Flintlock muskets were a type of firearm used primarily from the 17th to the 19th centuries. They operated using a flintlock mechanism, where a piece of flint struck steel to create a spark that ignited gunpowder. This design made them more reliable than earlier matchlock firearms. These muskets were commonly used by soldiers and hunters, and they played a significant role in various historical conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War. Flintlock muskets typically had a long barrel and were loaded with a lead ball and gunpowder, making them effective for their time.