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Wheellock Pistol

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Wheellock Pistol
Quick Overview
Origin
Production
1500 - 1680
Caliber
Overview

The wheellock was a sophisticated ignition mechanism for firearms that used a spring-loaded serrated steel wheel spinning against a piece of iron pyrite to generate sparks, igniting the priming powder. Unlike the matchlock, the wheellock required no burning match, allowing firearms to be carried ready to fire at a moment's notice, which made cavalry pistols and the first true handguns practical. The mechanism was expensive and complex, requiring skilled clockmakers and gunsmiths to produce, which limited wheellocks to wealthy officers, cavalrymen, and nobility. The wheellock pistol became a status symbol of the European aristocracy and a transformative weapon for cavalry tactics, though it was eventually superseded by the simpler and cheaper flintlock.

Calibers & Ammunition
Dimensions
Overall Length
450-600 mm (18-24 in) typical
Barrel Length
250-400 mm (10-16 in) typical
Weight
1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lb) typical
Mechanical
Action Type
Wheellock ignition, smoothbore
Trigger Type
Single-stage, linked to wheel release
Sights Type
Fixed front bead sight
Magazine Capacity
Single-shot, muzzle-loaded
Additional Information
caliber
.45 to .60 typical
action Type
Wheellock ignition
effective Range
20-30 m (pistol)
ignition System
Spring-loaded serrated wheel against pyrite

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