Hello all!
I have recently become fascinated with the American underhammer percussion pistols of the early 19th C.
But what were these guns actually meant for? I have read they were dueling pistols. I have read they were for hunting small game. I have read they were meant for concealment in a boot, hence the name.
It seems most were of small caliber, in the .28 to .34 range. That seems pretty small for a decently sized non-derringer gun. To me, that points to possible hunting use.
I’ve read so many conflicting reports on these guns and what their primary purpose was.
Thoughts?
I have recently become fascinated with the American underhammer percussion pistols of the early 19th C.
But what were these guns actually meant for? I have read they were dueling pistols. I have read they were for hunting small game. I have read they were meant for concealment in a boot, hence the name.
It seems most were of small caliber, in the .28 to .34 range. That seems pretty small for a decently sized non-derringer gun. To me, that points to possible hunting use.
I’ve read so many conflicting reports on these guns and what their primary purpose was.
Thoughts?
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