Rifleman Q&A: Zimmerschützen Pistol

by
posted on July 29, 2022
** 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. **
Rifleman Q&A single-shot rimfire german handgun

Q. Can you help identify the antique .22-cal. single-shot pistol shown in the enclosed photo? The barrel length is 8", and overall length is 13". One fellow collector thought it to be a “bar-room target” gun. The only clear identifying marks are located on the underside of the barrel between the hinge and locking lug. One is the number 41. Above this is a letter, either “M” or “K.” These are stamped markings. Other symbols and scrolls are located on both sides of the receiver. A second engraving located on top of the barrel before and after the rear sight slot could be a name, but is not legible.


A. I think your single-shot, top-break, smallbore target pistol with the fluted stock is in the style of French or Belgian target guns and was intended for what 19th century European nobles referred to as a Zimmerschützen or “room-shooter” for indoor plinking. It obviously once had a rear sight for precision shooting as evidenced by the empty dovetail near the breech end of the top flat of the octagonal barrel. Targets were set up in the fireplace for casual indoor plinking matches. This is just a guess. However, the general style is of the late 19th century when the minor European nobility kept such smallbore target guns at their estates for indoor amusement during inclement weather. Since you have been unable to discover either a maker’s name or any proofmarks, I cannot tell you much more with any certainty.

While the caliber appears to be .22 rimfire—very possibly BB Cap—it could also be a small European rimfire. The number you quote, “41,” is probably an assembly number. Some Spanish-made guns avoided getting proofmarks, but most other European cartridge guns were almost invariably proofed. If you can find any small marks, with or without crowns or other symbols, then we might be able to tell you where, and approximately when, it was made.

—Angus Laidlaw


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.