Firearm - Revision history

Targue: /* Firearms in the SCA */

2008-04-04T06:43:36Z

Firearms in the SCA

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 4 April 2008
Line 37:		Line 37:

	==Firearms in the SCA==		==Firearms in the SCA==
	~~For reasons of safety, firearms are not permitted at [[SCA]] events.~~ Except for rare demonstrations of [[Renaissance]] firearms, you are unlikely to ever see a [[period]] firearm at the SCA, and never on the [[battlefield]].		Except for rare demonstrations of [[Renaissance]] firearms, you are unlikely to ever see a [[period]] firearm at the SCA, and never on the [[battlefield]].

	One notable exception is the use of a single cannon at the [[Pennsic War]], which is fired blank to signal the beginning and end of [[battle]].		One notable exception is the use of a single cannon at the [[Pennsic War]], which is fired blank to signal the beginning and end of [[battle]].

AlexandreDavigne: /* Firearms in the SCA */ fix typo in link

2006-11-22T13:25:37Z

Firearms in the SCA: fix typo in link

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:25, 22 November 2006
Line 37:		Line 37:

	==Firearms in the SCA==		==Firearms in the SCA==
	For reasons of safety, firearms are not permitted at [[SCA]] events. Except for rare demonstrations of [[~~Rennaisance~~]] firearms, you are unlikely to ever see a [[period]] firearm at the SCA, and never on the [[battlefield]].		For reasons of safety, firearms are not permitted at [[SCA]] events. Except for rare demonstrations of [[Renaissance]] firearms, you are unlikely to ever see a [[period]] firearm at the SCA, and never on the [[battlefield]].

	One notable exception is the use of a single cannon at the [[Pennsic War]], which is fired blank to signal the beginning and end of [[battle]].		One notable exception is the use of a single cannon at the [[Pennsic War]], which is fired blank to signal the beginning and end of [[battle]].

User 144 at 11:09, 14 March 2006

2006-03-14T11:09:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 14 March 2006
Line 21:		Line 21:
	'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and powerful than earlier arquebuses due to a longer barrel. Later muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]], but these mechanisms are present on . Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'' (developed during the mid-[[15th century]]), spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy. Muskets initially had a rest upon which the barrel rested when being fired, but these rests were phased out during the English Civil Wars along with the arquebus and caliver as muskets themselves became lighter.		'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and powerful than earlier arquebuses due to a longer barrel. Later muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]], but these mechanisms are present on . Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'' (developed during the mid-[[15th century]]), spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy. Muskets initially had a rest upon which the barrel rested when being fired, but these rests were phased out during the English Civil Wars along with the arquebus and caliver as muskets themselves became lighter.

	'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks or wheellocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses. Thus it was with these weapons that ~~breastplates~~ were proofed.		'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks or wheellocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses. Thus it was with these weapons that [[breastplate]]s were proofed.

	The ''hand gonne'' or ''hand cannon'' came to be used consisting of a small barrel sitting on a tiller. They were still ignited using a match and remained a relatively inaccurate weapon. The ''hand gun'' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.		The ''hand gonne'' or ''hand cannon'' came to be used consisting of a small barrel sitting on a tiller. They were still ignited using a match and remained a relatively inaccurate weapon. The ''hand gun'' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.

Paul Matisz: /* Infantry Weapons */

2006-02-10T18:01:02Z

Infantry Weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:01, 11 February 2006
Line 16:		Line 16:
	==Infantry Weapons==		==Infantry Weapons==
	A '''Wall Gun''' was essentially a very small cannon, able to be carried by single [[infantry\|infantryman]]. However, they were still so heavy and unwieldy that they needed to be braced on a stand or a wall to be used, hence the name. They were extremely inaccurate and not widely used.		A '''Wall Gun''' was essentially a very small cannon, able to be carried by single [[infantry\|infantryman]]. However, they were still so heavy and unwieldy that they needed to be braced on a stand or a wall to be used, hence the name. They were extremely inaccurate and not widely used.

⚫	The '''hand gonne''' or '''hand cannon''' came to be used consisting of a small barrel sitting on a tiller. They were still ignited using a match and remained a relatively inaccurate weapon.

	The '''hand gun''' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.

