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Jan 1, 1232
Chinese invent gunpowder
Chinese invent gunpowder and a weapon called the 'Fire Lsnce'. It was used to launch ignited gunpowder at a target. -
Jan 1, 1364
First recorded use of a firearm
The firearm was operated with both hands, one hand would hold a burning wick and the other held the firearm. The wick would come in contact with a "touch hole" and it ignited the gunpowder inside. -
Jan 1, 1400
Matchlock guns (1400s)
The Matchlock gun was the first mechanically, fired gun. -
Jan 1, 1548
Rifiling principle is discovered
Rifiling caused bullets to spin while increasing stability and accuracy. -
Dueling pistols
Rapiers were replaced by dueling pistols that were specially made and were decorated. -
Percussion cap guns invented
Firing mechanism no longer uses flash pan. -
Colt Revolver
First multishot, revolving firearm that was mass produced -
Guns begin to use pin-fire cartridges
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Shotguns
As more designs for muskets were created, the shotgun was created with the purpose of hunting birds. -
Gatling Gun
Doctor Richard Gatling designs the Gatling Gun, a six-barreled weapon capable of firing 200 rounds per minute. -
Winchester rifle
The generic rifle, it was cheap and produced in great numbers -
Automatic handgun
Joseph Laumann creates the first automatic handgun with a separate magazine in the grip.
