A firearm is defined as a device or instrument that propels a projectile using the expansive force of gases created by the combustion of an explosive substance. Nearly all firearms function on the same basic principle: applying explosive pressure behind a projectile to launch it through a barrel.
Below are study notes summarizing the historical evolution of firearms based on the provided sources.
Origins and Early Concepts
- Invention of Gunpowder: The Chinese invented gunpowder in the 9th century.
- First Firearms: Invented in China in 1260, these concepts later spread to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
- Hand Cannons (1271–1368): Used during the Chinese Yuan Dynasty, these were primitive, muzzle-loading black powder weapons. They were essentially "mini-cannons" where the user loaded gunpowder and a steel ball, then lit a fuse.
Evolution of Ignition Systems
| System | Era | Mechanism | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matchlock | Late Middle Ages | A curved hook held a slow-burning cord (match). Pulling the trigger dropped the burning end into a priming charge. | Pros: First trigger; allowed one-handed firing and aiming. Cons: Fragile, weather-sensitive, poor accuracy. |
| Wheel lock | Post-Matchlock | A spring-loaded, serrated steel wheel spun against iron pyrite to create sparks via friction. | Pros: Shorter lock time, better accuracy, less weather-sensitive. Cons: Very expensive and complex to manufacture. |
| Flintlock | Late 1600s | A hammer holding a piece of flint struck a steel plate (frizzen), creating sparks that ignited the priming powder. | Simple mechanism that superseded the wheel lock. |
| Percussion System | Early 1800s | A hammer struck a metallic foil cap (percussion cap) containing mercury fulminate, sending a flame into the barrel. | Pros: Cheap, fast lock time, weather-resistant. Paved the way for self-contained ammunition. |
The Rise of Modern Ammunition
The development of self-contained cartridges marked a significant turning point in firearm history:
- Pinfire System (1840): One of the earliest breech-loading systems using a self-contained brass cartridge. A pin protruding from the side of the cartridge was struck by the hammer to ignite the propellant.
- Rimfire System (1840s): The priming compound is spun into the hollow flange of the rim. Crushing the rim with the firing pin ignites the powder.
- 22LR: Known as the most common, accurate, and reliable rimfire cartridge with minimal recoil.
- Centerfire System: Considered a great milestone, this system places the primer cup in the center of the cartridge base.
- Advantages: Cartridges are made of more substantial material to handle higher pressures, are reloadable, and highly weather-resistant.
Historical Example: Springfield M1864
- Specifications: A .58 caliber, rifled, muzzle-loading weapon.
- Function: It utilized the percussion cap system, where the hammer strikes the cap to ignite the gunpowder, propelling the bullet with an accurate range of 400 yards.
- Sharma, B.R.; “Firearms in Criminal Investigation & Trials”, Universal Law Publishing Co Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, 4th Edition, 2011.
- Heard, B.J; “Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics”, John Wiley, England, 1997.