When first invented in the 1520’s, matchlock firearms became the staple of firearms everywhere. As popular as they were, there was always a huge risk of getting the internal components wet. If even the little match within went out, the gun was deemed useless. A century later, the invention of the flintlock system managed to erase and spiff up the effectiveness of the firearm some more.

In the beginning, the primary firearm used was the hand cannon. Despite their initial stir, the hand cannon had many problems that hindered its success. By the 1520’s, hand cannons began to see their last light as matchlock firearms succeeded their momentum.

In the late 19th century, one of the most lethal weapons ever known came into the scene. Ruthless machines, semi-automatic and automatic firearms never tired when ripping their opponents to shreds. Though invented very long ago, they are well known to modern society.