	The '''Arquebus''' (derived from ''hakebus'' meaning ''hook gun'') the Dutch marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Many still retained the wall hook used to absorb recoil. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.		The '''Arquebus''' (derived from ''hakebus'' meaning ''hook gun'') the Dutch marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Many still retained the wall hook used to absorb recoil. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.
Line 26:		Line 22:

	'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks or wheellocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses. Thus it was with these weapons that breastplates were proofed.		'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks or wheellocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses. Thus it was with these weapons that breastplates were proofed.

		⚫	The ''hand gonne'' or ''hand cannon'' came to be used consisting of a small barrel sitting on a tiller. They were still ignited using a match and remained a relatively inaccurate weapon. The ''hand gun'' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.

	In the [[gothic]] period, certain [[melee]] weapons were adapted to incorporate gunpowder, but these were rare and never commonly used. Examples include [[mace\|maces]] or [[axe\|axes]] with a barrel built into the haft of the weapon. Others included [[dagger\|daggers]] with a short barrel along the blade.		In the [[gothic]] period, certain [[melee]] weapons were adapted to incorporate gunpowder, but these were rare and never commonly used. Examples include [[mace\|maces]] or [[axe\|axes]] with a barrel built into the haft of the weapon. Others included [[dagger\|daggers]] with a short barrel along the blade.

Paul Matisz: /* Infantry Weapons */

2006-02-10T17:59:53Z

Infantry Weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:59, 11 February 2006
Line 21:		Line 21:
	The '''hand gun''' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.		The '''hand gun''' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.

	The '''Arquebus''' (derived from ''hakebus'' meaning ''hook gun'') the Dutch ''marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Many still retained the wall hook used to absorb recoil. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.		The '''Arquebus''' (derived from ''hakebus'' meaning ''hook gun'') the Dutch marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Many still retained the wall hook used to absorb recoil. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.

	'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and powerful than earlier arquebuses due to a longer barrel. Later muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]], but these mechanisms are present on . Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'' (developed during the mid-[[15th century]]), spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy. Muskets initially had a rest upon which the barrel rested when being fired, but these rests were phased out during the English Civil Wars along with the arquebus and caliver as muskets themselves became lighter.		'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and powerful than earlier arquebuses due to a longer barrel. Later muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]], but these mechanisms are present on . Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'' (developed during the mid-[[15th century]]), spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy. Muskets initially had a rest upon which the barrel rested when being fired, but these rests were phased out during the English Civil Wars along with the arquebus and caliver as muskets themselves became lighter.

User 144 at 01:30, 4 February 2006

2006-02-04T01:30:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:30, 4 February 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Firearms''' are weapons designed to throw a projectile, usually a [[metal]] one, great distances. The motive power for these projectiles is [[gunpowder]], which explodes when exposed to fire. This explosion is harnessed by trapping its expansion in a metal tube (the barrel) plugged with the projectile, causing great pressure. This extreme pressure causes the projectile to be launched from the tube at high speed. The explosion and the accompanying pressure changes as the projectile leaves the barrel cause a flash, a distinctive booming sound, and a cloud of thick white smoke.		'''Firearms''' are weapons designed to throw a projectile, usually a [[metal]] one, great distances. The motive power for these projectiles is [[gunpowder]], which explodes when exposed to fire. This explosion is harnessed by trapping its expansion in a metal tube (the barrel) plugged with the projectile, causing great pressure. This extreme pressure causes the projectile to be launched from the tube at high speed. The explosion and the accompanying pressure changes as the projectile leaves the barrel cause a flash, a distinctive booming sound, and a cloud of thick white smoke.

	Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were primarily muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.		Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were primarily muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy. By the [[15th century]] cannon with removable breeches were in use which increased their rate of fire.

	[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its way to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.		[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its way to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.

	==Cannon==		==Cannon==
	A '''Cannon''' is a very large firearm, and were the first gunpowder weapons to be used in [[Europe]]. Cannons are so ~~large~~ that they need to be mounted on frames, and are handled by several men. Using large amounts of gunpowder, they would fire a ''ball'' (~~usually~~ [[metal]], but ~~sometimes~~ stone) weighing several pounds distances of up to a mile or more.		A '''Cannon''' is a very large firearm, and were the first gunpowder weapons to be used in [[Europe]] being recorded as being used in 1324 and army records list them in stores by 1326. Cannons are so heavy that they need to be mounted on frames, and are handled by several men. Using large amounts of gunpowder, they would fire a ''ball'' (initally [[metal]], but replaced by cheaper stone) weighing several pounds distances of up to a mile or more. Large arrows were also used initially.

