A musket is a type of long gun that was commonly used from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is a smoothbore firearm, meaning it has a smooth barrel rather than a rifled one, which makes it less accurate over long distances. Muskets were typically loaded with gunpowder and a lead ball, and they were fired by igniting the powder with a flintlock mechanism. They played a significant role in battles, especially during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. Muskets were often used by infantry soldiers, who would line up in formations to fire volleys at the enemy. The introduction of the Minié ball, a conical bullet, improved accuracy and range, leading to changes in military tactics.