A highland scots pistol ???

**Finn** · 11th October 08, 04:54 PM

Middlesex Village are new to me, but I'm impressed by having gone over their site.

**Alaskan Kilted Guy** · 11th October 08, 05:13 PM

Wow, so sgians dubh are not the only weapons traditionally carried by Scots!

**Finn** · 11th October 08, 05:15 PM

Well, y'know some carry katanas...

AKG~ Snow yet?

**puffer** · 11th October 08, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Kilted Guy

Wow, so sgians dubh are not the only weapons traditionally carried by Scots!

Seriously, the pistol was VERY important to thje Highlander. It is said that a highlander, if he had 2 cows, would trade one for a "brace" of pistols.

Puffer

**Nighthawk** · 11th October 08, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by puffer

VERY GOOD INSIGHT

I am VERY active in the "Traditional" Black Powder/Muzzle Loading. ( research, & historical presentations ( 1800-1840 ) I also shoot ML/BP compition ( mil. firearms iclude a "custom "Baker" & a Pedercolli "BESS") + I am a moderator on an Inernational forum http://www.traditionalmuzzleloadinga...ion.com/forum/

Again, I AGREE with you

Puffer

You'd love my friend Chris. He's like a black powder Ted Nugent. Personally, the only reason I know that black powder .50 caliber weapons are too much gun for me is because I have fired his on a few occasions. On the other had, when I manage to coax him into a sword duel with me... well... Let's just say that it takes as much coaxing to get him into a duel as takes him to get me to shoot his guns.

**Highlander31** · 12th October 08, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by puffer

...1 The hand position, is not only VERY unnatural, but VERY dificult to achieve (IMHO)...

I agree with your assessment. It appears the artist may have started to paint the subject drawing a sword (although that is still an unnatural hand position for the sword as well) then decided to put a pistol in the hand instead.

**Nighthawk** · 12th October 08, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Highlander31

I agree with your assessment. It appears the artist may have started to paint the subject drawing a sword (although that is still an unnatural hand position for the sword as well) then decided to put a pistol in the hand instead.

I decided to test this last night. I wear my dirk on my right hip, being right handed. I drew it with my right hand, and I achieved that position (albeit very briefly.) So the assesment of the possibility that the artist was starting to portray a same-side sword pull may be correct. I'll see if I can a picture or two later on today.

**Nighthawk** · 12th October 08, 08:47 PM

Promised photo:

This is me drawing my dirk. It's on my right hip, and I'm drawing it with my right hand. The angle of the draw is, I think, very similar to the painting. Were it on my left side, I would draw it in a very similar fashion.

**kadalrymple** · 15th October 08, 11:15 AM

Maybe the artist who painted the second picture had the pistol that way to show the butt more clearly? Just a thought. It is an odd way to hold a pistol. Looks more like he is drawing a sword...

Keith

**Panache** · 15th October 08, 05:04 PM

I have been really enjoying this thread.

One of the things that Kent (walkerk) and I always do at the Highland Games we go to is check out the re-en actors. I have always enjoyed those portraying the Black Watch and their equipment. the Scottish pistol to be extremely interesting because there is a high level of efficiency in mass producing an all metal pistol. Simply looking at one and noting the the cleaning pin integrated into the butt (with flanges to protect it when used as a club), the integrated belt clip, and the durability of the metal it seems that the Scots were well ahead of the game in terms of manufacturing and production.

To our re-en actors I am curious about two points

I have been told that these pistols were inaccurate save for very close range. What is their practical range for those that have fired them?

What is the practrical purpose of the ball trigger and lack of trigger guard?

Cheers

Jamie