The world of firearms is a complex one. They have a long history, with their origins beginning in 10th century China. They have evolved since then, and today there is a wide variety of different firearms and guns available, with different types of actions available. Here we’ll discuss a brief history of these weapons, as well as the most common types of firearms that are available today.
What is the Function of Firearms?
A firearm is defined as “a mechanical device that launches a projectile at high velocity through a tube as the result of expanding gases from a burning propellant.” [1] Firearms are intended for self-protection, and while they have changed a lot through the years, they still have the same basic parts perform the same function of shooting a bullet through a barrel.
A Brief History of Firearms
Firearms got their start in China during the 10th century. Bamboo tubes containing gunpowder and pellets were mounted on spears to make fire lances. By the 13th century, these bamboo tubes were replaced with metal. This evolved and spread throughout Eurasia in the 14th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this evolution sped up and turned into the firearms we know today.
Firearms Classified by Type
Firearms come in many variations, each with a different design and purpose. Here are some of the most common types of firearms.
Rifles: A rifle is a firearm designed to be held with two hands and placed on the shoulder for additional support. A rifle only fires one projectile at a time through pulling the trigger.
Shotguns: A shotgun is a two-handed firearm intended to be supported on the shoulder. A single shot fires multiple projectiles when triggered. A shotgun cannot have a barrel shorter than 18 inches. Shotguns are nothing like machine guns (for a machine gun, one trigger movement fires multiple projectiles in a row).
Handguns: Handguns are designed to be fired from a single hand, although it is recommended to use both hands for stability. Pistols and revolvers are two major types of handgun.
Pistols: Pistols are a type of handgun with a chamber integrated as part of the barrel. The ammunition is inserted into the chamber from a separate magazine.
Revolvers: A revolver is a type of handgun where the chamber is not permanently integrated with the barrel. Cartridges are stored in special chambers that are bored into a revolving cylinder and rotated to align with the barrel.
Firearms Classified by Action
Firearms can operate in a wide variety of ways. Below are some of the most common firearms classified by their type of action.
Pump-Action: Pump-action firearms have a sliding mechanism that is user-operated and extracts spent shells or cases, re-cocks the action or hammer, and loads a new shell. The user of this type of firearm must complete the pump sequence before each shot. This can include the shotgun and the rifle.
Semi Automatic: Semi automatic firearms are the most popular type of action. They work by harnessing the energy from a cartridge to extract a spent cartridge case, re-cock the firearm, and load new cartridges. Semi automatic weapons fire just one shot when the trigger is pressed. Semi automatic firearms are not the same as a machine gun, which is fully automatic.
Bolt-Action: With bolt-action firearms, the operator must cycle the bolt before each shot to extract a cartridge, cock the action, and load fresh cartridges.
Break-Action: With break-action firearms, there is a lever on the receiver which allows the barrel to tilt forward and away from the action. This exposes the chamber for manual reloading and unloading. A break-action can be loaded by dropping new shells or cartridges directly into the chamber and then closing the action.
Muzzle-Loading: Are firearms where the projectile and the propellant charge are loaded from the gun’s muzzle.
Why is it important to insure your firearms?
Having proper insurance for your firearms is a part of keeping them safe. Your homeowners insurance may not offer enough coverage for the market value of your weapons, especially if they are valuable or you have a collection of them. Insurance offers you peace of mind knowing that your collection is protected.
Getting a new firearm can be exciting, and you may be eager to take your gun to the shooting range and test it out. However, it’s very important that you first clean your new gun before putting it to use.
Gun cleaning, even for a new firearm, is a very important process. If a gun is brand new, why would you need to clean it? The answer is that most guns arrive from the factory with leftover oil and grease from the manufacturing process. To ensure proper use of the gun, and to prevent any damage from occurring, a responsible gun owner should clean this oil and grease before firing their gun.
The cleaning process for a firearm may be somewhat involved, but it isn’t super difficult. In this post, we’ll share the full process of cleaning a firearm safely and efficiently. Be sure to have a safe and open space, cleaning supplies, and your owner’s manual ready to go!
How to Clean a Gun Step-by-Step
Gun cleaning is very important, and proper cleaning involves many important steps. Follow our guide below to clean your firearm thoroughly and safely!
