- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Ignition Systems
Home > Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development > Evolution of Firearms > Ignition Systems
The cannon lock established the firearm as a tool for the individual soldier. The next firearm component to evolve was the lock or propellant ignition system. The logical step beyond the cannon lock was to place the match on the firearm instead of requiring the soldier to hold it with the other hand. The dangers of holding a lighted match while trying to pour gunpowder down the barrel are readily apparent.
