Gun

A gun is a device that is capable of housing the discharge of gunpowder or other means of propulsion for the express purpose of firing a projectile, such as a bullet, ball, or shell, towards an intended target. Most guns are tubular in design, usually made metal, but any material capable of withstanding the pressures of the propellant can be used. In short, most guns operate under the principle of using propellant to expel the projectile down this tube, or barrel as it is otherwise known. The propellant will cease at the end of the barrel, thus allowing the projectile to shoot out.

The gun itself is meant to be operated at a variety of ranges, but the projectiles of most gunnery will be able to travel over long ranges. The typology of guns is derived from many distinguishing factors, such as the propellant used, the barrel length, the range of the gun, and so forth.

Although there is no exact date for the first gun invented, the dwarves and gnomes are usually credited with forging the first designs. Through trade and exchange, other cultures have adapted the use of guns into their military arsenals or for personal use by the common people.

History
The exact origin of the gun is still uncertain to most Azerothian historians. The invention of guns on Azeroth are usually attributed to advances made by the dwarves and gnomes, with dwarven gun-makers leading the vanguard in its production and design. They are a relatively new invention, with arguable evidence of their existence some years before the opening of the Dark Portal in the year 3 L.C. Arguments also pose that most gunnery in its early stages was relegated to the use large cannon, and that the creation of the personal firearm came later as a need for mass gunnery arose.

There is also the matter of propellant, which has changed over the course of Azerothian history. Most recognize gunpowder, a substance made out of a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter, as the first propellant used in gunnery. Advances in gunnery have also led to the use of steam as a means by which to rapidly propel a projectile out of a gun. Guns may also propel other substances beyond solid shot, as made evident by the creation of the dragon gun which was first created by goblin engineers. Guns like the dragon gun use propellants like steam or gas to propel powerful substances, such as alchemist's fire, towards the target. Throughout the history of gunnery, there have been multiple parties that have emerged advocating and going against the use of guns for personal defense and on the battlefield. Some claim that guns are dishonorable and volatile, being able to cause just as much damage to the user if utilized improperly. Others will argue that gunnery allows for the common soldier to wield great force on the battlefield, serving as the great equalizer. In addition, proponents of gunnery will claim that guns are relatively easy to use and train with, as opposed to weapons such as bows and swords that require greater strength and training to use properly.

Types

 * Long Guns
 * Arquebus
 * Blunderbuss
 * Musket
 * Musketoon
 * Rifle
 * Handgun
 * Artillery
 * Cannon
 * Mortar
 * Carronade
 * Falconet
 * Field Gun
 * Howitzer
 * Steam Guns
 * Incendiary Guns
 * Dragon Gun

Additional References
This is a list of individuals or organizations involved in the making and development of gunnery, along with any contributions they have made to their use as a battlefield weapon and as a means of personal defense.
 * The Musket Methodology, by Edrington W. Grunwald