Flintlock for SD

[Tearlachblair]

So I've been reading some books that mentioned riverboat gamblers and such who carried small derringers, and I was looking at Dixie Gunworks "Screwbarrel derringer" that they had on there when the question occurred to me: How would you employ using a flintlock for self defense? Wouldn't there be the chance that your fine powder in the frizzen could spill out? What about the hammer accidentally falling or something striking the flint? I am completely ignorant in regard to flintlock weapons, so educate me!

 

[BigBlock]

Those aren't flintlock, they're caplock.

 

[Tearlachblair]

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_187_189&products_id=3549

That's a caplock?

 

[BigBlock]

That one isn't, but most are. The term derringer didn't start being used until the 1800s, when they had percussion caps. I seriously doubt any stories you might read about self defense would include flintlock derringers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derringer

 

[Steve499]

As far as defense with a flintlock goes, when that was the only technology available, it worked better than preceding technology, sometimes. Pistols were often carried in pairs with a dagger or sword cane as insurance. I'd hate to have to depend on a flintlock for a carry piece today, but I'd prefer one to, say, a wine bottle.

Steve

 

[roscoe]

Pirates and such used to tuck a brace in their sashes, at least in the movies. They must have figure out a way to carry them.

 

[.38 Special]

If I could load up fresh each morning, I suppose a flintlock pistol would be better than a sharpened stick. I wouldn't count on a pan full of month old powder, though.

There's probably a reason why original flintlock self defense pistols had metal reinforced butts...

 

[DaveP (UK)]

I agree with Steve. From a modern perspective it's easy to dwell on the disadvantages of a flintlock - compared to what we have today. When these were current their proud owners were probably thinking how much better than a matchlock they were!
Guns like the one in the picture are usually described as pocket pistols over here. It might be worth remembering that at the time a gentleman outdoors would be wearing a Greatcoat, with big buttons and enormous patch pockets! I expect a small boxlock would sit quite neatly in one, and tend to stay the right way up. In any case, refreshing your priming must have been as normal as taking a pinch of snuff!