Free Pistol or "Zip Gun"

[smokejones]

So, I asked about Louie triggers a while back and didn't get any responses. Not that I really expected any, but I was hopeful. So I'm still in search of some info.

What can you folks tell me about pistols like the ones pictured below? What class of pistol is this? (If they were cartridge guns I think they'd be called free pistols. A local BP shooter called them "zip guns".) Do people still compete with these kind of target pistols?

Thanks

(And is this the right forum to ask these questions?)

 

[ENCORE50A]

If you have facebook, I'd suggest asking here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/270501603101904/

 

[smokejones]

Don't "do" facebook but if I don't learn anyting here, I'll likely change my mind.

Thanks