Prepare the Work Area and Cleaning Supplies
Be sure to have all of the essentials for routine cleaning ready and available, and be sure to set up your work area in a safe location, such as your garage or outside. It’s important that you have a clean area with plenty of space.
Here are some of the supplies you will need for the cleaning process:
Cleaning rod
Bore brush
Cleaning jags
Cleaning swab
Mops
Double-ended/utility brushes
Cleaning patches
Luster cloth
Silicone impregnated Gun and Reel Cloth
Cotton swabs
Bore snake
Cleaning chemicals, including bore cleaners, action cleaners, and lubricants
Disposable drip pan
Consult the Owner’s Manual
It’s important that you keep your gun owner’s manual and read it entirely. This manual contains important information about your specific firearm! It will explain how to take your gun apart and how to safely clean it. It will typically offer helpful pictures and diagrams to make the process easier.
Make Sure the Firearm Is Empty
This is an important step for your safety and the safety of those around you. Be sure to always check a gun before cleaning it to confirm that it is empty. It’s also important to remove all live ammunition from the cleaning area.
Clean the Barrel and Chamber
Start by dry brushing the chamber and barrel with a copper-phosphate or nylon bore brush, starting from the chamber and moving toward the muzzle. Dip a cleaning patch in bore solvent and place it on the tip of your cleaning rod. Push the cleaning patch through the barrel and out the other side, saturating the chamber and bore surface. Don’t pull it back through the firearm, as this will redeposit debris back into the bore.
Allow the cleaning solvent to break down for 10-15 min, then use the bore brush to scrub the inside of the barrel. Use a new, dry patch to remove any residue. Keep running it through the bore until it comes out clean.
Avoid lubricating the bore using gun oil! If you will be storing the firearm long-term, you can treat the bore with a heavy lubricant, but this must be removed by cleaning the barrel before shooting the firearm.
Finally, finish by cleaning the exterior of the barrel, the barrel hood, the barrel lug, and the feed ramp.
Clean and Lubricate the Action
It’s important to clean and lubricate the action, in addition to the barrel of the gun. Use a nylon utility brush, dry cloth, and action cleaner solvent. You can spray the solvent liberally from the top of the frame, which will let carbon and metal debris be washed into the drip pan. Be sure to follow any manufacturer recommendations for your model, and properly dispose of cleaning residues.
Finally, use a needle applicator to apply drops of lubricant at the specified points on the frame, slide assembly, and exterior of the barrel. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure not to lubricate too much.
Wipe Down the Outside of the Gun
After the inside of the gun and all its parts have been cleaned and lubricated, you’ll want to use a gun/reel cloth to wipe down the outside of the gun. This will give your weapon a shine and remove any additional debris and excess oil.
Reassemble and Perform a Functional Check After Cleaning
Whenever you disassemble and reassemble a firearm, it’s important to perform a functional check to make sure it’s still operational. This will verify the functioning of the trigger mechanism, safety, slide operation and locking, magazine retention, and ejection systems. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure for testing your firearm and be sure to follow the gun safety rules.
Guide To Cleaning A Used Gun
If you have purchased a used gun, it’s important to clean the weapon more thoroughly as you may not know the firearm’s full history. You may need to more thoroughly disassemble the weapon for a full inspection. Inspect all components for signs of wear or damage and get to know your “new” weapon.
If you have a military surplus firearm, it is especially important to clean it well as it may be covered in cosmoline.
FAQs
Do you need to clean a brand-new gun?
Yes, you need to clean a brand-new gun before firing it. When new firearms ship from the factory, they contain oils and grease leftover from manufacturing. These can damage your gun if not wiped away! Cleaning your firearms ensures safe operation and allows you to become familiar with the basic operation of it.
Do I clean my new gun after 1 round?
You should clean your new gun before shooting your first round.
Should I oil the outside of my gun?
No, you shouldn’t oil the outside of your gun. You should clean it with a cloth to remove any debris from the outside.
Can you use WD40 for gun cleaning?
No, you should not use WD40 on your guns at all. Cleaning your gun with WD40 will leave behind too much debris, and your gun will be dirty.
What do you wipe the outside of a gun with?
Use a gun or reel cloth to wipe down the outside of your gun and remove any debris.
What happens if I don’t clean my handgun?
