Gatling gun
The Gatling gun is a type of early machine gun invented by Dr. Richard Gatling in 1861. It features multiple rotating barrels that allow for rapid firing of bullets. The design uses a hand-crank mechanism, enabling the operator to fire several rounds per minute, significantly increasing firepower compared to single-shot firearms.
This weapon was first used during the American Civil War and later in various conflicts around the world. The Gatling gun laid the groundwork for modern automatic firearms and influenced the development of subsequent weapons, including the Maxim gun, which was the first true automatic machine gun.