Firearm

A Japanese arquebus: The arquebus was the first firearm to become a main weapon of warfare.

Firearms are projectile weapons that use directed chemical explosions to propel projectiles at high speeds and are the most commonly used weapons in the world today. Firearms first emerged in China around 1100 and in Europe around 1300, after which they evolved into a form which made them a primary weapon of war by 1500. Over the next five centuries, developments in firearm technology would move warfare more and more towards ranged combat with Meelee being a minor consideration in war.

Firearms in Science Fiction

In various science fiction series (especially those set in or close to modern times), firearms are often the primary form of small arms.

• The United States Colonial Marines in the Alien series make use of various firearms
• In Stargate, the forces of Earth make use of various projectile weapons
• Firearms are used in the Star Wars universe, generally by civilians among the more backwards sections of the Galaxy.