its historical significance, and surviving examples are often displayed in museums or private collections as a testament to the ingenuity of mid-19th-century firearm design.