Matchlock Arquebus

Arquebus with a matchlock firing system using a serpentine. This was a muzzle-loading firearm used extensively by European infantry from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The length of the firearm meant that it had a range of around 50 m (164 ft), although it was better suited to distances under 25 m (82 ft). However, its ability to penetrate armor made it quite lethal. The loading process was quite slow, so it was difficult to fire more than once every two minutes.