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It all started in China! Around the year 900, people discovered gunpowder and made the first “fire lances” bamboo or metal tubes that shot fire and small rocks. They weren’t real guns yet, but they were the first step. -
Then came the hand cannon, a small metal tube that could be held and fired with two hands. It’s considered the first real firearm. Soldiers used it in wars to scare enemies and cause damage. -
Thanks to Europe, we started using flintlock pistols, which made a spark with a piece of flint to fire the shot. They were faster and easier to use, and some were decorated for rich officers. -
In the 1800s, the percussion cap was invented. Instead of a spark, it used a small metal cap that exploded when hit. These pistols were much more reliable, even in the rain! -
Then we began using revolvers — pistols with a spinning cylinder that held several bullets. You could shoot many times before reloading. That was a huge improvement! -
In the early 1900s, the americans started using semi-automatic pistols like the Mauser C96 and Colt M1911. These guns reloaded themselves after each shot. China even made its own versions of these pistols. -
Modern handguns are mostly semi-automatic, using lightweight polymer frames with steel slides and barrels.
Most are striker-fired with internal safeties and ambidextrous controls, commonly chambered in 9mm for a good balance of power and capacity.
They accept accessories like red-dot sights and weapon lights always handle them responsibly and follow local laws.