Modern
Firearms
What You
Should Know | Evolution
| Types of Firearms | Basic
Firearm Actions | Final QuizTo ignite the gunpowder several different types of ignition systems were developed. The most common types of ignition systems still available today are the flintlock and percussion cap.
The Flintlock System
A piece of flint is held in a "cock." When you move the
cock to the rear and
pull the trigger, the cock moves forward. The flint strikes the steel,
causing sparks to fall into the flash pan. This ignites the priming powder.
The priming powder burns, igniting the main black powder charge in the
bore.
The flintlock system does not work well in rain or wind and requires
shooters to carry two different types of black powder.
