Hand Crossbows
The pistol crossbow is a class-specific item that can only be used by the Demon Hunter.
Unlike other crossbows, the pistol crossbow is a double item. The item graphic shows two small crossbows together; there are no single pistol crossbows, so it's not possible to use one with a shield or melee weapon. Pistol crossbows have the fastest firing rate of any ranged weapon in the game, but they do less damage than other bows or crossbows to compensate.
Dual Wield Only?
At Blizzcon 2010, pistol xbows could only be dual wielded. The bows came in a pair, and looked something like you see in the paperdoll mock-up to the right. A Demon Hunter could only equip both at once, or neither; it was not possible to equip just one pistol xbow with a one-handed a weapon or a shield.
This was thought to be a balance issue; the pistol xbow was the fastest firing ranged weapon in the game, but as a trade off they had to be used two at a time, trading defense for offense.
This will probably not be the case in the final game though, as Bashiok explained while answering some forum questions in November 2010.
'''[[Bashiok]]: '''Yes, that is in. A lot of work is being done right now on demon hunter weapons so some things are still up in the air, but dual-wielding one handed crossbows in each hand, each with their own unique enchants and gems, etc. is now in the game.
'''''Question:''' So, one could now wield a one-handed crossbow in one hand, and a shield in the other?''
'''Bashiok: '''Potentially, butDemon Hunter Cinematic
The Demon Hunter makes extensive use of dual pistol crossbows in her introductory cinematic, devastating a horde of demons with the weapons.
