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EARLY RIFLES

Musket

  • 16th - 19th century

  • Flintlock or percussion cap
  • Muzzle-loading
  • Low (50-100 meters)
  • 2-3 rounds per minute
  • Lead ball + powder
  • ~100 meters
  • 4-6 kg
  • Moderate
  • Easier to use than matchlocks

Matchlock

  • 15th - 17th century

  • Match cord ignition
  • Muzzle-loading
  • Low (50-75 meters)
  • 1-2 rounds per minute
  • Lead ball + powder
  • ~75 meters
  • 5-7 kg
  • Low (affected by weather)
  • Cheap and easy to produce

Breech-Loading Rifle

  • 19th century

  • Breech-loading bolt or lever
  • Breech-loading
  • High (200-500 meters)
  • 8-12 rounds per minute
  • Metal cartridge
  • 300-600 meters
  • 3-5 kg
  • High
  • Faster reloading, better accuracy
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