Firearms originated in 14th-century China as "hand cannons" and gradually spread globally, with Europe developing the matchlock by the following century. Over subsequent centuries, various firearms ...

1840 - Guns begin to use pin-fire cartridges. 1847 - The telegraph is invented. 1850 - True shotguns in common use. In the second half of the 18th century, musket design branched out. This period ...