A Brief History of Firearms: 1700s – 1800s (Part 2)

By Ready to Fire News On May 25, 2018

In part 1 of this series, we explored the ancient history of firearms, starting in the 1300s and leading through the early 1600s.

The late 1600s through the 1800s saw significant changes in the mechanical workings of guns as well as the introduction of advanced manufacturing techniques that allowed for greater precision and accuracy as well as a more consistent firing ability.

Concepts from archery were pulled into the design of bullets, and guns became more distinctly American due to some enterprising Colonials. Guns transitioned from being used primarily as a weapon of war to more of a hunting weapon, and decorations became much more creative.

Borrowing Ideas from Feathers

Weapons makers noted that fletching, or cutting feathers at a slight angle, improved the accuracy of their shooting from a bow. These same concepts were applied to guns, with gun barrels receiving a twisting groove that duplicated the ability of arrows to twist in flight. Shooters found that this greatly improved their accuracy over using a smooth barrel. This manufacturing strategy was considered “rifling” and eventually led to these weapons being termed rifles.

Care for a Duel?

Until the mid-1700s, the preferred method for males to protect their honor and that of their families was through a good old-fashioned duel with rapiers. However, around this time dueling pistols came into fashion as the weapon of choice. These lavishly-decorated pistols often had incredibly elaborate details on the stocks, some of which were made of ivory or other precious materials. Dueling pistols were generally a smooth-bore weapon with a relatively heavy load with a barrel up to 9 or 10 inches long!

Mass-Produced Firearms

Revolvers began to truly come into fashion in the mid-1800s, as Samuel Colt developed one of the first multi-shot firearms that were mass-produced. While revolvers had been a part of the gun world for centuries, they became much more popular during this era. Machining of precision parts applied this Industrial Age mentality and tools to the manufacture of weaponry. This higher level of accuracy allowed for the production of quality weapons that were not only reliable — but affordable, too.

Around this same period, Eliphalet Remington began producing flintlock rifles for broader use as well. Eli Whitney, the developer of the cotton gin, provided his considerable brain power to the development of the Colt .45 revolver. The molds created by Eli Whitney allowed the forging of metal pieces so the guns could be affordably marketed to Gold Rush miners, cowboys, the military and law enforcement officials throughout the country.

While the Civil War was focused much more on rifles and muskets to level the playing field, smaller firearms continued to dominate the popular market. More familiar names popped up during this period including Smith and Wesson, Starr, Whitney and Manhattan. One of the key challenges left to solve was how to keep the powder dry — as wet weather was still the downfall of these weapons.

Find out more about the more recent past of firearms in part 3 of this series!

~ Ready to Fire News