Firearms
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Historical Developement of Firearms
The following articles drawn from 19th century sources provide an overview of firearms development from the earliest times.


The British Firearms collection of articles provides a rich resource of 19th century texts along with new articles on the guns and gunmakers of Great Britain.

Firearms Resources
Enfield Rifle
Snider-Enfield
Martini-Henry & Martini-Enfield

Target Shooting

Shooting festivals (for bow and crossbow) were a feature in continental Europe from early times, with firearms making their appearance in these matches from the 15th century. Competitive events within Great Britain did not become a major feature until the advent of the Volunteer movement of the Napoleonic era and more significantly its later resurrection in 1859.

Late in 1859 the National Rifle Association (NRA) was formed, its aims including "the encouragement of Volunteer Rifle Corps and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britain." The NRA held their first rifle meeting on Wimbledon common in 1860 and with royal patronage and the daily papers and weekly-illustrated journals reporting widely on events, the 'Wimbledon fortnight' was marked for success.

In the latter part of the 19th century the Creedmoor Rifle Range, Long Island, New York, USA, was the venue for a number of international long range rifle matches that received widespread public interest and much press coverage. Ranges shot at were 800, 900 and 1,000 yards, with muzzle loading and breech loading black powder rifles used.
Sketch Of The Progress Of Invention In Offensive Arms - Summarises the progress of invention in weapons used by an individual. Touching on the javelin and the bow the article then focuses on firearms used either in hunting or war. [1852]
What Is A Revolver? - A brief overview of firearms development, including discussion on the Minié bullet and needle gun. Following on is a review of Colonel Colt's revolver and commentary on his London factory. [1853]
Old English Rifles - A short history c.1800-1886. Includes rifle specifications. [1886]

Gunpowder, Ignition Systems & Ammunition
Anecdotes and articles relating to gunpowder, firearms ignition systems through the ages and the development and history of breech loading ammunition.

Gunpowder - Some anecdotes concerning gunpowder from the 18th Century "Gentleman's Magazine".
Drams or Drachms? - Problems in the measurement of gun powder charges resulting from the use of different terminologies.
The Saltpetre-Man - Correspondence relating to the role of the 17th Century saltpetre-man. [1853]
Manufacture of Percussion Caps - A brief review of the manufacturing process. [1858]
The Copper Percussion Cap - Biography of Joshua Shaw, Artist and Inventor, and the early history of the copper percussion cap. [1869]
Eley's Patent Wire Cartridge - The term 'Cartridge' in the context of the muzzle loading era did not always mean 'a complete round with powder'. In shotgun terms, it meant a package containing the shot charge and possibly the wadding.

Musketry Instruction
For the soldier to take advantage of the advances in firearms technology, so musketry instruction needed to evolve to meet changing military tactics and capabilities.

Hythe, School of Musketry - The School of Musketry was founded in 1853 and set up on the Kent coast at Hythe, England. [Coming soon]
'Pickets' versus Bullets - Musketry instruction in the British Army. [1859]
Chalons - The Camp - A comparative overview of the arming and training of the French and British Soldier. [1859]

Small Arms Trials
Small arms trials and comparative testing, including military investigation and reporting for the adoption of new firearms.

Trial Of Breech-Loading Revolvers - Trial report of tests carried out at Woolwich Arsenal, England, comparing the Adams and Colt breech-loading revolvers. [1869]

         
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