CONCEALMENT 36 Flashback: Kalthoff Flintlock Ashley Hlebinsky Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More 17th Century Repeating PistolThe development of the wheellock ignition system in the first decade of the 1500s put handguns on the map. By the 1600s, the flintlock ignition system continued to progress the popularity of pistols. These pistols weren’t always single shot; many were repeating firearms, including ones that were magazine-fed.By the 1640s, a Dutch gunmaking family, Kalthoff, began experimenting with a patent that, in long-gun form, allowed up to 29 shots to be fired in succession. It utilized a tubular magazine located in a pistol or rifle stock and a sliding breech mechanism. Although variations existed in design, essentially a magazine held the projectiles and a user would slide a ball into the breech and do the same in a separate chamber with the powder, then fire the gun and repeat the action until the magazine was empty. This system was so innovative that it was reproduced and modified for over 150 years — even seeing military service. Of the Kalthoff style alone, at least 19 known gunsmiths were making variations of this gun. According to historian Herbert G. Houze, “Their longevity is perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that Admiral Horatio Nelson owned a repeating flintlock pistol of their basic design, as did President Thomas Jefferson.” Over 50 Kalthoff repeaters survive today. Explore RECOILweb:System Collapse Medical TrainingDaniel Defense Adds Firearms with Tornado and Mil Spec+ CoatingEvolution of the Combat OpticReview: The Redi-Catch by Boonie Packer NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.