There were many varieties and numerous calibres of pistol in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pistols were manufactured not only in ‘pistol’ calibre, but also in carbine and musket calibre. The 1796 Pattern Dragoon pistol was made with a calibre of 0.75 in, the Heavy Dragoon with one of 0.65 in and the Light Dragoon in 0.56 in, covering nicely each of the three categories. It can be seen then, that without a very specific context from which shot was found, it can be incredibly difficult to properly identify the arm from which it was fired. However, muskets and carbines were not manufactured in ‘pistol’ calibre, so the smallest shot in the group, that shown on this page, can be linked firmly to the pistol group of arms.
Weight and dimensions of pistol shot (from Smallarms of the East India Company, Volume 3 Ammunition and Performance, by David Harding):
- Weight: 205 gn (13.3 g)
- Diameter: 0.515 in (13.1 mm)
- Bore: 34
Pistol ball, fired
- Weight: 210 gn (13.6 g)
- Diameter: 0.528 in (13.4 mm)
This shot and the two others below are clear of seam and sprue, consistent with shot manufactured (and rolled) in the Napoleonic period and later.
Pistol ball, fired
- Weight: 210 gn (13.6 g)
- Diameter: 0.519 in (13.2 mm)
Pistol ball, fired
- Weight: 205 gn (13.3 g)
- Diameter: 0.514 in (13.1 mm)
18th and 19th century smoothbore weapons
Pistol
