A musket is a type of long gun that was widely used from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It typically features a smoothbore barrel, which means the inside of the barrel is not rifled, making it less accurate than modern firearms. Muskets were often loaded with a lead ball and gunpowder, and they required a slow reloading process, which made them less effective in rapid-fire situations. Muskets played a significant role in various historical conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. They were commonly used by infantry soldiers and were often equipped with a bayonet for close combat. The development of the musket marked an important evolution in military technology, paving the way for more advanced firearms.