The History of Firearms (Exam 2) Flashcards
What device is considered to be the first firearm in recorded history?
Hand cannon
Describe the hand cannon.
A large thick metal tube with a breech and a muzzle ignited with a slow match through the touchhole
What is the breech of a hand cannon?
The closed end
What is the muzzle of the hand cannon?
The opened end loaded with gunpowder and the projectile
What is the touchhole of the hand cannon?
Small hole near the rear where the gunpowder is ignited with the slow match
How did the matchlock improve upon the hand cannon?
It included a serpentine to hold the slow match on the gun
What is the defining feature of the wheellock?
The lock containing a wheel with a serrated edge
What are the 2 defining features of the Flintlock-Snaphaunce?
1) Flint
2) Steel-striking plate i.e. “battery”
How did the Flintlock-Miquelet improve upon the Snaphaunce?
It combined the steel battery and pan into one piece
What was the battery-pan combination of the Miquelet called?
The frizzen
What was the first realistic firearm?
Flintlock-Miquelet
What was a pro of the Miquelet?
It wasn’t too expensive to make
When did the percussion cap system come along?
Early 1800s
What is the defining feature of the percussion cap model?
The shock-sensitive explosion
What caused the shock-sensitive explosion of the percussion cap model?
The hammer striking the cap and igniting a spark
