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From the practical standpoint of the user, the “V” notch was slightly more opened and deeper than on the original 1873 version for troopers, and the front sight bead was .01 inch smaller.

In single action, the trigger pull was now in the 7 lbs. range but, in double action, it was similar to that of the 1873 model, as officers were also riding horses and facing the same dangers as basic cavalrymen.

Two current handloaded cartridges for 25-meter shooting with .450" caliber commercial lead round balls, a small cardboard wad and 13.8 grains of Swiss black powder No. 2.

If one translates these improvements into reality at the shooting range, given equal skill, the officer was quite advantaged comparatively to the private, a condition which was perhaps not much democratic but which did preserve the hierarchy.

This writer had the privilege to own and use, with original Gevelot commercial cartridges, a mint 1874 revolver in 1954. In single action, the trigger pull was perfectly clean at approximately 6 lbs. and, at 25 meters (28 yards), the gun was able to group all impacts in the 7 ring of the international “P50” target (7.87 inches diameter). Shooting double action (approximately 15 lbs. pull) at a row of five Olympic silhouettes at the same range, the gun was pleasant to use, with a oneinch trigger stroke, but much slower than a modern Colt or Smith & Wesson revolver. The recoil was negligible.