This simply constructed pistol is commonly referred to as the “Straight Line Single Shot” or “Straight Away.” These names derive from its distinctive design, in which the percussion nipple and barrel are aligned on a single straight axis.
The pistols were produced with barrel lengths ranging from 3 to 6 inches and in calibers from .31 to .36.
Two grip profiles can be distinguished. Early production pistols feature the “quick drop” grip, while later examples are fitted with the Smith & Wesson-style “slow drop” grip.
With the exception of pistols fitted with full-round barrels, all examples are marked ALLEN & WHEELOCK on the top of the barrel.
The design of the pistol allowed virtually any compatible barrel to be fitted to the frame, and this flexibility was put to extensive use. Early production examples exhibit excellent craftsmanship, with barrels precisely fitted to the frame so that the joint is barely discernible. In contrast, later production pistols are encountered with a wide variety of barrel configurations, including full-round, half-octagonal/half-round, and fully octagonal profiles, as well as barrels of different lengths.
It is widely believed that Ethan Allen used this design as a practical means of utilizing rejected, surplus, or otherwise unused barrel stocks. While the majority of these pistols are fitted with barrels manufactured by Allen & Wheelock, examples are also found with barrels acquired from the inventories of other manufacturers.
The early model illustrated above is notably well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing. In contrast, many later production examples fitted with surplus or rejected barrels are considerably less attractive in appearance. It is reasonable to assume that these pistols were intended for customers seeking an inexpensive and functional firearm, with little regard for aesthetic refinement.
A selection of representative examples is shown below.
Straight Line Pistol – late type – mounted with a revolver barrel
This pistol is of late vintage having a barrel from a side-hammer belt revolver.
From the P.O. Collection