Parlor Guns: Floberts and air rifles

Published on April 25, 2012
Duration: 5:37

This guide covers the operation and understanding of various parlor guns, including the .22 Flobert rifle and pistol, and the Schuetzen rifle with its indoor practice adapter. It details their single-shot mechanisms, specialized features like hinged breech blocks and double set triggers, and low-pressure cartridges designed for indoor use. The information is presented with expert authority from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlighting historical context and specific firearm mechanics.

Quick Summary

Explore the world of parlor guns with Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, focusing on Flobert rifles/pistols and Schuetzen rifles. Learn about their unique low-pressure cartridges (.22 Flobert, 4mm BB), specialized mechanisms like hinged breech blocks and double set triggers, and their historical use for indoor plinking and serious target practice.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to Parlor Guns
  2. 00:27.22 Flobert Rifle Overview
  3. 00:54Flobert Rifle Mechanism
  4. 01:22Flobert Dueling Pistol
  5. 01:55Schuetzen Rifles for Serious Practice
  6. 02:28Schuetzen Indoor Practice Adapter
  7. 03:09Schuetzen Adapter Mechanism
  8. 03:29Schuetzen Rifle Features
  9. 03:43Speaker's Personal Experience
  10. 04:16Schuetzen Sighting Systems
  11. 04:55Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Flobert parlor guns primarily used for?

Flobert parlor guns, such as the .22 Flobert rifle, were designed for gentlemen's indoor plinking after dinner. They used low-pressure cartridges like the .22 Flobert, which featured just a primer compound, making them safe for indoor use without penetrating walls.

How did Schuetzen rifles differ from Flobert rifles?

Schuetzen rifles were specialized firearms for serious long-range target shooting. Unlike Flobert guns, they often featured custom-fitted wooden stocks, double set triggers, and advanced sighting systems for competitive accuracy.

What is a Schuetzen indoor practice adapter?

A Schuetzen indoor practice adapter allows a Schuetzen rifle to fire extremely low-pressure 4mm BB cartridges, mimicking the feel of the full rifle but with minimal power, akin to a BB gun, for safe indoor training.

What is unique about the .22 Flobert cartridge?

The .22 Flobert cartridge is notable for containing only a bullet and primer compound, lacking gunpowder. This design results in very low pressure, making it suitable and safe for indoor shooting environments.

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