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Flintlock of an 18th-century hunting rifle, with flint missing. Flintlock is a general term for any firearm that uses a flint-striking ignition mechanism, the first of which appeared in Western Europe in the early 16th century.
Learn how the flintlock mechanism creates a spark to ignite gunpowder and fire a gun. See the parts, positions and steps of a flintlock and watch videos of it in action.
Jun 3, 2024 · Flintlock was a device that used flint and steel to ignite gunpowder in firearms. Learn about its history, design, and variations from Britannica's editors.
A flintlock gun is the simplest reliable gun possible, and it can teach you a great deal about the technology behind guns in general. In this edition of HowStuffWorks, we will look at the flintlock itself as well as the guns that used it so that you can completely understand how it works.
The flintlock mechanism, also known as the true flintlock, was developed in France in the early 17th century. It quickly replaced earlier technologies, such as the matchlock and wheellock and the earlier flintlocks.
A flintlock was similar to a wheel lock except that ignition came from a blow of flint against steel, with the sparks directed into the priming powder in the pan. This lock was an adaptation of the tinderbox used for starting fires.
Learn about the origins, parts, and functions of flintlock pistols, the early firearms that used a flint to ignite gunpowder. Find out how they were used in military, hunting, and duels, and what replaced them in the 19th century.
