Queen Anne Pistol
English Gunmakers (various) · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1660
Also known as: Turn-off pistol, Muff pistol, Screw-barrel pistol
Overview
The Queen Anne pistol was a flintlock pocket pistol popular in England from the mid-17th to the late 18th century, named for the period of Queen Anne (1702-1714). Its defining feature was a 'turn-off' or 'screw-off' cannon-shaped barrel that unscrewed from the breech with a key, allowing the powder and an oversized ball to be loaded directly into the chamber without a ramrod. Most were smoothbore and chambered for roughly .45 to .50 caliber balls, prized by civilians for self-defense and concealability.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 400 g (14.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 100 mm (3.94") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 10 m (11 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .50 Caliber Ball · primary — also known as 50 cal round ball, 12.7mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Turn Off Barrel, Breech Loading, Cannon Barrel, Pocket Pistol, Muzzle Loader
Service history
Operators
- British civilian gentry
Production
Production years: 1660-1800
Made in large but unrecorded numbers by many English gunmakers as bespoke and trade pieces
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1800
Notes
The lock plate, breech and trigger were often forged in one piece. The oversized ball, larger than the bore, was swaged down as the barrel was screwed back on, sealing the gases for higher velocity. Also called a 'turn-off' or 'muff' pistol.
Background
The 'muff pistol' nickname came from ladies concealing one inside a fur hand-warmer; the detachable barrel was so easy to drop while loading that the military never adopted the design despite its breech-loading advantage.