Trade Pistols?

[Smokey Plainsman]

How common were pistols during the Fur Trade Era?

I know guns like the Ketland trade pistols existed during the period, but who used them and for what purposes? Were they used as personal defense sidearms, or for dueling?

Just trying to get more info. Thanks!

 

[Sam squanch]

There are a few accounts of trappers packing two pistols while being busy working, a long gun would just be an impediment while working traps and doing chores, same as today.

 

[sethwyo]

Pistols were in demand, and so they were supplied.
Men who went to the rendezvous were looking for pistols , they wanted small handy guns that were lethal but that they could carry on their person while their hands were free for the work.