Sequence of 3 photos in the firing of a
flintlock shotgun
This series of three photographs are 0.03 seconds apart and show quite well the sequence of firing a flintlock gun (in this case a .50 calibre shotgun). Firstly the hammer falls and ignites the priming powder in the pan (the "Flash in the Pan"), then the main charge ignites, firing the projectile out of the barrel and finally the smoke (the "Fog of War") forms and disrupts the firer's view of the target. The flame coming from the pan in the second photo is from the main charge jetting out of the chamber through the nipple and not from the primer. The dramatic changes in lighting during the firing sequence are well illustrated in this series of pictures. Although it seems a hazardous business for the firer, there is in practice little danger, as the flash in the pan mostly goes away to the side and not to the rear.