It’s important to clean your handgun to keep your weapon in tip-top shape, but it’s also a safety concern. Cleaning your gun properly reduces the risk of accidental discharge.
Disclaimer: This blog post was written for informational purposes. We make no claim of being experts in anything other than insurance.
Guns were first introduced in the early ninth and tenth centuries. They began with such primitive instruments as the fire lance and hand cannon and have evolved over the years into the sophisticated modern weapons that we know today.
Guns have a long, rich history, with a wide variety of different guns being introduced throughout their evolution. What began in China has now spread throughout the world and become a very popular form of weaponry.
Read on to discover the complex history of firearms and learn how they got started and what they look like in more recent times. You’ll also learn about some of the rarest historical guns that are considered collectibles today.
The First Primitive Firearms
The very first primitive firearms are widely believed to have come from China in the ninth and tenth centuries. They invented something called “fire-spurting lances” in the tenth centuries. These were composed of a bamboo or metal rod to hold the gunpowder, also known as “huo yao” or “fire-chemical.” Huo Yao was originally used by the Chinese for indigestion, but they accidentally stumbled upon this black powder’s explosive properties.
These fire lances were put to use during the Jin-Song wars that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. These lances were typically operated by one person to hurl fire or lead balls at their enemy.
The Hand Cannon
The hand cannon was the next primitive weapon to increase in popularity. It wasn’t long before Europeans began receiving gun powder from the Chinese through the Silk Road trade route. They began to use gunpowder in their cannons. Cannons grew in popularity as they could easily annihilate the enemy soldiers. Pretty soon, the concept of hurling a ball of fire at the enemy began to take shape. This resulted in the invention of hand cannons.
Hand cannons were comprised of a long barrel, which held the projectile, and a handle that could be held on to by whomever wielded the weapon. To fire a hand cannon, the wielder would hold a flame to the end of the barrel to set the gunpowder ablaze and fling the projectile into the air. Because ammunition was hard to come by, sometimes other projectiles would be used in place of an iron ball. This could include stones or nails.
Hand cannons became very popular in the 13th century. This weapon was able to be used with less training than other weapons, and it could pierce through the armor of the day, making it useful for destroying the enemy’s morale. Hand cannons were also inexpensive to produce.
The Invention of Gunpowder and Firearms Around The Globe
Gunpowder and firearms originated in China and spread rapidly across the globe. Read on for a brief history of gunpowder, as well as the spread of guns throughout other parts of the world.
History of Gunpowder
Early gunpowder originated with the Chinese invention called Huo Yao, and it soon spread throughout Europe. Before guns appeared on the scene, it was put to use in gunpowder-based weapons such as fire arrows, bombs, and the fire lance. The fire lance was eventually replaced by the gun, but bombs and other explosive weapons that made use of gunpowder continued to be utilized.
Eventually, the use of gunpowder spread throughout the Islamic world, India, Korea, and Japan. The use of gunpowder during the 19th century decreased due to the invention of smokeless powder. Today, gunpowder is often known as “black powder” to separate it from what is used in today’s firearms.
History of Guns for the Middle East
Firearms appeared in the middle east in the late 13th and early 14th century. It is believed that invading Mongols first introduced gunpowder to the Islamic World. Early gunpowder weapons were not always accepted as military weapons in the Middle East.
By 1465, the first muskets were introduced in the Ottoman Empire. The Turks also developed an early pivoting matchlock mechanism. This was later modified and became the first mechanism that used a rack-and-pinion.
History of Guns In South Asia
Guns and gunpowder originated in China and spread throughout Asia shortly thereafter. The first recorded use in battle for South Asia was at the Battle of Adoni in 1368.
When Portuguese travelers visited India in 1498, they brought with them firearms, including the matchlock musket and cannons. But these travelers observed that early firearms were already in use in the country. Some peasants were using inexpensive handguns made by local blacksmiths.
Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, firearms continued to increase in usage and they had a crucial part in the Mughal military. The Mughal emperor Akbar brought many improvements to the matchlock gun.
It was in the 18th century that significant improvements to firearms were made. Previously, they were considered inferior to longbows, but this was no longer the case.
