Le Petit Protector Ring Pistol: A Modern Antique

Published on April 27, 2017
Duration: 10:40

This guide details the disassembly of the Le Petit Protector ring pistol, a modern reproduction masquerading as a 19th-century antique. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates how to remove the cylinder by unscrewing a central axis screw and highlights the innovative design where the blued band acts as the hammer's flat spring. This information is crucial for understanding the mechanics of this unique firearm.

Quick Summary

The Le Petit Protector ring pistol, often mistaken for a 19th-century antique, is actually a modern 20th-century production designed to look like French antiques. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its unique features, such as the lack of a barrel, the 5mm pinfire caliber, and the innovative blued band acting as the hammer spring. Distinguishing marks include English spelling and pristine condition, differentiating it from genuine historical pieces.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Le Petit Protector
  2. 01:26Mechanical Overview
  3. 03:08Firing and Ammunition
  4. 04:51Disassembly and Spring Mechanism
  5. 06:12Historical Debunking
  6. 09:03Conclusion and Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Le Petit Protector ring pistol?

The Le Petit Protector is a ring pistol, often mistaken for a 19th-century antique. However, expert analysis reveals it to be a modern 20th-century production designed to resemble French antiques from the mid-1800s, featuring a 5mm pinfire caliber and a unique hammer spring mechanism.

How can one distinguish a modern Le Petit Protector from a genuine antique?

Key indicators include the English spelling 'Protector' (French would be 'Protecteur'), inconsistent or repurposed display cases, and pristine machining suggesting recent manufacture. Its absence from historical texts like 'Firearms Curiosa' also points to modern origin.

What are the mechanical features of the Le Petit Protector ring pistol?

This 5-shot, 5mm pinfire revolver has no traditional barrel, firing directly from the cylinder. A clever design element is the blued band around the ring itself, which functions as the flat spring powering the hammer.

What calibers are available for the Le Petit Protector?

The Le Petit Protector ring pistol is known to exist in several calibers and capacities, including a 5-shot 5mm pinfire, a 6-shot 4mm pinfire, and a 7-shot 2mm pinfire configuration.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →