This article needs additional citations for verification. Russian rifle created by the American firearms expert and inventor Hiram Berdan in 1868. Two different versions of the later single-shot Berdan rifle were adopted as service single shot russian rifle by Imperial Russia. The first version, manufactured by Colt in the US, is known as model 1868, or Berdan I.

Colt also manufactured a few half-stock Berdan I cavalry carbine prototypes, but these were never adopted for Russian service. The model 1870, or Berdan II, is a single-shot bolt-action with a distinctive short, pear-shaped bolt handle. The bolt handle serves as the only locking lug for the action, and when closed, points upwards at a 30-degree angle, rather than horizontally. 58mmR cartridge used in the Berdan was also invented by Hiram Berdan, with the assistance of Russian colonel Alexander Gorlov .

It was the subject of many patents in both the United States and United Kingdom. No magazine-fed versions of the Berdan ever progressed beyond the prototype phase. Russian troops, however, did have various cartridge holders, such as the Krnka quick-loader, attached to their rifles to aid in reloading. Finally I thought of something: I offered to him to exchange his old gun for a new one. But he refused, saying that the berdanka was dear to him because of the memory of his father, that he was used to it and that it shoots very well.

He reached over to the tree, took up his gun and began to stroke on the stock with his hand. Markings on the Berdan rifle usually consist of the Imperial Russian double-headed eagle cypher on the top receiver flat. The manufacturer’s name in Cyrillic, date of manufacture, and rifle serial number, are on the top of the barrel. Some rifles also show a date of manufacture on the receiver. The serial number was also applied to the bolt. The Swiss military bought 8900 in 1869, but these were replaced in favour of the Vetterli soon after.