Rifled firearms date back to at least the 15th century. As some of the earliest had straight rather than spiral grooves, it is thought that the initial purpose may have been to receive the powder residue, or fouling, that was a problem with early firearms.

When were rifles first used in war?

Historical timeline of the development of modern weapons starting at 1364 with the first recorded use of a firearm and ending in 1892 with the introduction of automatic handguns. 1364 - First recorded use of a firearm. 1380 - Hand guns are known across Europe.

Who invented first rifle?

Invention of the Modern Handgun

Historians generally consider the Chinese fire lance as the first gun. But before the 15th century, guns were tricky to fire — they required both hands and a burning wick to ignite the powder.