Through the 70s, MSGs carried clapped-out Smith Victory Models. Circa 1980, State bought the Ruger Service Six for MSGs, long after my time in an embassy.

In the 60s we were issued M41 ball (130 gr RNJ bullet at maybe 800 fps if the barrel-cylinder gap on your Victory Model wasn't too great). For practice we were issued 148 gr flatnose wadcutter.

When assigned to personal security details for upper echelon FSOs taking road trips into the bush, or for visiting VIPs, I would carry one of the embassy's commercial Model 10s, 4" pencil barrel, round butt (still my favorite revolver). This was the 60s, so M41 ball was as good as anything available. Occasionally I would carry a personal 1911 (if no one was checking), but still with ball ammo.

In 1968 I worked a trip with VP Humphrey -- the SS agent assigned to supervise the two Marines aboard was a field guy attached for the trip, not VP detail. He carried a Smith 39. More ball ammo!

Joe W
LtCol USMC(ret)
then-Sgt, Addis Ababa 1966-68