The First Guns in the West
The first guns appeared in the west in the late 14th century, or around 1330. Gunpowder was introduced by the Chinese through the trade route known as Silk Road, and cannons were well-established. Most evidence suggests that gunpowder was introduced by the Chinese, rather than independently invented. Development of guns began shortly after the introduction of the hand cannon.
The Invention of the Modern Handgun
The modern handgun was brought into the picture with the invention of the lock. The lock was an internal firing mechanism that made using the weapon much safer, easier, and efficient. The first was known as the matchlock.
The first gun to use a matchlock was the French arquebus. This was a rifle that was held at the shoulder and small enough to be operated by one person. They worked by means of a gunpowder-soaked corn, which burned at both ends until it touched a pan of flash powder. This sent a small ball flying toward the opponent. These could only be fired once every two minutes.
Guns slowly began to replace older weapons, due to the fact that less training was required in order to operate them efficiently.
The Invention of Machine Guns
The modern machine gun was first introduced in 1884 by Hiram Maxim. A machine gun is a gun that can produce rapid, repeating fire to repel an enemy. The maxim machine gun was first used in combat on October 25, 1893. This took place in Zimbabwe, and five Maxim guns were used to kill approximately 1,500 warriors.
While other similar guns were produced, including the Colt M1895 “Potato Digger” in 1889, the Hotchkiss 1897, and the Skoda M1893, none were as powerful or reliable as the Maxim machine gun, which became the standard for machine guns. The Maxim enjoyed almost universal use in the early 20th century.
The Invention of the Assault Rifle
The assault rifle appeared on the scene during World War II, and the term “assault rifle” is believed to have come from Adolf Hitler. This type of gun arose from the need to produce weapons with better accuracy at greater distances. The resulting German-invented weapon was one that could fire 600 bullets per minute. It had less kick and was easier to control than its predecessors. It also had a much shorter barrel. The Soviets, the British, and the U.S. soon followed suit by developing their own similar weapons.
Looking Back: The Rarest & Most Valuable Guns to Collect
Historical guns are a popular collectible item, and there are certain rare finds that are considered especially collectible. Here are eight rare historical guns that you should know about.
The Infernal Machine: This is a homemade 25-barrel gun that was used in an attempt to assassinate King Louis Phillip I. The gun’s designer and builder was Guiseppe March Fieschi. He built the weapon to fire multiple barrels at the same time. When the gun was fired at the king’s convoy, four barrels misfired, four ruptured, and one was not loaded. 18 people were killed, but the king survived with only a minor injury. This gun is stored at the state museum of French history in Paris.
30-Shot Revolver: This revolver has over and under barrels, as well as a double layer cylinder with 30 chambers. Each chamber must be loaded individually, and the weapon is very heavy, making it impractical. Only one of these guns is known to exist, and it was auctioned off for $11,500 in 2014.
Magpul FMG-9: This gun never actually went into production, and is actually just a prototype. It was originally designed as a folding submachine gun and was made with polymer rather than metal to make it lighter to carry. It was made for the ease of concealed carry.
Treeby Chain Gun: This .54 caliber percussion rifle was uniquely designed and often considered the ancestor of modern machine guns. It was patented by Thomas Wright Gardner Treeby. The gun could fire 14 shots rapidly in succession.
Singer M1911A1 Pistol: This pistol was born out of World War II, when manufacturing companies across the US used their factories to produce weapons. This particular pistol was produced by Singer, the manufacturer of sewing machines. The US government performed a test run with Singer to see if they could produce 100 handguns per day. While Singer delivered the pistols, they couldn’t keep up with that pace. They were not contracted to produce any more guns.
The Apache Revolver: This revolver has a revolver, a knife, and brass knuckles, and was originally used by French gangsters. The first concept was developed in 1860 by Louis Dolne. There is no record of how many of these guns were in circulation.
Colt Walker: This pistol was designed to be very powerful at a close range. Ranger Captain Samuel Walker approached Samuel Colt to develop the original design, based on Walker’s specifications. Just 1100 of these guns were ever produced. Because of the gun’s weight and size, it was difficult to manage.
Nock Gun: This was a seven-barreled flintlock firearm created by James Wilson. It fires from all barrels at once, and was used for ship-to-ship fighting. The gun was authorized for naval use, but not for the army.
