The evolution of the hand cannon in the 17 Century AD (jan 1, 1600 – jan 1, 1700)

Description:

-During the early modern age, these hand-held cannons evolved into the flintlock rifle, then the breech loader and finally the automatic weapon.

-As ignition devices, matchlocks, wheellocks, snaplock, flintlocks and percussion caps were used in turn

-The bayonet emerged from France in the 16th Century and hand grenades came soon after.

-Early cartridge firearms had to be cocked and caught by the sear, which holds the hammer back, before each shot. Pulling the trigger allows the hammer or striker to fly forward, striking the firing pin, which then strikes the primer, igniting an impact-sensitive chemical compound.

-Benefit: The invention of the rifle helped a lot of hunters as they were very efficient at killing big animals or birds from far distances.

-Cost: The invention of rifles did mean that more animals were being killed for sport, which had an impact on the environment. And as guns began to grow more popular among civilians, more and more had to be manufactured.

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