Rifleman Q&A: Key Pistols

by
posted on June 6, 2024
** 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. **
Key pistol

Q. I own an unusual gun that is in the form of a key with a mechanism that is quite sophisticated and intriguing. The bore is .30-caliber, and the gun fires with percussion caps. Overall length is 8" and it is stamped Serial No. 27. I’ve had a lot of trouble finding information on this obscure piece of history. Can you help?


A. Key pistols have been known since the 17th century and continued to be manufactured until the mid-1800s. Ostensibly, they were crafted for jailers as backup to be used when incarcerating difficult prisoners.

Most are either matchlock or flintlock, but percussion versions, such as yours, were also produced. The pictured example is extremely ornate, which leads me to believe it may have been made not only for use but also as a decorative item. It does have a period look about it, however, there are some design features that appear to me to be slightly more modern than one might expect to see in a circa-1850 firearm.

Without physically viewing the piece, it is difficult to be positive about its exact date and origin. I must admit, it is very interesting, apparently beautifully made and could very well be from the mid-19th century.

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.