How much did a pistol cost?

Answer 1

The price of handguns (pistols) has varied extensively over their period of use, beginning around the 13th century with Chinese hand cannons. The firing of these "pipes" gradually evolved from fuses into flintlocks, creating the common hand weapon from the 15th to 18th century. By the 19th century, the development of contained cartridges permitted the use of both single-shot and revolver-type weapons in a wide variety of sizes and bores.

In 1861, cartridge-and-ball percussion pistols sold for around $12 US (about $200 to $300 US in 2009, much more than many low-wage earners could afford).

In the 1920's, with the market among both criminals and law enforcement, revolvers were manufactured by a number of firms including Colt and Iver-Johnson. Ads promoted the firearms for household protection. Low cost (or often stolen) weapons sold in the $5 to $50 range ($50 to $500 US with inflation).

By the end of World War 2, surplus military production kept prices low, even as cheaper Eastern European, Chinese, and Japanese weapons debuted for consumers. Prices have increased, but the vast supply of unregistered or stolen small-caliber weapons makes them available as "Saturday Night Specials" for as little as $40 to $50 US . Legitimate handguns range from around $100 to $400 depending on their quality.