In 1861, Richard Jordan Gatling invented the Gatling gun, marking the first successful machine gun capable of firing 200 gunpowder cartridges in a minute. It saw use in the American Civil War by Union forces. In 1884, Hiram Maxim followed with the Maxim gun, the initial single-barreled machine gun.
The MP 18.1, created by Theodor Bergmann, became the world's first submachine gun, maneuverable by a single soldier. Adopted by the German Army in 1918 during World War I, it served as the primary weapon for Stosstruppen, specialized assault groups in trench combat.
For civilian applications, the captive bolt pistol is employed in agriculture to humanely stun farm animals before slaughter.
The Germans introduced the StG44 during World War II, marking the inception of the assault rifle. This firearm bridged the gap between long-range rifles, machine guns, and short-range submachine guns.
From the mid-20th century onward, energy-beam guns and firearms using means other than gunpowder for propulsion have been developed. These innovations showcase the ongoing evolution of firearms technology.
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Gun Encyclopedia
RandomA firearm, an essential component of modern weaponry, is a portable and hand-held device designed for launching projectiles at high speeds. The primary components include a barrel, which guides the projectile's trajectory, a firing mechanism to init...
