Yesterday's Weapons Forums

Called Bodeo by us or "Bode" by the Italians. I just got what I thought was an officer's model and asked about it on an Italian milsurp site. A fellow told me what he knew and apologised for his English. He was "learning French", he said. I thought he did pretty well with English, too!

Three languages impresses me! I struggle with English and Russian!

Back to the revolvers. The revolver shown with a trigger guard is a "modello alleggerito" or lightened model made by MBT - one of several makers of this model. These were commonly used by town police and those will have the town crest. Also used by customs police and "Regia Guardia di Finanza".

He told me in the "old Italian Army" and police agencies, officers could buy a personal weapon. If this one was used by an army officer, he did not seem to have been in constant combat as it's in very good condition. You will see these all pitted on the side where the holster contacted the body and sweat permeated the leather.

It's very well-made. More so than the enlisted man's revolver shown. That one is very robust and if one was to shoot a full case of ammunition through it, you would have forearms like Popeye! Very strong springs!

It's by A. Errasti of Eibar, and while the Spanish pistols generally get a bad rap, this one is VERY well-made. Locks up tight! 200,000 revolvers by A. Errasti were bought by Italy in WW1.

Ammo is no problem. I use 44 Russian brass and 200 grain bullets meant for 44-40. Buffalo arms now lists a dedicated .423 179 grain heeled bullet mold for the Italian service revolver, but it's $126 + shipping.

The officer's model is a real pleasure to shoot, and I need to cast up more bullets!

Top 2 pics show the 2 models together for comparison, and the bottom is a better pic of the officer's model. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

....I've always thought these were impressive-but GAWD...who designed the grip...???...just seems so awkward to me.... ....but I profess ignorance

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....Naj puška govori!....
.............deplorable typical "bitter clinger"....

It IS awkward! With hotter loads, the enlisted model really bites the hand!

They must have taken frequent vino breaks down at the design bureau!

It's just fun to get some old shooter smoking again after who knows how many decades. Keeps me out of the bars! SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

Aww how I cried because I didn't get that one But alas it went to a good home with all his other Italian brethren!

SW that is a nice example!

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Mark

Resident of the Northern Republic of Free California

"People should not be afraid of their Government, the Government should be afraid of the people." - V

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

very interesting revolvers

hi all,just joined the Y.W.F.,il post acouple of pics of my glisenti soon.rowdy

...welcome aboard to the menagerie Rowdy... ...lookin' forward to your input...

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....Naj puška govori!....
.............deplorable typical "bitter clinger"....

Another to you rowdy.

Rad

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NRA Benefactor Member
AMA Life Member
Tri-State Gun Collectors Life Member

looking forward to those photos - and welcome

Yes, welcome to the most informative and cultured forum on the site! None of the other colecting genre forums are as detailed and just plain fun!

And since you like Italian revolvers, the lovely Rochelle has a special gift for you!! A nice kitty!! You have but to appear at #123 South Main St in Haystack, Nebr to claim it.

Heck, take one of each. We have a good supply!

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Slava Ukraini!!

hi all,pics of glisenti as promised.steve is there a time limit in collecting my presey,il post holster next.cheers all steve
glienti for posts 002.jpg [ 52.81 KiB | Viewed 7906 times ]

hi again,site would not let me post all pics together,i have (1)part missing the screw that stops the cylinder pin from coming out.cheers steve
glienti for posts 004.jpg [ 53.47 KiB | Viewed 7906 times ]

very nice , thanks for putting those up , i for one am only just learning these eye-tie stuff by all of the great posts here

any more pics of revolvers?

I'll put some up after a nap - just stumbled in from work. I have an Obrero Hermanos top break that was used during wartime.

I see a few Bodeo parts on gunbroker & auction arms right now. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

thanks for info,all i need is the small screw that goes into the frame & stops the cylinder pin from falling out,il have a look on that site.cheers sw

hogger What would be the most correct pistol to get for my Italian ww2 set. I have a 7.35 short rifle for the rifle.

GG

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A dart or a sledgehammer What do you prefer?

Old Thor ain't got nothing on me.



Gungrubber

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Slava Ukraini!!

Here's another revolver pic. Two Bodeos and an Obreros Hermanos. All in the same caliber = 10.35 Italian Service Revolver. The top break was mostly used by police and bank guards but was okay for officers' private purchase. SW

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Slava Ukraini!!

i like the top break,i want one of those.