
What is the pinfire system?
The pinfire system was a type of cartridge and firing mechanism for firearms that was invented by a French gunsmith named Casimir Lefaucheux in the early 19th century. The main feature of the system was the use of a small pin that protruded from the side of the cartridge and was struck by the gun’s hammer to ignite the gunpowder and fire the bullet. This was a significant advancement over earlier firearms, which used loose gunpowder and a separate ignition device such as a flintlock or percussion cap.
Lefaucheux was a well-known gunsmith and inventor who was credited with several innovations in firearms technology, and the pinfire system was one of his most notable contributions. He patented the system in France in 1835, and it was subsequently adopted by gun manufacturers in other countries.