Does it matter what side the lock is on a pistol?

I'm left handed so I find myself using left handed rifles but I'm thinking of building a pair of pistols. Does it matter what side the lock is on since I wouldn't have the pan next to my eye? It might be easier to prime if I hold the pistol with my left (dominate) hand and prime with my right

No it does not matter.

only if you need to cock it with the same hand you hold the pistol in, which is not likely. I have had 30 or 40 black powder pistols over the years. Had lefties, righties, underhammers and box locks. Even had two pistols with the locks mounted back wards, for instance a right hand lock on the left side with the frizzen to the rear.

Excellent. Thank you!

You could try an underhammer action: these have become hugely popular with competitors in Europe as the aim is not disturbed as often happens with a side hammer lock.

Left handed locks were not really a thing in the past. Southpaws were often forced to live right handed with out accommodation. Not a bad thing since it created very ambidextrous people.
I’ve never seen an historic example of a lefty pistol. But I see a lot of south paw otherwise great repos of rifles and fowlers.
We are here to play, what helps you shoot and enjoy it go for it.

Trapper1993 said:

I'm left handed so I find myself using left handed rifles but I'm thinking of building a pair of pistols. Does it matter what side the lock is on since I wouldn't have the pan next to my eye? It might be easier to prime if I hold the pistol with my left (dominate) hand and prime with my right

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I once saw, several years ago, a nice left-hand flint custom pistol for sale at the Gunmaker's Fair. I wish I'd bought it! But I'm so used to using all types of right-hand guns, even the UM ones, that it's not a big deal. Just wear eye protection!

If you’re left handed you are at an advantage. I’m right handed so I have to hold the pistol with my left hand, cock it with my right hand then swap hands to shoot it. You don’t have to swap hands! It’s already in your left hand.

Well, according to a very vocal minority here, it doesn't even matter on a rifle. In this case, I agree. No need to make a lefty single shot pistol.

J.P. Beck built a pair that were the mirror image of each other.

I guess it depends on what you like to look at for the most part.

I have made flintlock pistols in both right and left hand, I have shot them in both right and left hand. I have shot the lefties right handed and the righties left handed. Never had a problem or feeling of inconvenience priming either in either hand.
Robby

Pete G said:

J.P. Beck built a pair that were the mirror image of each other.

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Now those would be kinda cool...

Pete G said:

J.P. Beck built a pair that were the mirror image of each other.

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Even the signature was backwards on one

tenngun said:

I’ve never seen an historic example of a lefty pistol.

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https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...65-cal-truitt-bros---co-.cfm?gun_id=101381341

This made me realize that the percussion revolver was a truly ambidextrous handgun.

Trapper1993 said:

I'm left handed so I find myself using left handed rifles but I'm thinking of building a pair of pistols. Does it matter what side the lock is on since I wouldn't have the pan next to my eye? It might be easier to prime if I hold the pistol with my left (dominate) hand and prime with my right

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I guess one could learn to trick shoot backwards from a mirror that would change the lock side ! Oh wait............. he's lining up on the Parking Lot!!!!!

go with which side feels the most comfortable and natural to you in using it. As a lefty using RH everything I finally got a LH rifle and it just seemed awkward after all those RH action years. I got better.

It will make a difference if you want to stick it in your belt.