Pinfire Links
Your definitive source for all things pinfire! Dive deep into the fascinating world of antique firearms and ammunition with us. From detailed articles about the history and intricacies of pinfire guns to reliable sources where you can acquire these vintage beauties and their ammo. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding enthusiast, or just curious about the world of antique firearms, out sites have something to ignite your interest. Load up on knowledge and let your passion for vintage armory fire away!
Pinfire
Hey @followers, Just picked up this absurd gem. “French Guns of Yesteryear” meets a 7-Up highball? Pretty sure this once hung in an old Honky Tonk or Western bar where someone thought a Lefaucheux revolver was the perfect drink pairing. Completely ridiculous and absolutely perfect.
Pinfire
4 gauge pinfire shotshells by SFM! These were one of the largest sizes made.
Pinfire
Percussion caps for loading and relaoding pinfire shotshells!
Pinfire
Hey @followers, I posted a teaser picture of this earlier in the week; here is a full article on Wohlgemuth’s Break-Action Musket Conversion and Rifled Barrel Insert System!
Wohlgemuth’s Break-Action Musket Conversion and Rifled Barrel Insert System
Friedrich Wohlgemuth transformed a 1855 Harpers Ferry Model 1842 musket into a break-action breech-loader by incorporating a hinged mechanism and a patented rifled barrel insert. Despite showcasing its dual capability as both a shotgun and rifle, Wohlgemuth's designs were ultimately overshadowed by….
Pinfire
Wohlgemuth Convertible Breech-Loading Firearm, c. 1869–1872
Here’s an interesting piece from the experimental edge of 19th-century firearms development. This gun began as a Harpers Ferry Model 1842 percussion musket before being radically modified by Friedrich Wohlgemuth of New York into a break-action firearm with interchangeable barrels.
Wohlgemuth patented this design in 1869 which allowed the shooter to switch between shotgun and rifle use by inserting a short rifled barrel insert into the smoothbore. The insert could be carried in the field like a bayonet. The concept was tested by the U.S. Board on Breech-Loading Small Arms in 1872 as part of their post-Civil War evaluations of new small arms technologies.
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Pinfire
New article about how the introduction of the Lefaucheux system revitalized some of the skilled trades in Saint-Étienne
From Flintlock to Lefaucheux: Reviving the Gunsmith’s Art in Saint-Étienne
In mid-19th century Saint-Étienne, France, the Lefaucheux breechloader revolutionized firearms, enhancing craftsmanship among gunsmiths. This innovation revived demand for precise artisanal skills,…
Pinfire
New on the Lefaucheux Museum website: A detailed look at the earliest known printed reference to the pinfire cartridge, published in L’Institut on March 25, 1835. The article examines Casimir Lefaucheux’s 1835 patent, his presentation to the Société d’Encouragement, and how these documents mark the beginning of self-contained ammunition. Includes original images from the museum’s archive.
Pinfire
This is a 4 gauge pinfire shotshell made for use in a large punt gun, headstamped by E. M. Reilly & Co. of London. These extremely large cartridges were typically used for commercial waterfowling and fired from heavy, boat-mounted shotguns designed to take down large numbers of birds in a single shot. A rare example from a prominent 19th century British gunmaker.
Pinfire
Just added some great full boxes of pinfire cartridges to the website, including examples by Gévelot, Fusnot, Houllier-Blanchard, and Fiocchi. If you’re looking to add a strong example to your collection, check them out!
Pinfire
📜 I recently picked up an official ICI Metals letter from July 8, 1941 that confirms what may be some of the last commercial British pinfire cartridges ever offered. Wartime priorities meant no more 10 or 12 gauge pinfire shells would be produced, and only a small leftover supply of 16 gauge remained. A rare glimpse into the end of an era for British pinfire ammunition—right from the heart of Kynoch Works, Birmingham. 💥