The pistol is a tube that captures and escorts the pollen into the calyx.
The same mechanics that germinate a calyx (via the pistols) during flower, works in pre-flower too. Once successfully pollinated, pistol will wither-up. (becoming unreceptive to further pollination) The seed will then develop inside the calyx.

Why not just save the pollen, and paint the pistols on one or two lower branches of a lady in full-flower, once you get enough pistols to make it worth your efforts? ? (marked with twist-ties so you won't forget)
Tiz the difference between getting 10 viable seeds, and shitloads of viable seeds. (unscientific numbers represented)
If careful...inadvertant pollination on other buds will be minimal. (fans off, or do the procedure in another room)

Have never cloned a pollinated cutting, but likely it would be pretty stressful for both of you. (edjumicated guess)