	'''Mortars''' and '''bombards''' were two types of cannon that lobbed their projectiles ~~(often metal spheres filled with more gunpowder)~~ in a ballistic arc over high walls.		'''Mortars''' and '''bombards''' were two types of cannon that lobbed their projectiles in a ballistic arc over high walls. Explosive shells were introduced in the mid [[16th century]].

	Cannons were fired by igniting the gunpowder through a narrow channel (called the ''breech'') by way of a ''slow match'', a smoldering cord. Cannons were sometimes fired without a projectile, or ''blank'', as a method of signalling messages.		Cannons were fired by igniting the gunpowder through a narrow channel (called the ''breech'') by way of a ''slow match'', a smoldering cord. Cannons were sometimes fired without a projectile, or ''blank'', as a method of signalling messages.
Line 17:		Line 17:
	A '''Wall Gun''' was essentially a very small cannon, able to be carried by single [[infantry\|infantryman]]. However, they were still so heavy and unwieldy that they needed to be braced on a stand or a wall to be used, hence the name. They were extremely inaccurate and not widely used.		A '''Wall Gun''' was essentially a very small cannon, able to be carried by single [[infantry\|infantryman]]. However, they were still so heavy and unwieldy that they needed to be braced on a stand or a wall to be used, hence the name. They were extremely inaccurate and not widely used.

			The '''hand gonne''' or '''hand cannon''' came to be used consisting of a small barrel sitting on a tiller. They were still ignited using a match and remained a relatively inaccurate weapon.
⚫	The '''Arquebus''' marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.

			The '''hand gun''' of the [[15th century]] developed a shape and method of holding when being fired more familar to modern gun users.
⚫	'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and ~~reliable~~ than earlier arquebuses. ~~Muskets~~ tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]]. Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'', spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy.

		⚫	The '''Arquebus''' (derived from ''hakebus'' meaning ''hook gun'') the Dutch ''marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Many still retained the wall hook used to absorb recoil. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.
⚫	'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses.

		⚫	'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and powerful than earlier arquebuses due to a longer barrel. Later muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]], but these mechanisms are present on . Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'' (developed during the mid-[[15th century]]), spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy. Muskets initially had a rest upon which the barrel rested when being fired, but these rests were phased out during the English Civil Wars along with the arquebus and caliver as muskets themselves became lighter.

		⚫	'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks or wheellocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses. Thus it was with these weapons that breastplates were proofed.

	In the [[gothic]] period, certain [[melee]] weapons were adapted to incorporate gunpowder, but these were rare and never commonly used. Examples include [[mace\|maces]] or [[axe\|axes]] with a barrel built into the haft of the weapon. Others included [[dagger\|daggers]] with a short barrel along the blade.		In the [[gothic]] period, certain [[melee]] weapons were adapted to incorporate gunpowder, but these were rare and never commonly used. Examples include [[mace\|maces]] or [[axe\|axes]] with a barrel built into the haft of the weapon. Others included [[dagger\|daggers]] with a short barrel along the blade.

	==Firearms in Period==		==Firearms in Period==
	While large cannons were used during sieges and aboard [[ship\|ships]] throughout the late medieval period, most hand-held firearms were rare. Those that did exist could often be defeated by [[plate armour]]. By ~~Elizabethan~~ ~~times~~, ~~only~~ ~~arquebuses~~ ~~were~~ in ~~common use~~, and ~~their~~ ~~unreliabilty~~ ~~put~~ ~~them~~ in a ~~supporting~~ ~~role~~ to ~~more~~ ~~traditional~~ ~~weapons~~.		While large cannons were used during sieges and aboard [[ship\|ships]] throughout the late medieval period, most hand-held firearms were rare although handguns were used my some [[15th century]] armies. Those that did exist could often be defeated by [[plate armour]]at long ranges, but by 1525, after the Battle of Pavia, the arquebus (and it's standardised cousin the ''caliver'') began to be increasingly used due to their significant effect on that battle. Of particular note is the death of General Louis de la Tr�moille who was shot through the heart.

