Son of a Gun

   The gun: a dangerous innovation. The most basic definition of a gun, or firearm, is any weapon that sends a projectile at high speeds with an explosion. In most guns, the burning of gunpowder creates a pressure-building gas that sends the projectile at high speeds.
   Guns are classified by their size from small weapons called small arms to larger weapons such as cannons or artillery. Caliber is a measure of a barrel's diameter. Some guns have a rifling, or a spiral within the barrel, that increases the accuracy of the projectile.
   It is still unknown of who invented the gun. There is evidence, however, that proves that small-scale cannons were used in China around 1100 AD. In northern Africa in 1300, the Arabs could have used resembling weapons.
   From hunting to warfare, firearms are the most commonly used weapons and have changed the course of history at the pull of a trigger.

Did you know?

 In America, 75 children are shot each day. Only 80% survive.