The first flintlock pistols (pistols) appeared in the 15th century. By design, it was a shortened barrel placed on a deck of wood. A fuse was used as a fuse (later it was replaced by a flintlock). The considered weapons of that time differed from each other in their device and purpose. Short models were used for point-blank shooting, while elongated cavalry counterparts hit a target at a distance of 30-40 meters.
General information
In Europe, the flintlock pistol was first massively used by the Spaniards, who borrowed a similar system from the Moors or Arabs. According to other versions, Germany, Holland or Sweden is considered the birthplace of the creation of such a design. Each model had its pros and cons.
This lock works on a simple principle. The priming powder is ignited by sparks that occur after a metal flint strikes a flint. The popularity of such weapons was due to the fact that the need to use a smoldering wick disappeared, while the device system became simpler than that of wheeled counterparts.
Interesting facts
Like many novelties, at firstflintlock muskets and pistols were viewed with distrust. The French King Louis XIV at one time even forbade the use of this type of lock in the army under pain of death, so the infantrymen continued to control the wick, and the cavalry preferred the wheel type of striker.
Some gunsmiths managed to create combined options with a wick and flint, but such models did not take root. Over time, constant improvements and modernization did their job, the weapon began to be distinguished by reliability and high performance for that time. Most of all, German designers succeeded in this matter. In Russia, such muskets in the troops began to be used in 1700 under Peter the Great. They have been in service for over 150 years.
Wheel lock
This mechanism is a set of a metal wheel and a cylindrical spring, fixed with a special key. When the trigger is activated, the constipation releases the spring, which rotates the corrugated wheel, which strikes a beam of sparks from the flint, quite sufficient to ignite the gunpowder. A similar system is used in modern lighters.
Impact lock
The flintlock pistol with a wheeled mechanism was distinguished by its complex design and high cost. Therefore, gunsmiths were forced to look for a simpler and cheaper option. Flint began to be placed between the teeth of the drummer, fixed on one side of the musket. After cocking the hammer, the mainspring was compressed, the bolt was locked. When you press the triggerthe hook and flint moved, hitting the steel plate, the carved spark ignited the starting gunpowder, which ignited the main charge in the barrel. To protect against moisture, a special cover was used, which also serves as a shock plate.
Capsule system
The capsule was a real breakthrough after the flintlock pistol. In 1820, the explosive mixture fulminate was invented, which was placed in a small cap. With a sharp blow, the substance ignited, forming a fiery flash. A similar system made it possible to get rid of open fire to ignite gunpowder. A spherical bullet was sent into the breech through the muzzle.
The cap was on a small tube (nipple or fitting) screwed into the ignition socket near the charging compartment. To increase the impact force on the primer, a lock was used that was identical in design to the flint version. The drummer himself was located at the charging chamber, cocked and locked. When the trigger was pressed, it hit the primer with force, feeding the flame into the compartment with the main charge. This design has long been used in shotguns and revolvers.
Russian flintlock pistol
In this category, consider the 1809 pattern musket. It was developed during the transition of the Russian army to the seven-line caliber. The pistol of the 1798 model served as a prototype. According to historical documentation, weapons of this type were intended for hussars and dragoon regiments. Gunsmiths managed to establish mass production only in the middle of 1810.
Because the old flintlock pistols had a slow rate of fire, they were worn in pairs. Each rider kept muskets in special pouches (olsters) on the sides of the saddle. They were covered with cloth capes. Ammunition was carried in a carcass. The original sample of the weapon in question did not have a ramrod socket in the stock, the element was stored in the same place as the charges. Some cavalrymen drilled the entrance themselves for convenience. As ammunition, round rifle bullets made of lead were used, laid on a powder charge weighing 6.3 grams.
Device
The flintlock pistol, the photo of which is shown below, consists of a barrel, a percussion lock, a stock and a brass fixture. Brief characteristics:
- Year of issue - 1809.
- Total length - 43.5 cm.
- Weight - 1.5 kg.
- Material for the manufacture of stock - solid wood (walnut or birch).
- Handguard - long to the muzzle.
- No ramrod input.
The handle of the weapon is equipped with a brass butt plate and a pair of side "antennae". The length of the handle is about 160 millimeters with a maximum thickness of 50 mm at the bottom. The reinforced butt plate made it possible to use the musket as a melee weapon after a salvo.
Barrel options:
- Configuration - conical.
- Length – 26.3 cm.
- Caliber - 7 lines (17.7 mm).
- Circular section at the muzzle.
- Thickness in the breech - 31 mm.
- The thread pitch of the inner part is about 4.5 turns per 10 mm.
Features
The flintlock pistol of the Russian army, model 1809, has a barrel that is attached to the stock from the muzzle end with a special ring, which also protects the end part of the forearm from chipping. In the breech compartment, the element is fixed with a screw connecting the shank of the breech bolt to the trigger cylinder. The brass bracket is located in the front compartment, held on a transverse pin, which is included in the socket of the longitudinal protrusion in the stock.
The rear trigger of the brace is held by a screw screwed into the larva with the monogram of Emperor Alexander I under the crown. The trigger is 22 mm long and 8 mm wide, it is placed on the axis of the transverse pin. The weapon is equipped with a flintlock with dimensions of 142/86/27 mm, which is mounted with a pair of screws
The larva of the lock has an L-shaped configuration, holds the caps of the fasteners, presses the structure tightly to the bed, and the powder shelf to the barrel in the area of the priming nest. The second element is also made of brass, it serves to protect the mechanism from high temperature and combustion products after the shot. The lid with a curved smooth fire starter measures 40/23 mm.
The trigger is equipped with a combat and safety type of cocking, the maximum distance for moving the part in the first case is 35 mm, in the second - 15 mm. The force required to activate the trigger is significant (about 8 kg). A rounded front sight made of brass with dimensions of 23/4/2 mm acts as a sight.
Modernity
Ancient muskets in the original design can now only be seen in museums or with real collectors. Nevertheless, in specialized retail outlets and on Internet sites, copies are offered that are as similar as possible to their long-standing descendants. The weapons in question and gamers do not bypass their attention. For example, in the popular game Forest, the flintlock pistol is considered one of the most formidable melee weapons. True, finding it and charges for it is quite difficult even in an interactive "shooter".
