Kuchenreuter Percussion Duelling Pistol
Kuchenreuter · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1850
Also known as: Kuchenreuter Target Pistol, Kuchenreuter Perkussionspistole
Overview
The Kuchenreuter Percussion Duelling Pistol is a single-shot, muzzle-loading percussion pistol built by the Kuchenreuter gunmaking dynasty of Regensburg, Bavaria, around the mid-19th century. Firing a patched .52 caliber lead round ball, it features a heavy octagonal rifled barrel, a single set trigger, and a vertically adjustable rear sight. Renowned for their fine craftsmanship and engraved locks, Kuchenreuter pistols were prized as duelling and precision target arms among the German and wider European gentry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1200 g (42.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 425 mm (16.73") |
| Barrel Length | 285 mm (11.22") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 250 m/s (820 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 390 J (288 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .52 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as .52 caliber round ball, 13.2mm patched ball, .52 muzzleloader
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Octagonal Rifled Barrel, Single Set Trigger, Adjustable Rear Sight, Engraved Lock, Checkered Grip
Service history
Operators
- European aristocracy and duellists
Production
Production years: c. 1840s-1860s
Handmade in small numbers by the Kuchenreuter workshop; exact totals unrecorded
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Johann Adam Kuchenreuter
Discontinued: 1869
Notes
Originals were typically supplied as cased pairs with accessories. The design was later reproduced in the 20th century by Italian black-powder specialist Davide Pedersoli.
Background
The Kuchenreuter family were court gunmakers to the Princely House of Thurn und Taxis and to the King of Bavaria, and their name became so synonymous with fine pistols that Kuchenreuter duelling pistols appear by name in 19th-century German literature and honor codes.