Product Evolution of Firearms

By juanchacon
  • Oct 4, 1364

    First Recorded Use of a Firearm.

    First Recorded Use of a Firearm.
    The product was invented in the 14th century in China. This was after the Chinese invented black powder in the 9th century AD. The firearm was shot by holding a wick beside a "touchhole" that would ignite the powder inside the barrel.
  • Oct 4, 1400

    The Matchlock.

    The Matchlock.
    The matchlock showed the first device to allow the gun to be fired mechanically. The matchlock comprised of having the burning wick attached to a movable clamp that would create contact with the powder in the gun when the trigger was pulled. This innovation allowed for both hands to remain on the gun, increasing accuracy.
  • Oct 4, 1509

    The Wheel Lock.

    The Wheel Lock.
    The wheel lock further innovated the firearm by making it possible to mechanically generate a spark. This means that there was no longer a need to maintain a wick to be lit. This innovation made firearms much more reliable.

  • The Flintlock.

    The Flintlock.
    The main purpose of the flint lock was to push back and spark flint the same time. The lid was used to protect the powder. This mechanism was keep for almost two centuries and was commonly used by German Mercenaries in the American Revolution.

  • Revolving Firearm.

    Revolving Firearm.
    Samuel Colt was the first to effectively introduce the revolving firearm that allowed that was especially popular to solider and frontiersmen because of how reliable and accurate this gun was. This firearm was also mass produced so it was much cheaper to the people buying them.

  • The "Maxim Gun"

    The "Maxim Gun"
    The "Maxim Gun" was the first gatling gun that was reasonably efficient and reliable. The inventor, Sir Hiram Maxin created the design to use the recoil of the previously shot projectile to reload the next projectile. With this design this firearm reached higher rates of fire than previously before.

  • The Modern Day M16

    The Modern Day M16
    Eugene Stoner was the engineer that designed the M16. His Idea was to have a lightweight, simple to repair, and 100% reliable firearm. He died before the final product was made but his designs lead to the continuation of his project to create a modern firearm. The final product was completed and introduced in 1963.