Single shot Pistol
Single-shot pistol is the simplest possible form of pistols and are known to have existed in 1365 AD.The earliest handguns were single-shot,
muzzle-loading guns with ignition provided by inserting a smoldering match cord into a touch hole. Single-shot firearms hold only a single round of ammunition and must be reloaded after each shot.The history of firearms began with a single shot design and many centuries passed before the multi-shot design became common place.Single shot designs are less complex than revolvers or magazine fed firearms and many single shot designs are still produced by may manufacturers in both cartridge and non cartridge varieties from zip guns to the highest quality shooting match weapons. As such,they were essentially nothing more that miniature cannons,small enough to be handheld.Improvements followed in subsequent centuries as various types of locks (ignition devices) were invented. In the match lock,the separate match cord was affixed to a spring loaded pivot which could be tripped by a trigger. In the wheel lock,a mechanism analogous to that used in today's cigarette lighters replaced the smoldering match cord. In the 17th century,the flint lock which strikes a flint against the steel,appeared. In the 19th century,percussion caps were developed followed shortly by integrated primer cartridges and hammers,therefore traded their flint for firing pins. An example of a single-shot pistol is the flare gun.Although not intended to be a weapon,many variants have been made.Single-shot pistols continue to be manufactured today and are often used for target shooting.They are also sometimes used for handgun hunting of game,including big game.The most powerful handguns are capable of killing all game,including elephants. |