Firearm Basics Chapter 1

Study Notes

Earliest handguns resembled small cannons made of wrought iron or bronze, loaded from the muzzle with gunpowder and ball.
The ignition system involved a touch hole for a priming charge, ignited by a hot iron or match.
Early models were slow and unreliable, especially in wet conditions, with documented use in Spain from 1247 and in Belgium around 1313.
Notable illustration of hand cannons appeared in a 15th-century fresco in Italy.
The hand cannon's cavalry use was first recorded in 1449, featuring refinements for better firing mechanisms.

The wheel lock eliminated the need for a lit match, transforming ambush tactics and hunting.
The arquebus, fired from the shoulder, featured a curved butt and a hook for stability during firing.
A serrated steel wheel design allowed for ignition with iron pyrite, enhancing reliability and aim.
This wheel lock mechanism was likely developed by Mann Le Bourgeoys in 1615.

The flintlock remained popular until 1807 when Alexander John Forsyth introduced mercury fulminate for ignition, simplifying the firing process.
The percussion system paved the way for self-contained cartridges, revolutionizing firearm design.

Pinfire weapons, first showcased in 1851, were breech-loading and featured self-contained cartridges combining propellant, missile, and primer.
Popular in Europe from 1890 to 1910, the pinfire system saw decreased favor after 1914 in England.

A significant advancement in weaponry, centre fire ammunition allowed for higher pressure due to stronger material cartridges.
Simplified primer design meant only the primer cup needed to be crushable.

Rifling consists of spiral grooves in the barrel to stabilize bullets, enhancing accuracy.
Potential origins trace back to gunmakers in the 15th century, with identifiable rifled guns existing by the late 1400s.

George Greenhill developed a formula to calculate the appropriate twist rate for firearms based on bullet length and diameter.
Example calculations show rotational speeds for different calibers and twist rates, emphasizing the importance of twist in projectile stability.

Revolvers feature a revolving cylinder with several firing chambers, historically influenced by Samuel Colt.
Early designs predate Colt, including snaphaunce revolvers from the reign of Charles I and earlier models from Henry VIII's time.

The concept of self-loading pistols emerged early but required advancements in cartridge design and metallurgy to become feasible.
Historical claims of fast-firing pistols date back to 1664, highlighting early interest in rapid-fire mechanisms.