What is this?

[Johnny P]

A pinfire has to have a slot in the cylinder for the "pin" to stick up through, and the hammer comes down on top of this pin.

The U.S. military called their revolvers pistols until the auto pistol came out, and then depending on which design, they were revolvers or pistols.

[jgaynor]

There is another revolver design called a "teat fire". The cartridges are inserted from the front of the cylinder and a small, tubular extension containing the priming compound protrudes through the rear of the cylinder. Single action with a spur trigger. The cartridge extension with the priming compound is crushed by the hammer.

We have one of this type in the family made by the Moore Revolver Co and reportedly carried by distant relative in his duties as an NYPD patrolman in late 1800's.

[da gimp]

I've got a Moore teat fire.. this isn't one of them...

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Pistol generally mean semi-auto, its a revolver. More pics, markings, would certainly help. It is a cartridge gun, so post 1870?, unless it defied the S&W patent, does look foreign.

Smokey is correct. It is a pistol. You have auto pistols, revolver pistols, etc. A pistol is a hand held firearm.

jt

[keith smart]

If large caliber, I think it is a French Devisme

[Andouille]

I believe Keith Smart has nailed it:

http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/devism...44-caliber.htm