Who invented the pistol?

Answer 1

The first weapon that worked like a pistol was the matchlock arm, used by Spanish armies in the late 15th Century. Wheel locks were then invented and the weapon was in common use by French armies by 1544.

In 1836 the revolving pistol (revolver) as it now exists was patented by Samuel Colt of Connecticut.

Answer 2

Jovan Quimpier Pistel in 1863. A Frenchman to boot!