dueling pistol
Gentleman's settling piece
A dueling pistol is a smoothbore or rifled handgun designed specifically for formal combat between two individuals settling a dispute or matter of honor.
These firearms were typically made in matched pairs to ensure equal advantage, featuring single-shot flintlock or percussion mechanisms, carefully balanced weight, and hair triggers for accuracy at close range.
The matched set of dueling pistols had been in the family since the 1780s.
The practice they were designed for was largely obsolete by the mid-19th century.
Time units, or extras
- satisfactionState of fulfilled desires
- challengeTest of ability
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- formalityStrict observance of convention
etiquette · gentleman · principal · barrier · signal · dawn · salute · reconciliation
Flint-sparked firearm mechanism
- percussionSound through impact
- triggerWhat initiates action
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- muzzleAnimal's nose area
hammer · frizzen · ramrod · ball · wadding · hair-trigger · smoothbore · rifled
Purpose or direction
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- targetObject of pursuit
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- sightVisual perception faculty
alignment · stance · grip · snap-shot · marksman · practice · leveling · point-blank
Knightly code of honor
- valorCourage in danger
- nobilityTitled ruling class
- gallantryCourage, especially in combat
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
pride · dignity · courage · integrity · aristocracy · feud · vendetta · insult
Flint-sparked firearm mechanism
- percussionSound through impact
- caplockCap-fired gun mechanism
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- collectibleObject worth amassing
vintage · relic · artifact · museum · restoration · patina · auction · Victorian
seconds
Time units, or extras
- satisfactionState of fulfilled desires
- challengeTest of ability
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
formality · etiquette · gentleman · principal · barrier · signal · dawn · salute · reconciliation
flintlock
Flint-sparked firearm mechanism
- percussionSound through impact
- triggerWhat initiates action
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
muzzle · hammer · frizzen · ramrod · ball · wadding · hair-trigger · smoothbore · rifled · caliber
aim
Purpose or direction
sight · alignment · stance · grip · snap-shot · marksman · practice · leveling · point-blank · offhand
chivalry
Knightly code of honor
reputation · pride · dignity · courage · integrity · aristocracy · feud · vendetta · insult · grievance
flintlock
Flint-sparked firearm mechanism
- percussionSound through impact
- caplockCap-fired gun mechanism
- heirloomInherited family treasure
collectible · vintage · relic · artifact · museum · restoration · patina · auction · Victorian · Regency
- historical weaponsmusket, muskets, flintlock, flintlocks, bayonet
- Duelingseconds, field of honor, affair of honor, en garde, paces
- frontier weaponssix-shooter, peacemaker, Colt revolver, derringer, Winchester
- Victorian weaponsrifle, musket, revolver, bayonet, saber
- antiquesantiques, antique furniture, antique, antique coins, Greek vases
dueling pistolbattle rifle
Military arm, full-power rounds
hunting rifle · service pistol · assault rifle · machine gun · combat shotgun
dueling pistolSaturday night special
Cheap, small-caliber handgun
zip gun · shiv · club · brass knuckles · switchblade
duel, dueling, duelled, dueled, dueler, duelist, duellist, duels, pistol