Aston Model 1842

History of the Aston 1842

The Aston Model 1842 single-shot impact pistol is a development of the earlier Aston Model 1836 flintlock pistol. The original pistol was completed with the typical flintlock mechanism of the time, complete with a hinged hammer, battery and socket, and a battery spring assembly designed to trigger firing a single lead shot from the barrel. The cannon has a walnut stock fixed with iron fittings, which forms an elegantly sculpted curve that serves as the handle.

The action is set on the left side of the gun body. A folding pushrod is conveniently located under the barrel.

Like other firearms of the time, the Model 1836 pistol was a good candidate for the modernization of the strike system, in which the drop hammer activated the primer and in turn ignited the gunpowder in the chamber, the resulting force propelling the bullet out of the barrel (Action similar to a child's toy gun). This method of firearm operation has proven to be far more reliable than the old flintlock system affected by environmental factors - strike rifles can now fire in the rain.

By 1842, as standardized by the War Department, Aston pistols had abandoned their hammer, pan and curling flintlock scheme in favor of a more reliable primer design. Brass fittings replace the original iron fittings that hold the walnut together.

The original U.S. government contract was done by H. Aston, with 24,000 ordered from 1846 to 1851, after which (until 1852) another 6,000 arrived under the modified H. Aston & Company name. Subsequently, the gun and related implements were sold to Ira N. Johnson, after which 10,000 were manufactured from 1853 to 1855.

These guns are usually issued to the cavalry infantry known as "dragon cavalry" - a term adopted from the British cavalry regiment - who use the compact form of the pistol in close combat (whether cavalry or dismounted infantry) Both are appreciated) - the pistol's in such a range, the single shot naturally proved to be devastatingly effective along with the saber, and all this was behind the power of the charge horse. Dragoons would carry two cannons in the saddle, ready to fire.

Model 1842 Aston pistols circulated during the fighting in the American Civil War (1861-1865) and some may have entered the hands of private owners or militia elements outside the military.

Specification

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Performance

Changes