Muskets

Muskets are a type of long firearm that were widely used from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They typically featured a smoothbore barrel, meaning the interior was not rifled, which limited accuracy but allowed for faster loading. Muskets were often muzzle-loaded, requiring a shooter to pour in gunpowder, add a bullet, and then ignite it, usually with a flintlock mechanism. They were commonly used by infantry in battles, and their effectiveness changed warfare significantly, paving the way for modern firearms. Over time, muskets were eventually replaced by more advanced weapons like rifles.