WHO INVENTED GUNS? - A HISTORY OF FIREARMS


By bblouin
soldier firing a musket

Those living in what would become modern China are the people who invented guns first. It makes perfect sense really. After all, when you look at who invented gun powder, you’re once more going to look at the Chinese for one of the most influential inventions of all time. The origins of the invention of guns bring us to fire lances, which weren't much more than long sticks of bamboo with tubes attached. By igniting the gunpowder inside, the bamboo or metal tube would shoot streams of flames in whatever direction the weapon was pointed. But we’ve come a long way since the 10th century. These days, it feels like the only restrictions on firearms come from your imagination and the ATF. Guns are big, small, simple, complex, and everything in between. Learn more about these revolutionary weapons, and let’s have a little fun with it along the way. Related Read: What’s the Largest Gun Ever Used? Introducing the Schwerer Gustav

Who Invented the First Gun in 1364?

While the first gun was invented well before 1364, by this year the technology had evolved rapidly and China was manufacturing hand cannons. It wasn't long after that the hand cannon and such weaponry would begin making their way to Europe. The result of such trades would shift the pattern and methods of warfare forever.

Who Invented the Gatling Gun?

Richard Jordan Gatling invented the Gatling gun in 1862. Using a hand crank, the Gatling gun was a game changer and got its first real taste of warfare during the Civil War, before becoming more widely available afterward. At more than 200 rounds per minute, this new invention altered the perception of what was possible with gunfire on the battlefield. Next Read: The Legendary Chicken Gun Is the Ultimate Quality Control Test for Military Planes

Who Invented the Tommy Gun?

United States Army Brigadier General John T. Thompson invented the “Tommy Gun.” Formally known as the Thompson submachine gun, it was created to help conquer adversaries during World War I through heavy involvement in trench warfare. But the weapon wasn't actually ready until after the Great War was over. Sales to the public began in the ‘20s and gangsters fell in love. Earning several additional nicknames such as "Chicago Typewriter," "Chicago Piano," “Trench Sweeper,” and "Trench Broom," the weapon would also make its way to several battlefields…though its legacy remains heavily tied to the mob.

Who Invented the Machine Gun?

Because the Gatling gun is widely regarded as the world’s first machine gun, the credit goes to Richard Jordan Gatling. Today, we see several types of machine guns on the battlefield, in movies, and in video games, but Mr. Gatling is the man who got it all started.

These are the Inventors of Other, Less Lethal Kinds of Guns

Who Invented Nerf Guns?

Inventor Lonnie Johnson created Nerf Guns and is widely noted to be one of the most influential and successful Black American inventors in American history. Sure, Johnson helped create amazing inventions and techniques while working for NASA and the U.S. Air Force, admirable endeavors indeed, but let's face it, it’s Nerf or nothin’. Clearly, this toy weapon is his greatest achievement. Suggested Read: The Evolution of Artillery in Warfare

Who Invented the Water Gun?

The first and best water gun, the Super Soaker, was invented by one of America’s greatest inventors. Yep, you guessed it, it’s Lonnie Johnson again! Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of notable gunsmiths such as John Browning, John Garand, and Samuel Hawken who invented guns, but the Super Soaker continues to stand the test of time and impress while doing it.

Who Invented the Tattoo Gun?

Samuel O'Reilly would invent the world’s first tattoo gun after drawing inspiration from Thomas Edison’s rotary-operated stencil pen. Many guns are important on the battlefield, for home defense, hunting, and general recreation. But when it comes to ink therapy, where would we be without this marvelous invention? Who invented guns is a collection of all of us, depending on where you look and what type of firearm you're thinking of, lethal or non-lethal, foam bullets or water jets. To learn more about the fascinating history of firearms, the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA, provides a wealth of knowledge displaying hundreds of years of gun history. Read Next: 8 Inventions During the Civil War That Stood the Test of Time


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