Musket

Celebrations began within days: parades and public readings, bonfires and candles and the firing of 13 musket rounds, one for each of the original states.

While Tom puttered about with his ruffles and dalliance, a musket ball was flying towards his forehead.

We had the mental acumen, the efficacy of the bow and arrow, opposite the clumsy musket.

The crew whispered that the commodore's limp came from a musket ball that shattered his fibula.

Soldier, soldier, won't you marry me, with your musket, fife and drum.

Sam, Sam, pick up thy musket.

[…] you may be assured, had they known the terrour of Muskets, Caliuers and Piſtols, they would haue vſed the leſſe Bowes, Speares and Bills; […]

The Souldier having his Musket ſhoulder'd, muſt ſtand ſtraight upon his Limbs, hold up his Head, and look always to the commanding Officer, […]

The whole of the tumultuous scene vanished from the senses of Lionel at the flash of the musket of this man, and he sunk beneath the feet of the combatants, insensible of further triumph, and of every danger.

Probably, rifling evolved from the early observation of the feathers on an arrow-and from the practical results of cutting channels in a musket, originally to reduce fouling, then because it was found to improve accuracy of the shot.