		⚫	The development of the flintlock musket did not occur until well after the end of the medieval period, and it was not until the English Civil Wars in the [[17th century]] that large [[formations]] of [[infantry]] were exclusively armed with muskets by [[Oliver Cromwell]] to defeat the more traditional Royalist forces under [[King Charles I]].

			[[Japan]]'s adoption of the [[musket]] in 1543 was very rapid, and by 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara , 20000 muskets fielded in the one engagement. The [[Japan\|Japanese]] were also the first to adopt rotation firing into their armies.
⚫	The development of the flintlock musket did not occur until well after the end of the medieval period, and it was not until the English Civil ~~War~~ in the ~~seventeenth~~ century that large [[formations]] of [[infantry]] were exclusively armed with muskets by Oliver Cromwell to defeat the more traditional Royalist forces under King Charles I.

	The technology to create modern breech-loading firearms was not developed until the mid-19th century.		The technology to create modern breech-loading firearms was not developed until the mid-19th century.

144.137.119.138: Corrected an error. Breech loading cannons are known from at least the 15th C. eg http://www.apol.net/dightonrock/images/150.jpg

2006-01-22T09:27:44Z

Corrected an error. Breech loading cannons are known from at least the 15th C. eg http://www.apol.net/dightonrock/images/150.jpg

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 22 January 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Firearms''' are weapons designed to throw a projectile, usually a [[metal]] one, great distances. The motive power for these projectiles is [[gunpowder]], which explodes when exposed to fire. This explosion is harnessed by trapping its expansion in a metal tube (the barrel) plugged with the projectile, causing great pressure. This extreme pressure causes the projectile to be launched from the tube at high speed. The explosion and the accompanying pressure changes as the projectile leaves the barrel cause a flash, a distinctive booming sound, and a cloud of thick white smoke.		'''Firearms''' are weapons designed to throw a projectile, usually a [[metal]] one, great distances. The motive power for these projectiles is [[gunpowder]], which explodes when exposed to fire. This explosion is harnessed by trapping its expansion in a metal tube (the barrel) plugged with the projectile, causing great pressure. This extreme pressure causes the projectile to be launched from the tube at high speed. The explosion and the accompanying pressure changes as the projectile leaves the barrel cause a flash, a distinctive booming sound, and a cloud of thick white smoke.

	Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.		Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were primarily muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.

	[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its way to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.		[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its way to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.

Paul Matisz: /* Firearms in Period */

2006-01-16T16:15:40Z

Firearms in Period

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:15, 17 January 2006
Line 26:		Line 26:

	==Firearms in Period==		==Firearms in Period==
	While large cannons were used during sieges and aboard [[ship\|ships]] throughout the late medieval period, most hand-held firearms were rare. Those that did exist could often be defeated by [[plate]] [[armour]]. By Elizabethan times, only arquebuses were in common use, and their unreliabilty put them in a supporting role to more traditional weapons.		While large cannons were used during sieges and aboard [[ship\|ships]] throughout the late medieval period, most hand-held firearms were rare. Those that did exist could often be defeated by [[plate armour]]. By Elizabethan times, only arquebuses were in common use, and their unreliabilty put them in a supporting role to more traditional weapons.

	The development of the flintlock musket did not occur until well after the end of the medieval period, and it was not until the English Civil War in the seventeenth century that large [[formations]] of [[infantry]] were exclusively armed with muskets by Oliver Cromwell to defeat the more traditional Royalist forces under King Charles I.		The development of the flintlock musket did not occur until well after the end of the medieval period, and it was not until the English Civil War in the seventeenth century that large [[formations]] of [[infantry]] were exclusively armed with muskets by Oliver Cromwell to defeat the more traditional Royalist forces under King Charles I.

Paul Matisz at 20:03, 1 November 2005

2005-11-01T20:03:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:03, 2 November 2005
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.		Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.

	[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its ~~was~~ to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.		[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its way to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.

