The Flintlock pistol is an early single-shot firearm. It was the Long-Range weapon of the Pirate.
Description
The Flintlock pistol features a smoothbore barrel and a long, wooden grip ending in a knob. As its name implies, the flintlock pistol was operated by a flintlock mechanism, in which a piece of flint is struck against a steel plate, creating a spark which ignites the black powder.
Stats
- Long range
- 19-22 inches
- 2.5 lbs
- Wood and iron
Uses
Because it is a smoothbore weapon, the flintlock has limited accuracy even at shorter ranges. As it is a single-shot weapon, there is not enough time to reload the weapon in the heat of battle, which is why most pirates carried up to a half-dozen pistols each. The wooden handle could also serve as a bludgeoning weapon. Pirates sometimes carried a Flintlock in one hand with their sword in the other, and shot enemies at point blank while swordfighting. Pirates also used Flintlock Muskets and Flintlock Rifles. Since it was single shot there were some multi barrel flintlock pistols for firing multiple shots before reloading (with 2, 3, 4, or more gun barrels) though theis were expensive and rare. A few even had blades attached turning them into pistol swords.