content_output-091_2 (Q6871)

arquebus. With the introduction of the wheel-lock the fire-arm came into more general use for sporting purposes: with the old-fashioned culverins, or hand-cannon, game could only be shot upon rare opportunities, or by waiting caché until the unwary animals passed the sportsman, and it was altogether impossible to take a fine aim; with the wheel-lock a steady aim could be obtained; the guns were made lighter, and leaden bullets used.