	==Cannon==		==Cannon==

Paul Matisz: added article

2005-11-01T19:51:41Z

added article

New page

'''Firearms''' are weapons designed to throw a projectile, usually a [[metal]] one, great distances. The motive power for these projectiles is [[gunpowder]], which explodes when exposed to fire. This explosion is harnessed by trapping its expansion in a metal tube (the barrel) plugged with the projectile, causing great pressure. This extreme pressure causes the projectile to be launched from the tube at high speed. The explosion and the accompanying pressure changes as the projectile leaves the barrel cause a flash, a distinctive booming sound, and a cloud of thick white smoke.

Due to the limitations of [[metallurgy]], firearms in [[period]] were muzzle-loaders as opposed to modern breech-loading firearms. They were loaded from the open end of the barrel (the muzzle) rather than through a closable gap in the firing chamber. This made loading them slow and unwieldy.

[[Gunpowder]] was discovered in [[China]] early in [[period]], but didn't make its was to [[Europe]] until the latter part of the [[medieval]] era.

==Cannon==
A '''Cannon''' is a very large firearm, and were the first gunpowder weapons to be used in [[Europe]]. Cannons are so large that they need to be mounted on frames, and are handled by several men. Using large amounts of gunpowder, they would fire a ''ball'' (usually [[metal]], but sometimes stone) weighing several pounds distances of up to a mile or more.

'''Mortars''' and '''bombards''' were two types of cannon that lobbed their projectiles (often metal spheres filled with more gunpowder) in a ballistic arc over high walls.

Cannons were fired by igniting the gunpowder through a narrow channel (called the ''breech'') by way of a ''slow match'', a smoldering cord. Cannons were sometimes fired without a projectile, or ''blank'', as a method of signalling messages.

For much of the medieval era, cannons were unwieldy, inaccurate, and often as dangerous to the men using them as they were to the target.

==Infantry Weapons==
A '''Wall Gun''' was essentially a very small cannon, able to be carried by single [[infantry|infantryman]]. However, they were still so heavy and unwieldy that they needed to be braced on a stand or a wall to be used, hence the name. They were extremely inaccurate and not widely used.

The '''Arquebus''' marked the development of the wall gun into a true [[infantry]] weapon. Arquebuses were light enough to be carried and aimed, but were still very inaccurate and lacked stopping power. In addition, they were fired by ''matchlock'' a smoldering cord, which made them very susceptible to damp.

'''Muskets''' were the next development of firearms, and proved more accurate and reliable than earlier arquebuses. Muskets tended to be ''flintlocks'' rather than matchlocks, that is, they were fired by the sparks from a flint striking [[steel]]. Later muskets also added the refinement of ''rifling'', spiral grooves which caused the ball to spin, improving accuracy.

'''Pistols''' is a very small firearm, designed to be fired in one hand. While some early pistols were matchlocks, they only became common with the development of the flintlock. Pistols lack range, accuracy and stopping power compared with muskets or even arquebuses.

In the [[gothic]] period, certain [[melee]] weapons were adapted to incorporate gunpowder, but these were rare and never commonly used. Examples include [[mace|maces]] or [[axe|axes]] with a barrel built into the haft of the weapon. Others included [[dagger|daggers]] with a short barrel along the blade.

==Firearms in Period==
While large cannons were used during sieges and aboard [[ship|ships]] throughout the late medieval period, most hand-held firearms were rare. Those that did exist could often be defeated by [[plate]] [[armour]]. By Elizabethan times, only arquebuses were in common use, and their unreliabilty put them in a supporting role to more traditional weapons.

The development of the flintlock musket did not occur until well after the end of the medieval period, and it was not until the English Civil War in the seventeenth century that large [[formations]] of [[infantry]] were exclusively armed with muskets by Oliver Cromwell to defeat the more traditional Royalist forces under King Charles I.

The technology to create modern breech-loading firearms was not developed until the mid-19th century.

==Firearms in the SCA==
For reasons of safety, firearms are not permitted at [[SCA]] events. Except for rare demonstrations of [[Rennaisance]] firearms, you are unlikely to ever see a [[period]] firearm at the SCA, and never on the [[battlefield]].

One notable exception is the use of a single cannon at the [[Pennsic War]], which is fired blank to signal the beginning and end of [[battle]].

[[category:weapons]]