The Importance of Insuring Historical Firearms
If you own a collection of historical firearms, it’s important to have a solid insurance policy protecting them. Many homeowners insurance policies don’t offer enough coverage, especially if your guns are valuable or you have multiples. For peace of mind, be sure to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy.
FAQs
Who is the inventor of the first gun?
The Chinese first introduced primitive firearms called fire lances, which could hurl a projectile at the enemy. These used an early form of gun powder. The Chinese fire lance is widely considered to be the first gun by historians.
Gun powder was then introduced to the Europeans, who began to develop the early hand cannon. A hand cannon could hurl a fiery projectile at the enemy, and was able to pierce through the armor of the day.
Did guns exist in the 1400s?
Yes, primitive guns did exist in the 1400s. The fire lance and hand cannon are widely considered to be the earliest guns, and they were invented prior to 1400.
When were guns introduced in America?
It is widely believed that the pilgrims were the first people in America to use guns. The first gun most likely arrived in America in 1607, when the pilgrims first landed.
When did revolvers become obsolete?
In the military, revolvers have been obsolete for about 100 years. However, many people still own and collect revolvers.
Firearms have been around as early as 1250, which is when black powder was invented. From the early advent of hand cannons to the variety of modern guns that are available, guns have certainly come a long way in their evolution.
When were guns first introduced? What were the earliest types of firearms available? How have they changed and evolved over the years to become the modern weapons of today? Read on to learn about the history of firearms!
The Earliest Models of Firearms
Hand Cannons: The hand cannon originated as far back as 1364. These devices were handheld and had a burning wick that was connected to a touch hole. Gun powder and a projective[CC1] would be loaded in through the muzzle. The shooter would use one arm to fire and the other to keep the hand cannon steady. By 1380, hand guns had become well known in Europe.
Firelock or Matchlock Gun: In the 1400s, another weapon appeared on the scene: the matchlock gun or firelock gun. This was ignited by a piece of burning rope that was touched to the gunpowder using a special mechanism. The shooter would activate this by pulling the trigger with his finger. Prior to the matchlock, the shooter had to touch the match directly to the gunpowder by hand, similar to a cannon. Early matchlock guns are quite rare.
Wheel Lock Gun: In 1509, the wheel lock came into existence. The wheel lock generated a spark mechanically. Since there was no wick that needed to remain lit, it was more reliable and easier to use than the matchlock was.
Flintlock Gun: In 1630, the flintlock was introduced. In the late 1500s, the flash pan design had a lid, which had to be manually moved in order to expose or protect the powder. The flintlock mechanism could push back this lid and spark a flint at the same time. This flintlock ignition system remained popular for two centuries, with almost no changes being made to it.
Dueling Pistols: In about 1750, guns became a popular weapon to use in a duel. In 1777, a dueling pistol became the standard. This was a 9- or 10-inch, barreled, smooth bore flintlock with a 1-inch bore. These pistols were often decked out with lavish decoration.
Percussion Cap Guns: The percussion cap system was introduced by Reverend Alexander John Forsyth in the early 1800s. Rather than use a flash pan, these firearms used percussion caps that were placed over cones. As the trigger was pulled, the hammer ignited the primer in the percussion cap. This was more reliable than a flintlock mechanism, and eventually became more popular.
Colt Revolver: Developed by Samuel Colt, the colt revolver was the first of the mass-produced, multi-shot revolving firearms. They were the first to use Industrial Age machining tools in their development.
Shotguns: In 1850, shotguns were a commonly used firearm. The fowling piece, which is considered the forerunner of modern shotguns, was developed to hunt birds.
Gatling Gun: Invented by Richard Jordan Gatling in 1861, the Gatling gun was rapid-firing and had more than one barrel. It is considered an early machine gun, and its invention led to the modern electric motor-driven rotary cannon.
Winchester Rifle: Introduced in 1873, Winchester rifles were inexpensive and manufactured in high numbers, so that they became the generic rifle. In 1887, Winchester introduced its first repeating shotgun. In 1903, it introduced the first automatic rifle.
Handguns: In 1892, Joseph Laumann created the first automatic pistol. This was followed by more automatics, which were established firmly by the turn of the century.
