W.W. Greener in "Modern Breech-Loaders" states on p. 101 that "Barrels were first grooved or rifled at Vienna, about the year 1498." Coupled with p. 77-78, "Mr. Hallam, referring to the authority of an Arabic author, infers that there is no question that the knowledge of gunpower was introduced into Europe through the meands of Saracens, before the middle of the thirteenth century; and no doubt its use then was more for fireworks than as an artilierist projectile force. There is good evidence, too, that the use of gunpowder was introduced into Spain by the Moors." And what kind of folk were the Moors? Anyway, if they rifiling to prevent fouling and using gunpower as an accelerate in the later part of the 15th century, then what type barrel were they utilizing?
" Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider." - Francis Bacon
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
