Handgun History: Gunpowder to Rifling

When you think of handguns, it’s normal to immediately picture a Glock or other commonly manufactured model. But when you stop and consider handgun history, do you ever wonder exactly how and where handguns got their start? That’s a question we can answer.

Gunpowder was discovered by accident by Chinese monks in the 1300s.
Gunpowder was discovered by accident by Chinese monks in the 1300s. (Photo credit: historical archives)

In the Beginning

It might seem an unusual place to start, but to properly explain where handguns got their start, we need to talk a little about things that go boom. Specifically, we have to address gunpowder.

No one really knows who first discovered gunpowder, but historians tend to agree its origins were in China. It was 9th century CE when a group of Chinese monks discovered that saltpeter was incendiary, something they found out not while trying to blow things up but while chasing the secret to eternal life. That early version of gunpowder involved a specific formula and because the alchemists of the time didn’t like to share, we only have a rough idea what it took. As close as we can tell, they used one part sulfur, three parts charcoal, and nine parts saltpeter.

The first recorded gunpowder “recipe” came from a Franciscan monk by the name of Sir Roger Bacon. His invention wasn’t exactly stable or consistent, but he did the best he could.

Next up was the arrival of gunpower’s existence in the Middle East (that part is fairly well documented). That took place in thirteenth century AD. And before long, it was weaponized.

Gunpowder was discovered by accident by Chinese monks in the 1300s.
Hand cannons were smaller versions of cannons, right down to the use of a touch hole to set them off. (Photo credit: historical archives)

Hand Cannons

If you think about it, this really is the perfect name for handguns of all kinds. The hand cannon—yes, it really was called that—made its appearance in 1364 as the first recorded use of a firearm (and of course it was handheld). Hand cannons were basically miniaturized cannons created for handheld use by whoever felt brave enough to try it. Some inventive people who likely recognized the risk of loss of limbs designed a version that could be attached to a pole as well.

It wasn’t until the 1380s that handguns made their way to Europe. These extremely early designs were not precise replicas of what we consider handguns today, but they were close enough. That’s right, your Glock has a relative from more than 600 years ago.

The matchlock—which you might be familiar with—was designed in the 1400s. Prior to the invention of matchlocks, anyone trying to fire a gun had to use a touch hole system. Remember, the first hand cannons were…cannons. If you’ve seen a cannon fired you have likely also witnessed a touch hole being used. After the cannon was packed—from the muzzle end, of course—with gunpowder, wadding, and a projectile, it came time to ignite it.

An early matchlock pistol.
An early matchlock pistol. (Photo credit: Cowan’s Auctions)

According to a writer for The Romney Marsh, a website dedicated to the tourism and historical aspects of a wetland area in England, here’s what happened when the cannon was ready to be lit:

“At the right moment, the gun captain called to yet another man who was standing by holding a tool with a lighted fuse on the end of it. This fuse was made of a substance called ‘slow match’ which, as the name says, burned very slowly, at the rate of about a foot an hour. This slow match was held on the end of a long stick. This was the original ‘fire in the hole.’ The man using it could stand back, away from the rear of the cannon, and apply the burning match to the touch hole, where it met the gun powder. Immediately two thing[s] happened. The cannon ball and wadding shot out the barrel of the cannon, and the gun itself leaped backward.”

You can imagine why it would be preferable moving on from touch holes. Hand cannons might not have been as big as their predecessors, but the basics still applied.

The matchlock system involved a flash plan that held the gunpowder and an ignition device that was typically either a match or wick. The match would be held in place by the serpentine, a clamp that kept it in the correct position for use. There was no risking fingers or limbs to ignite matchlocks. A trigger that pushed the match into the flash plan was featured on the matchlock. That allowed the shooter to keep a firm grip on their weapon while firing. Sure, it was still only a single shot, but it was a start. How matchlock shooters gripped their guns is anyone’s guess.

Barrel Improvements

Next up in in the sequence of handgun history was the improvement to the barrels. Up to this point in history, hand cannons and matchlocks were smooth bore firearms. That meant the inside of their barrels was bare of any engravings or etchings designed to control the bullet’s path a little better. In 1498, rifling was added to barrels.

An example of barrel rifling. (Photo credit: Wingman Tactical)

Also at this approximate time came the creation of the wheellock. Those guns appeared in 1509 and were also sometimes referred to as rose locks. Their name explained their basic mechanism; a wheel inside the guns served as the firing mechanism. Those parts are sometimes compared to today’s lighters, although obviously not quite the same, they did have the same basic action. However, wheellocks were cost prohibitive, so most people stuck to their matchlocks.

The First Firearms Manufacturer

Worth highlighting in this same timeframe is the founding of the first firearms company.

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, which translates to the Pietro Beretta Weapon Factory, was founded in 1526. At the time of this writing, Beretta remains the oldest operating firearms manufacturer in the world. When Beretta was founded, its first product was the arquebus barrel. The gun maker has certainly come a long way since the 1500s; it is well known for high-quality, reliable firearms throughout the world.

Believe it or not, we’ve only just gotten started on handgun history. If you know any fun facts for this particular era, tell us about it in the comments section below.

Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you've seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master's Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.

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