Key Point: The snaphaunce is a type of firearm ignition mechanism used in muskets and rifles during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is characterized by a hinged cover that holds a piece of flint. The snaphaunce mechanism was an improvement over earlier ignition systems, contributing to the development of more reliable and efficient firearms during its era.
Here we are going to take a look at what is the snaphaunce trigger. Why the snaphaunce was a huge improvement over the earlier trigger system. And why the Snaphaunce was eventually replaced by a similar flintlock system.
You will see how the flintlock differs from the snaphaunce a little later. But first let’s answer this question: What is a snaphaunce?
The snaphaunce trigger system was a trigger system developed in the 16th century and quickly replaced earlier trigger systems such as the matchlock and wheellock. The snaphaunce trigger system allowed for faster and more reliable ignition of gunpowder in muskets compared to earlier ignition systems. Making gunpowder weapons more effective for military use.
History And Origin Of The Snaphaunce
At the time of the 16th century, muskets were still relatively new. So the snaphaunce trigger system represented a huge improvement over earlier systems.
It was named after the mechanism that held the gunpowder, which was called the “snaphaunce.” The snaphaunce trigger system used flint to create a spark that would ignite the gunpowder. Because of its reliability, it quickly became the preferred system for muskets in Europe.
The historical context of the snaphaunce trigger system is important to understand. Mainly because it can help you appreciate the significance of this technological innovation. At the time of its development, muskets were rapidly becoming the primary weapon on the battlefield. And the snaphaunce trigger system played a major role in this transition. Without the snaphaunce trigger system, muskets may not have become the dominant weapon they were in early modern warfare.
How It Worked
You can see a pretty cool demo of the snaphaunce trigger in the video below. If you want to skip the entire history behind the trigger then jump to the time stamp 8:52 in the video where the presenter takes just under 70 seconds to describe how the snaphaunce works.
Or if you prefer reading. Here is the description of how the snaphaunce works
The snaphaunce trigger system used a simple flint and steel to ignite the gunpowder in the musket.
Here’s how it worked When the trigger was pulled, a spring-loaded arm moved a piece of flint forward, striking a piece of steel called the “frizzen.” The friction created by the flint striking the frizzen created a spark. Which then ignited the gunpowder in the musket. This process was much faster and more reliable than earlier systems, which often failed to ignite the gunpowder at the right moment.
The snaphaunce trigger system was also an improvement over earlier systems. Mainly because it was simpler to operate and maintain. The matchlock, for example, required a slow-burning match to be kept lit. The match could easily be extinguished by rain or wind, rendering the weapon useless. The snaphaunce trigger system, on the other hand, required only a supply of flints, which were easy to carry and replace.
Now, you might be thinking: “hold on, this sounds very familiar to a flintlock”. Yes, you are right. They are very similar but here is the difference between a flintlock and a snaphaunce.
The Difference Between A Flintlock And A Snaphaunce
The main difference between the two systems is the way in which the flint strikes the steel to create a spark. In the snaphaunce system, the flint strikes the frizzen directly, while in the flintlock system, the flint is mounted on a cock, which strikes the pan cover.
That was the main takeaway. Now, let’s take a look at the details a little more.
The snaphaunce trigger system was developed in the 16th century and used flint to create a spark that would ignite the gunpowder. When the trigger was pulled, a spring-loaded arm moved the flint forward. Thus striking a piece of steel called the “frizzen.” The friction created by the flint striking the frizzen created a spark, which then ignited the gunpowder in the musket.
The flintlock trigger system, on the other hand, was developed in the 17th century. It used a similar flint and steel mechanism. However, in this system, the flint was mounted on a “cock,” which was held in place by a “tumbler” until the trigger was pulled. When the trigger was pulled, the tumbler released the cock. Which then struck a piece of steel called the “pan cover.” The spark created by the flint striking the pan cover then ignited the gunpowder in the musket.
In terms of performance, both systems were significant improvements over earlier trigger systems. But the flintlock was generally considered to be a more reliable and efficient system. It became the dominant trigger system for muskets in the 18th and 19th centuries and was used extensively in military conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Main Reason Why The Flintlock Replaced The Snaphaunce Is …
The main reason why the flintlock replaced the snaphaunce trigger was that the flintlock had a faster ignition time and was more reliable compared to the snaphauce trigger.
Now, let’s take a look at the overall advantages and disadvantages of the snaphauce trigger.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Snaphaunce Trigger
One of the main advantages of the snaphaunce trigger system was its reliability. Unlike earlier systems such as the matchlock, which relied on slow-burning matches that could be extinguished by wind or rain, the snaphaunce system used a flint and steel mechanism. That made it much more reliable. Which made the musket more effective in battle.
Another advantage of the snaphaunce system was its simplicity. Compared to other systems of the time, such as the wheellock, the snaphaunce system was relatively easyš to manufacture and maintain. This made it more accessible to a wider range of users, including militaries and civilians.
On the flip side, the snaphaunce trigger system also had some disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks was its relatively slow ignition time. Because the flint and steel mechanism had to create a spark to ignite the gunpowder, there was often a delay between pulling the trigger and the musket firing. This made it difficult to use the musket effectively in close combat situations.
Another disadvantage of the snaphaunce system was the need for a supply of flints. While flints were relatively easy to carry and replace, they still needed to be sourced and transported, which could be a logistical challenge for military units operating in remote areas.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you learned a thing or two. If you wish to keep learning about firearm history I suggest taking a look at my article on the snaplock guns right here.
Take care!
Sources: “Firearms: An Illustrated History” by DK Publishing