Developed in the mid 1400's the matchlock rifle was a very important rifle used for more than 300 years. It was basically an upgraded flash pan. It worked by having a burning wick on a lever that would fall once the trigger was pulled and ignite the flash pan. They were later upgraded in 1540 to include a flash pan cover that would open once the trigger was pulled.
Although the matchlock was a major breakthrough, it still had it's problems. During rainy or foggy days it was hard to keep the wick lit. Surprise ambushes were also a major weakness because the soldiers didn't have time to light the wicks. Even Henry Hudson lost a battle to a native surprise attack due to unlit wicks.
Although the matchlock was a major breakthrough, it still had it's problems. During rainy or foggy days it was hard to keep the wick lit. Surprise ambushes were also a major weakness because the soldiers didn't have time to light the wicks. Even Henry Hudson lost a battle to a native surprise attack due to unlit wicks.