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1000
Gunpoweder invented in China
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1250
China began manufacturing guns.
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1364
First recorded use of a firearm
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1380
Hand guns are known across Europe
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1400
Matchlock gun appears
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1498
Rifling principle is discovered
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1509
Invention of wheel lock (rose lock)
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1526
In Italy the Beretta family made crossbows.
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1540
Rifling appears in firearms
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1550
In Italy the Beretta family branched into guns.
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Settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia with firearms
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The first true flintlock
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First use of firearms proof-marks.
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By this time the White Tower of London was no longer inhabited by royalty and was almost completely given over to the storage of gunpowder.
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Period: to
Dueling pistols come into fashion.
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American Revolution
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Percussion-detonating principle patented.
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Percussion-cap guns are in general use.
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The back action lock appears.
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The first Colt revolver.
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Guns begin to use pin-fire cartridges.
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The telegraph is invented.
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True shotguns in common use.
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Period: to
The Crimean War
The last war to use only muzzle-loaded guns. -
The first full rim-fire cartridge.
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Spencer repeating carbine patented.
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Breech loaded guns in common use.
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Period: to
American Civil War.
Both breech and muzzle loaded guns used. -
The Gatling Gun is invented.
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Center-fire cartridge introduced.
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Period: to
The Franco-German War.
Breach-loaded guns are dominant. -
First cartridge revolver.
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Winchester rifle introduced
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Custer defeated at Little Big Horn.
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First effective double-action revolver.
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Lee box magazine patented.
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Advent of automatic handguns.
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Jun 7, US army tested the 1st machine gun mounted on a plane.