Talk:Arquebus/@comment-81.134.8.144-20180123235653

Really not sure if I agree with the trivia about arquebuses. For all intents and purposes, they are an upgraded hand cannon- the chamber is modified, and the barrel lengthened, as the composition of powder changes to more modern, useful forms (mainly corned powder), but there is very little difference between a hook gun/hachenbuschen (the last hand cannon) and an early arquebus. The main difference is the addition of a match lock, which already makes the weapon far easier to aim and more accurate. Better powder, a longer barrel, true shoulder stocks and the match lock really do make an arquebus an all round superior weapon to hand cannons, and much easier to aim and use accurately. There is a good reason arquebuses supplanted hand cannons, despite hand cannons being easier to make- arquebuses are better weapons.

Based on the effect of the unique tech, I would say the tech would be better named Match lock, as this could also be used on other gunpowder weapons.

A well loaded arquebus (with shot made to fit the barrel, good quality powder, and a leather patch) could be accurate at surprising ranges, although not as far ranged as early muskets, which could be accurate out to 200yds when well loaded. Note that the vast majority of medieval firearms users were highly trained, elite soldiers due to the expertise required to operate the guns- early guns are very dangerous for inexperienced users and an expensive waste on conscripts. Therefore, the knowledge on how to load a gun to its maximum potential, and having the necessary equipment to load the gun properly, were common amongst the soldiers using firearms- most arquebusiers would carry casts to make their own shot for their specific firearm calibre. Conscript gunners only became the norm from the late 16th century onwards.

Whilst rifles existed, they were mainly used in hunting due to slow loading speeds and rapid barrel fouling.