Firearms Timeline

By Harrison Kaster
  • Oct 6, 1201

    Chinese Fire lances

    Chinese Fire lances
    The Chinese invented "Fire Lances" in the 10th century. Although the exact date is unclear, this was the first recorded means of firearms. They were constructed of either bamboo or metal and shot flames and or shrpanel towards the target. As many Eurpean nations waged wars with them. they became more powerful and deadly, but lacked accuracy. Link: science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/.../who-invented-the-first-gun.
  • Oct 6, 1401

    French Arquebus

    French Arquebus
    After the creation of the "lock" mechansim in the 15th century, handguns became more reliable. One of the first of these new handguns was the French arquebus. This weapon could be held up to the shoulder or held by one hand for firing. It worked by burning a gunpowder soaked cord on both ends until it hit flash powder. The only problem was that it was cobversome and had a low rate of fire. Link: science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/.../who-invented-the-first-gun.

  • Smoothbore Flintlock Musket

    Smoothbore Flintlock Musket
    In France around 1612,the Smoothbore Flintlock Musket was invented as an "upgrade" to the Matchlock and Wheel Lock muskets. It's manufacture slowly spead through Europe, making it more popular than the Wheel Lock by the second half of the century. The popularity of the firearm can be contributed to the improved mechanism that was the one singular striking surface and flashpan cover. This made it less expensive, more reliable, and simpler. Link:http://www.americanfirearms.org/gun-history/

  • Puckle Gun

    Puckle Gun
    James Puckle, in London England, 1718, demonstrated a tripod-mounted, single barreled flintlock. It contained a 9 tube revolving cylinder whith three times the firing speed of any standard musket. It also had two unique amunition cababilities with circular rounds for Christian enemies and square rounds for Muslim Turks. Opened the possibility for multiple shots per round. Link:http://www.americanfirearms.org/gun-history/

  • Schonberger-Laumann 1892

    Schonberger-Laumann 1892
    It was the first semi-automatic pistol to be patented in 1892. Created by two brothers under the last name Schonberger and patented by Austrian Joesph Laumann. (1892) Despite this, it was an "unfortunate" time for the design as the late 19th century was a time of rapid semi-automatic pistols, so better designs by Hugo Borchardt and Paul Mauser took center stage/ This meant that it was generally over looked despite being the first of it's kind. Link:http://www.americanfirearms.org/gun-history/