Command Palette
Search for a command to run...
Command Palette
Search for a command to run...
Brown Bess vs Wheellock Pistol
Side-by-side technical comparison
Brown Bess
Other WeaponsDiscontinued
Wheellock Pistol
Other WeaponsDiscontinued
Overview
Spec
Brown Bess
Wheellock Pistol
Production
1722–1838
1500–1680
Units produced
Over 4,300,000
Thousands (handcrafted individually)
Specifications
Spec
Brown Bess
Wheellock Pistol
Overall length
1,460-1,600mm (57.5-63 in)
450-600 mm (18-24 in) typical
Barrel length
990-1,170mm (39-46 in)
250-400 mm (10-16 in) typical
Weight
4.8 kg (10.5 lb)
1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lb) typical
Magazine capacity
Single-shot, muzzle-loading
Single-shot, muzzle-loaded
Action type
Flintlock, single-shot, muzzle-loading
Wheellock ignition, smoothbore
Trigger type
Single-stage, no set trigger
Single-stage, linked to wheel release
Sights
Bayonet lug as front 'sight' only — no rear sight (smoothbore)
Fixed front bead sight
Calibers
Brown Bess
Wheellock Pistol