Belt-fed Weapons and Their Uses
Belt-fed weapons use an ammunition belt to package and feed cartridge to the weapon. This is commonly used for rapid-fire automatic weapons, such as machine guns. This type of system allows for higher rates of continuous fire without having too many magazine changes.
FAQs
Did guns exist in the 1500s?
The early guns were introduced in China as early as 1250, which is when the Chinese invented black powder. One of the earliest guns was introduced in 1364 and was known as a hand cannon. Throughout the following centuries, more models and types of firearms were introduced. By the 1500s, the wheel lock firearm had come into existence.
What was the first rifle made?
The first rifle ever made was the Whitworth rifle, which was introduced in the late 1800s. This was considered by many to be the world’s first sniper rifle.
What are magazines?
A magazine is a device the stores and feeds ammunition for repeating firearms. An internal magazine is integral within the gun, while a detachable magazine is externally attached and can be removed.
What are cartridges?
A cartridge, also known as a round, is a pre-assembled type of firearm ammunition that packages a projectile (such as a bullet), a propellant substance, and an ignition device within a case that is precisely created to fit inside the barrel chamber of a weapon for the purpose of transportation and handling while shooting.
If you are a serious gun collector, you may be wondering whether or not your homeowners insurance offers adequate coverage for your guns. What kind of coverage is offered by homeowners? Is the coverage enough to cover your collection in the event of a loss? Does homeowners coverage include liability insurance?
Some gun owners purchase special insurance just for their firearms. What’s the difference between homeowners personal property coverage and a specialized gun policy? Should gun owners purchase a specialized policy just for their guns? Read on for the answers to these and other questions about your guns and your homeowners coverage!
Are Guns Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
A standard homeowners policy typically covers personal property, such as guns, in the event of a physical loss, like burglary or theft. It also provides some legal protection from related lawsuits under the liability insurance section of the policy.
Homeowners insurance often offers firearm liability insurance. Liability coverage is typically offered for non-intentional acts such as accidental discharge while cleaning the gun.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Exclude Weapon Coverage?
While homeowners offers theft coverage, this coverage is often limited to just $2,500, which may not cover the full market value of your gun collection. If you own a lot of guns, or your gun collection has appreciated in value, then you may need to consider a specialized gun insurance policy.
Should Gun Owners Purchase a Special Gun Insurance Policy?
Is gun insurance worth it? A separate, specialized gun insurance policy is worthwhile if your guns are valuable, if you own multiple guns (such as a collection), or if your guns are collectible and have appreciated in value. The typical amount that homeowners covers is $2,500, which may not be enough for a serious collector.
Standard Firearms Insurance Coverage
The standard firearms coverage offered through 1776 includes coverage for theft, accidental breakage, fire, flood, loss in the mail, natural disasters, and transit coverage. There is also optional coverage available for items kept at a public storage facility.
Coverage is offered for the current market value of your collection, which means that if your guns have appreciated in value, you won’t lose money in the event that you have to file a claim.
Gun or firearm liability insurance covers gun owners in the event that bodily injury is caused when the gun discharges. If your gun is accidentally discharged while you are cleaning it, gun liability insurance could protect you from any resulting lawsuits or damage that is caused.
The liability insurance offered by a homeowners policy typically offers coverage for accidental discharge only, meaning that there isn’t coverage for when you intentionally discharge your weapon. Please note that 1776 does not offer liability insurance with your gun policy.
FAQs
Does owning a gun affect your homeowners insurance rates?
Owning a gun should not affect your homeowners insurance rates. Most homeowners policies don’t ask whether or not you own a gun.
One way that the rate could be affected is if gun owners choose to increase their insurance coverage because they own a gun (or multiple guns).
Again, adequate coverage for the full market value of your guns may not be covered by a standard homeowners policy.
Is ammunition covered by homeowners insurance?
As with your guns, your homeowners policy covers your ammunition in the event of a loss as part of your personal property coverage. This is typically up to an amount of $2,500.
How much coverage is provided for firearms in an unendorsed homeowners policy?
Homeowners typically covers your personal property in the event of a loss up to $2,500. For many gun owners, this is not enough coverage, and they opt for a specialized gun insurance policy that provides more comprehensive coverage.
How much does gun insurance cost?
Firearms insurance coverage is actually quite affordable! A policy through 1776 starts at a competitive rate of under $100 a year.
