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

Stoeger STR-45 Combat pistol
Stoeger STR-45 Combat pistol

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-45 Combat Pistol

For 2026, Stoeger adds the .45 ACP chambering to its Combat line of STR handguns.

Battle Of The Kit Guns: .22 Long Rifle vs. .22 WMR

When it comes to the .22 Long Rifle or the .22 WMR, which of these two popular rimfire calibers is the better fit for a small-frame revolver? To find out, we put a Taurus 942 in both chamberings to the test.

Preview: American Hunting Rifles Ruger Reflex Sight

Designed and built by a custom riflemaker, and applicable across a broad range of Ruger platforms that feature that company’s distinctive integral scope mount dovetails, the American Hunting Rifles Ruger Reflex Sight Mount is available in either RMR or Shield red-dot footprints.

Barnes & Sierra Launch Free TrueData Ballistic Calculator

With Doppler-verified ballistics, precise environmental inputs and tools that match real-world performance, the TrueData Ballistic Calculator equips hunters and shooters with the ability to make accurate shots.

New for 2026: Benelli Ethos Cordoba Shotguns

Benelli expands its Cordoba line of shotguns with six new models.

New for 2026: New Products from Magpul

Magpul announces new metal-magazines, new stocks and pistol frames.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.