Rifleman Q & A: Antoine Ronge Pistol

by
posted on February 1, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ronge.jpg

Q: It is my hope you can provide me with information regarding this pistol that I received and that reputedly came back from France around the time of World War II.

A: Antoine Ronge was a gunmaker in Liege, Belgium, from 1785 to 1845. A search of the records shows several Ronge gunmakers in Liege from 1785 into the 20th century; their relationship to each other is not clear. The “Au Palais” marking shown on the lockplate of your pistol indicates the work of this gunmaker was accepted by the palace or court of the ruler, but it does not indicate that this particular pistol was made for the court or king. Rather, it is an indication of general quality.

--Michael F. Carrick

Latest

IHTOG 1854 Lorenz Jagerstutzen 1
IHTOG 1854 Lorenz Jagerstutzen 1

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1854 Lorenz Jägerstutzen

The Austrian Lorenz Jägerstutzen was a unique variant of sharpshooting rifle that made it stateside during the American Civil War.

SHIELD Sights Celebrates 40 Years of Red-Dot Optics Innovation

SHIELD Sights is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of British engineering, innovation and contributions to the evolution of modern red-dot optics.

TX Maxed: The Taurus TXM in 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR

Using its TX series architecture yet again, Taurus is adding the 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR to its chambering options with the new-for-2026 TXM.

Review: Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition

Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak takes a long-range staple even farther.

New for 2026: Pulsar Thermion 3 Riflescope

Pulsar’s newest thermal scope offers longer range, sharper detail and expanded functionality.

AKs In The USA: The Current State of the American AK Platform

Despite it being the primary rifle of the enemy for most of its existence, American shooters have nonetheless warmed to the AK platform, creating an unlikely love story.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.