Gastinne-Renette Saloon Target Pistol
Gastinne-Renette · Pistol · Discontinued · 1860
Also known as: Gastinne-Renette Parlor Pistol, Gastinne-Renette Gallery Pistol, Gastinne-Renette Flobert Target Pistol
Overview
The Gastinne-Renette Saloon Target Pistol is a single-shot rimfire target pistol built by the celebrated Paris gunmaking house of Gastinne-Renette during the second half of the 19th century. Chambered for the low-powered .22 Short cartridge, it belongs to the family of French saloon or parlor pistols designed for indoor target practice in the dedicated shooting galleries of wealthy homes. A heavy octagonal barrel, a Flobert-style tip-up breech and finely finished walnut furniture gave it the balance and accuracy prized by the gentleman marksman.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 750 g (26.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 360 mm (14.17") |
| Barrel Length | 257 mm (10.12") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Rifled |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short, .22 Rimfire, .22 RF
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single-Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half-Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Octagonal Target Barrel, Flobert Tip-Up Breech Action, Fixed Target Sights, Finely Checkered Walnut Grip, Engraved Frame
Production
Production years: c. 1860-1900
Hand-built in limited numbers as a bespoke target and presentation arm.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Gastinne-Renette
Discontinued: 1900
Notes
Also known as a parlor, saloon or gallery pistol; these arms fired low-velocity Flobert-class rimfire ammunition safe for indoor use and are considered antiques today.
Background
Gastinne-Renette was among the most prestigious gunmakers of 19th-century Paris, holding warrants to European royalty and operating a famous shooting gallery on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees where duelists and sportsmen tested their aim. Saloon pistols like this one let patrons practice marksmanship indoors with quiet, low-powered Flobert cartridges.