Not even close. Heilongjiang hand cannon , dated about 1288.
this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2026
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I mean it does say pistol specifically and I'm not sure this counts
Pistols very much predate the 1800s lmao
That looks like some AI pistol too. I've never seen anything resembling that style. They used to be flint style but here that doesn't exist. Barrel is way to short for its supposed age. Idk that that finger hold is either... There's so much wrong with this.
I don't think it's AI. It's a percussion cap pistol, which is the step between flintlocks and cartridges. Barrel length seems like a normal pocket pistol length.
There are tens of thousands of gun designs, and some of them are quite goofy.
EDIT: Found it https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/49/66/unique-single-shot-underhammer-percussion-pistol
Jesus, underhammer lol, like the old guns you'd crank on to chamber, but miniature! Never seen it, and I own some old 1800s stuff too.
While not thoroughly informed on gun evolution, definitely agree! They were clearly used in the 1500s onward, at least for European usage. 1806 simply marks a year of notable military pistol production (like the Harpers Ferry model) although maybe others?
People who watched the historical documentary Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 know the pistol was first widely used in Europe in the early 15th Century - in fact, "pistol" is possibly a Czech loan word. However, it was introduced from China, where it was invented in the 12th Century.
Yeah something about mortars and pestles
I immediately thought of 15th century hand cannons and had a 'hmmm' moment myself. Not even sure those were the first.
Yeah; I thought of Hamilton
Year 1804. Close.
risks one must take for a meme
For real. That bottom pic kinda horrifies me.
I'm sure the safety is on
If it doesn't kill you the first time, pull the arrow out and try again.
It's not a meme, this is a historical photo from 1806 showing a very depressed man and shame on you for making a joke of it!
Yeah that looks dangerous as fuck... He's basically transferring all the energy of his legs pushing into however big the end of that arrow is, and right at the back of his skull.
I hope that bow is actually really loose and it just looks funny but people are dumb as fuck
That's what I'm choosing to believe. I know some people out there truly are that dumb, but it feels more likely that they'd just use a very loosely strung bow with no tension for the meme.
No one tell them about rope or high places.
But funny meme
looks like a great/longbow.
I agree, it does look pretty fantastic!
Though, as others have observed, the way it's being employed is rather upsetting.