Boutet 1er Empire
Davide Pedersoli & Co. S.r.l. · Pistol · In Production
Also known as: Boutet Empire Pistol, S309
Overview
The Boutet 1er Empire is a muzzle-loading flintlock pistol produced by Davide Pedersoli as a reproduction of the elegant presentation-grade pistols made at the Versailles manufactory during the French First Empire. Chambered as a .45 caliber smoothbore firing a patched round ball, it features a browned barrel, a finely engraved lockplate, a checkered walnut stock with a brass buttcap, a single set trigger, and a horn-tipped ramrod. It is offered for black-powder collectors, re-enactors, and target shooters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Barrel Length | 255 mm (10.04") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Browned |
Calibers
- .45 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 45 cal round ball, 11.4mm ball, .451 lead ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Single Set Trigger, Browned Barrel, Checkered Walnut Stock, Engraved Lock, Brass Buttcap, Horn Tipped Ramrod, Muzzle Loader
Variants
- Boutet 1er Empire Deluxe - Engraved Deluxe
Production
Modern black-powder reproduction; production totals not published by the manufacturer
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Nicolas-Noel Boutet
Notes
Pedersoli catalog code S309 (standard) with an engraved Deluxe version cataloged as LL309. Named for Nicolas-Noel Boutet, director of the Versailles arms manufactory.
Background
Nicolas-Noel Boutet ran the Manufacture de Versailles under Napoleon and became the most celebrated gunmaker of the Empire, producing lavishly gold-inlaid and engraved arms given as diplomatic and military presentation pieces. Pedersoli's reproduction revives that Empire-era artistry in a shootable flintlock.