Historical firearms refer to the various types of guns and weaponry developed and used throughout history. These include early hand cannons, matchlocks, flintlocks, and modern repeating rifles. Each type reflects advancements in technology and changes in warfare tactics, influencing how battles were fought. The evolution of firearms is closely linked to significant events and figures, such as the invention of gunpowder and the role of the Industrial Revolution in mass production. Notable examples include the Brown Bess musket, widely used by British forces, and the Colt revolver, which became iconic in the American West.