Firearm History

As early as the 10th century, black powder was used in China for fireworks and signals. References to an explosive substance made from the same ingredients used in modern gunpowder date from the mid-13th century. During that time, hide- or hemp-wrapped bamboo tubes, filled with charges of powder and an incendiary "ball," are known to have been used by the Tartars, Chinese and Arabs. By 1304, the Arabs had produced a bamboo tube reinforced with iron that shot an arrow propelled by a charge of black powder. These early instruments, however, were generally more akin to Roman candles than projectile-hurling firearms.

The evolution and history of modern firearms can be traced to small arms called "cannon locks" and were common in the early to mid-14th Century. These nine-inch brass or wrought-iron tubes were fixed to the end of a staff or pike. Iron, lead, or brass balls as well as brass "bolts" similar to those fired from crossbows were expelled by the force of gases resulting when the powder charge was ignited by a lighted coal via a touch-hole on the top of the barrel.

From the pike-mounted "cannon lock" to the wooden-stocked "matchlock," today's firearms began to evolve. Modern firearms, using fixed ammunition, are only about 150 years old.

Through its Firearms Primer, Americans for Gun Safety Foundation aims to provide sound, basic knowledge of firearms and ammunition to ensure that all gun owners handle, use, and store their guns safely.

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