Small Arms
Further information: Rifle Left image: Jean Lepage silex carbine said "du Premier Consul", circa 1800.Right image: Rifling of Lepage carbine.
The first rifles were muzzle-loading, although this involved a lot of complication in inserting the bullet past the rifling, and clogging and cleaning problems were notorious. There are also muzzle-loading pistols and shotguns. These have gradually given way to firearms that use alternate methods of inserting a projectile into the barrel.
Read more about this topic: Muzzle-loading Rifle
Famous quotes containing the words small and/or arms:
“The most perfect caricature is that which, on a small surface, with the simplest means, most accurately exaggerates, to the highest point, the peculiarities of a human being, at his most characteristic moment in the most beautiful manner.”
—Max Beerbohm (1872–1956)
“His bold head
‘Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To the shore.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)