Oldest Firearm In The USA Found In Arizona

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Heads up gun and history buffs, the oldest firearm in the United States of America was recently discovered in Arizona and, apparently, it's brand new.

The weapon, which is about 500 years old, dates back to the 16th century, measures 42 inches long and weighs 40 pounds. (Not exactly a sidearm.) It was found at the site of an ancient structure near a settlement named San Geronimo III.

It most likely belonged to one of the conquistadors cruising the area with Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, looking for the fabled 7 cities of gold. (Zero luck there...)

How Do Experts Know The Weapon Was "New"? The cannon, also referred to as a wall gun, was a versatile piece of artillery used in both defensive and offensive operations. It could breach wooden or adobe walls, projecting lead balls or buckshot with devastating power over a range of up to 700 yards. However, evidence suggests the cannon found in Arizona was never fired; researchers noted the absence of black powder residue. - archeologymag.com

This thing was no joke. It was designed, like a shotgun, to fire small-ish projectiles in a swarm like fashion. In fact, an earth.com article likened the damage it would do to its target as being very similar to being attacked by a swarm of hornets.

While the Conquistadors were Spanish, experts think the cannon was manufactured in Mexico. It doesn't look like much but you absolutely, positively did NOT want to find yourself looking at it from downrange.

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