Perrin Revolving Carbine

[Bob Riebe]

The Perrin was an 1859 revolver design originating in France, which was initially an open-frame, double-action-only system. It went through some significant improvements in 1865, including a single action mechanism and a fully enclosed frame for greater strength. The Perrin used a quite modern centerfire cartridge, albeit with a very thick rim (as one can see in the chambers of this example). In 1865, a carbine version of the Perrin was also introduced. It was proposed to the French Army as a military arm, on the basis of offering six shots to the one of the new 1866 Chassepot – but it was (not surprisingly) rejected. A few were sold to French officers individually, though.