Muskets are long firearms that were widely used from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They typically have a smoothbore barrel, which means the inside of the barrel is not rifled, making them less accurate than later firearms. Muskets were often loaded with gunpowder and a lead ball, and they required a slow reloading process, which made them less effective in rapid-fire situations. The most famous type of musket is the Brown Bess, used by the British Army during the 18th century. Muskets played a significant role in various historical conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars, influencing military tactics and the development of modern firearms.