The J. B. Peters Air Pistol

[Leonardj]

Sadly, this unique air pistol was discovered a bit too late to make it into The Encyclopedia of Spring Air Pistols, Second Edition, by John Griffiths.

The J. B. Peters air pistol was always considered as an unrealized patent design, but with the coming to light of this particular specimen, it would appear that at least one prototype was produced. There are absolutely no maker’s markings on the pistol, so it is unclear whether this is the original prototype, or a very skilled reproduction built several decades ago by an enthusiast. Examination of the constructional details however, lead me to believe that it may well be the original prototype.

This pistol is very well made, all steel construction, with walnut grip panels. The frame consists of three precision castings, welded together to form the main frame, and the sliding compression chamber is made of a fourth casting. The pistol weighs 2 pounds, 0.3 ounces. The overall length is 8.5 inches, and stands 5.0” high. The width of the sliding compression chamber is 1.0 inches, and the overall width at the thumb rest of the grip is 1.625 inches. The gun fits the hand very comfortably, and balances well. One of the attached pictures shows the relative size of the Peters air pistol in comparison to a Webley Senior air pistol.

As received, the gun required some minor repair. New seals were fabricated for the piston and the breech, and a new slide release was needed to replace the original which had about 0.100” broken away from the engagement finger that contacts the frame. The pistol was now ready for testing.

Sadly, the robust construction contradicts the performance of the pistol. The anemic velocities are to be expected from such a tiny power plant. The piston is only 0.50 inches in diameter, and with a stroke of only 0.80 inches. The recommended ammo, #6 chilled lead shot, is propelled at very low velocity, which I would estimate at around 150 or so FPS. I tried to chronograph the gun, but consistently received error messages. I am unsure of whether the #6 shot is too small to obtain a proper reading, or if the projectile is moving too slowly.

More pictures are available at the Vintage Airgun Gallery.
https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery....rs-air-pistol/

Patent details, along with a description of how the gun operates can also be found on the Vintage Airgun Gallery.
https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery....atent-details/