Arquebus vs. Matchlock — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
An arquebus is an early form of musket, a lightweight firearm used in the 15th to 17th centuries, while a matchlock refers to the firing mechanism that uses a slow-burning match to ignite gunpowder.
Difference Between Arquebus and Matchlock
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Key Differences
The arquebus is a type of early muzzle-loaded firearm used by infantry, notable for its use of a hook and relatively light build, making it somewhat easier to handle than heavier muskets. On the other hand, the matchlock is not a specific firearm but a mechanism that was commonly employed in early firearms like the arquebus. This mechanism involves a "match" a cord soaked in nitrates that burns slowly and is used to ignite the gunpowder upon pulling the trigger.
While the arquebus often utilized the matchlock mechanism, it's crucial to differentiate between the firearm itself (arquebus) and the technology it employed (matchlock). The matchlock system was one of the earliest and most reliable methods to manage the firing sequence of hand-held firearms at the time.
Matchlocks enabled a more controlled and safer use of firearms, allowing soldiers to focus more on aiming and less on the complexities of firing, which was a significant advancement over earlier methods that required manually applying a burning wick to the gunpowder. The arquebus, equipped with a matchlock, provided a significant advantage in both range and accuracy compared to bows or earlier smoothbore firearms.
The arquebus as a firearm and the matchlock as a mechanism highlight an important period in the development of military technology, where improvements in mechanisms like the matchlock made firearms increasingly practical and effective on the battlefield.
Comparison Chart
Type
Firearm
Firing mechanism
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Use
Hand-held gun used in warfare
Mechanism used in firearms for igniting charge
Key Feature
Lightweight, could be equipped with a hook
Uses a slow-burning match to ignite gunpowder
Era
15th to 17th centuries
Used in various firearms from the 15th century onwards
Technological Significance
Early form of musket, increased mobility in infantry
Allowed for safer and more reliable firing of firearms
Compare with Definitions
Arquebus
Played a significant role in the transition from bows to firearms.
The arquebus enabled foot soldiers to engage effectively with mounted knights.
Matchlock
A type of firing mechanism in early firearms.
The matchlock revolutionized gunnery by simplifying the process of firing a weapon.
Arquebus
An early form of a musket, lighter and used extensively from the 15th to the 17th century.
The arquebus was a crucial weapon that changed infantry tactics in Renaissance warfare.
Matchlock
Utilizes a "match" to ignite gunpowder in the pan.
He lit the match of his matchlock before joining the battle line.
Arquebus
Required the use of a rest to stabilize because of its relatively long barrel.
He planted the rest of his arquebus into the ground before aiming.
Matchlock
Enabled more reliable and controlled shooting.
The matchlock allowed soldiers to aim better as they no longer had to manually ignite the gunpowder.
Arquebus
Fired using a matchlock mechanism, making use of a burning match.
Soldiers carrying arquebuses were a common sight in early modern armies.
Matchlock
Was prevalent before the development of flintlock mechanisms.
Matchlock guns were eventually replaced by more advanced flintlock guns.
Arquebus
Noted for increasing the lethal capacity of infantry.
With the arquebus, infantrymen could deliver deadly volleys against enemy formations.
Matchlock
Required careful handling to maintain the lit match.
In wet conditions, keeping the match of a matchlock gun lit was challenging.
Arquebus
An arquebus ( AR-k(w)ib-əs) is a form of long gun that appeared in Europe and the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. An infantryman armed with an arquebus is called an arquebusier.
Matchlock
The matchlock was the first mechanism invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. Before this, firearms (like the hand cannon) had to be fired by applying a lit match (or equivalent) to the priming powder in the flash pan by hand; this had to be done carefully, taking most of the soldier's concentration at the moment of firing, or in some cases required a second soldier to fire the weapon while the first held the weapon steady.
Arquebus
Variant of harquebus.
Matchlock
A gunlock in which powder is ignited by a match.
Arquebus
To shoot with an arquebus.
Matchlock
A musket having such a gunlock.
Arquebus
A sort of hand gun or firearm a contrivance answering to a trigger, by which the burning match was applied. The musket was a later invention.
Matchlock
Early type of firearm, using a smoldering piece of cord to fire the powder in the firing pan.
Arquebus
An obsolete firearm with a long barrel
Matchlock
The gunlock used in such a weapon, having a slow smouldering match, see: slow match.
Matchlock
An old form of gunlock containing a match for firing the priming; hence, a musket fired by means of a match.
Matchlock
An early style of musket; had a slow burning wick that could be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge
Common Curiosities
Can a firearm use a matchlock and still not be an arquebus?
Yes, the matchlock mechanism was used in various firearms of the period, not exclusively in arquebuses.
What is the main difference between an arquebus and a matchlock?
The arquebus is a type of firearm, while the matchlock is a mechanism used within that firearm to ignite the gunpowder.
How did the arquebus impact warfare?
The arquebus made infantry more powerful due to its range and firepower, shifting military tactics from heavily armored knights to foot soldiers.
Were there any disadvantages to using an arquebus with a matchlock?
The main disadvantages included the vulnerability of the match to wind and rain and the relatively slow rate of fire.
What replaced the matchlock mechanism in firearms?
The matchlock was eventually succeeded by the flintlock mechanism, which was more reliable and quicker to use in adverse weather conditions.
Why was the matchlock considered an advancement in firearm technology?
The matchlock mechanism improved the reliability and safety of firearms, making it easier for soldiers to manage the ignition process during combat.
How did the matchlock improve firearm safety?
The matchlock improved safety by automating the ignition process, reducing the chances of accidental discharge.
What are the key identifying features of an arquebus?
Key features include a long barrel, a hook for stability, and usage of a matchlock firing mechanism.
What skills were required to effectively operate an arquebus with a matchlock?
Skills included managing the match and gunpowder, aiming with a relatively cumbersome weapon, and maintaining the firearm.
Why is the matchlock no longer in use today?
The matchlock has been phased out due to more efficient firing mechanisms like the flintlock and later percussion caps, which offer quicker reloading times and less sensitivity to weather conditions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
