History of Guns

Chinese Invented Gunpowder

Jan 1, 1232

The chinese invented gunpowder.

First recorded firearm

Jan 1, 1364

364: First recorded use of a firearm - shooter lit wicks by hand that ingnited gunpowder that was loaded into the gun barrel.
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Mathclock guns

Feb 10, 1400

Matchlock guns - first mechanically firing of guns. Wicks were now attached to a clamp that sprang into gunpowder that was placed in a "flash pan".
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Wheel lock guns

Jan 1, 1509

Wheel lock guns - wicks were replaced the wheel lock that generated a spark for igniting the gunpowder.
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Flintlock guns

Jan 1, 1630

Flintlock guns - the flintlock did two things mechanically, it opened the lid of the flash pan and provided an igniting spark.
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Percussion-cap guns

Jan 1, 1825

Percussion-cap guns invented by Reverend John Forsyth - firing mechanism no longer uses flash pan, a tube lead straight into the gun barrel, the tupe had an exposive cap on it that exploded when struck.
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Back action lock

Jan 1, 1830

The back action lock was invented
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Colt revolver

Jan 1, 1835

Colt revolver - first mass-produced, multi-shot, revolving firearms.
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