Evolution of Design: Guns

Firearms Over the Ages

A brief history of firearm development, and important milestones along the way.

1250 A.D.
The first actual guns are made in China called a hand cannon Who: unknown How: gun powder allowed for projectiles to be launched out when the powder was ignited

14001400-1500 A.D.

The matchlock, a gun that was hand loaded, and fired by touching a burning wick to a touchhole, is made and used. The main drawback was that the wick had to be kept lit, otherwise the gun would be useless Who: unknown

Circa 1400-1500 A.D. 1400-

Infantry soldiers first use muskets (muzzle loaded rifles) in battle.

1498 A.D.
The rifling technique is discovered. The technique was to put grooves in the barrel of a gun. The grooves would spin the bullet , so the bullet would be more accurate, and fly farther. Who: August Kotter Where: Augsburg, Germany

1540 A.D.

The rifling technique is first put to use in guns.

1550 A.D.

The Italian Beretta family ceases manufacturing of crossbows, to manufacture guns

1630 A.D.
The first real flintlock gun is made. This gun was fired by a piece of flint that struck metal, causing a spark that ignited the powder firing the gun. Who: unknown, but generally credit is given to Marin le Bourgeoys Where: France

1718 A.D.

A London lawyer, James Puckle, patents the 1st machine Puckle, gun, named the Puckle Gun.

1836 A.D.

Colt manufactures the first revolving barrel, multi-shot multifirearm: The Revolver Who: Samuel Colt Where: The United States of America

1854 A.D.

Smith & Wesson patents the first metal shell casing Who: Horace Smith, Daniel Wesson Where: Springfield, Ma

18541854-1856 A.D.

The Crimean War is the last war to use only muzzle loading guns

1862 A.D.

The Gatling gun is patented. Who: Richard Gatling

1865 A.D.

C.E. Barnes of Lowell, Ma. patents the machine gun

1892 A.D.

The first automatic handgun is manufactured

1897 A.D.

Sears Roebuck sells a gun in their catalog for $.68

1912 A.D.

A plane mounted machine gun is tested

1947 A.D.

Mikhail Kalishnikov designs the AK-47, a major advance in AKassault rifle technology

1963 A.D.

The American M-16 is developed, and manufactured MWho: Eugene Stoner

1994 A.D.

The M-4, and successor to the M-16 is introduced MMWho: Colt