Quite a lot of very short muff pistols and such when made on the Continent had rifled barrels. I do not know if this was thought to give more penetration to the ball, but may be the reason.
As most defense pistols are made for close quarters, say within a few feet, sights are not really needed and not used, Except when maybe trying a pistol to see where it shoots.
With a shotgun, the head position is the 'rear sight', with a bead at the muzzle, which is ignored/not seen in spontaneous shooting anyway!
Richard.
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