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. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. 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.
