flintlock

A firelock mechanism where a hammer holding flint strikes a piece of steel and produces sparks. The sparks fall into a pan of gunpowder and ignites the powder. A small hole from the pan to the barrel allows flame to travel and ignite the powder in the barrel. Thanks to its cheap cost and ease of use, the flintlock fully replaced the matchlock and wheellock, and was the primary firearm mechanism until it was replaced in turn by the caplock.