Rifleman Q&A: Zimmerschützen Pistol

by
posted on July 29, 2022
Rifleman Q&A single-shot rimfire german handgun

Q. Can you help identify the antique .22-cal. single-shot pistol shown in the enclosed photo? The barrel length is 8", and overall length is 13". One fellow collector thought it to be a “bar-room target” gun. The only clear identifying marks are located on the underside of the barrel between the hinge and locking lug. One is the number 41. Above this is a letter, either “M” or “K.” These are stamped markings. Other symbols and scrolls are located on both sides of the receiver. A second engraving located on top of the barrel before and after the rear sight slot could be a name, but is not legible.


A. I think your single-shot, top-break, smallbore target pistol with the fluted stock is in the style of French or Belgian target guns and was intended for what 19th century European nobles referred to as a Zimmerschützen or “room-shooter” for indoor plinking. It obviously once had a rear sight for precision shooting as evidenced by the empty dovetail near the breech end of the top flat of the octagonal barrel. Targets were set up in the fireplace for casual indoor plinking matches. This is just a guess. However, the general style is of the late 19th century when the minor European nobility kept such smallbore target guns at their estates for indoor amusement during inclement weather. Since you have been unable to discover either a maker’s name or any proofmarks, I cannot tell you much more with any certainty.

While the caliber appears to be .22 rimfire—very possibly BB Cap—it could also be a small European rimfire. The number you quote, “41,” is probably an assembly number. Some Spanish-made guns avoided getting proofmarks, but most other European cartridge guns were almost invariably proofed. If you can find any small marks, with or without crowns or other symbols, then we might be able to tell you where, and approximately when, it was made.

—Angus Laidlaw


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Gotw 1854 Web
Gotw 1854 Web

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time we have a modernized American lever-action to take to the range. Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

New For 2025: Kimber 2K11

With its new 2K11, Kimber now has a dedicated design based on the 2011 concept that comes loaded with a number of added features.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.