Light Dragoon Pistol Pattern 1756
British Board of Ordnance · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1756
Also known as: Pattern 1756 Dragoon Pistol, Long Land Pattern Pistol, British Dragoon Flintlock Pistol
Overview
The Light Dragoon Pistol Pattern 1756 is a British muzzle-loading flintlock pistol adopted by the Board of Ordnance to arm mounted dragoon regiments. Firing a single .65 caliber (carbine bore) lead ball from a 298 mm smoothbore barrel, it was a robust cavalry sidearm with a walnut full stock, brass furniture and a bridled flash pan. It saw extensive service through the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1250 g (44.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1275 g (45.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 483 mm (19.02") |
| Barrel Length | 298 mm (11.73") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 150 m/s (492 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 233 J (172 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .65 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 0.65 in, carbine bore, 16.5 mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle-Loaded Single Ball
- Safety mechanisms: Half-Cock Notch
- Features: Smoothbore Barrel, Brass Furniture, Wooden Ramrod, Belt Hook, Bridled Flash Pan
Production
Production years: 1756-1800
Produced in quantity by Ordnance contractors; exact totals not recorded.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1800
Notes
Ordnance pattern assembled and proofed at the Tower of London from parts supplied by contract gunmakers such as William Grice and Farmer & Galton. Bore is quoted variously between .62 and .66 caliber across surviving examples; carbine-bore .65 is the nominal service dimension.
Background
The distinctive down-curved grip that defined the light dragoon pistol became fashionable in both the British and French cavalry during the 1760s. Carried in saddle holsters, the pistol was a close-quarters weapon of last resort for troopers who relied first on the sabre.