The early pistols that were held in the hands did not become practical before the wheel lock was invented about 1515. The wheel lock had a serrated metal wheel that struck a spark when it revolved against a flint. With the flintlock, soldiers didn’t have to carry live flames to ignite the powder in their guns. During the mid 1500’s, Snaphance and flintlock pistols appeared. They were less tricky to use, so they were used more often. The cannon barrel pistol was loaded from the breech end, opposite the open muzzle. In 1600’s and 1700’s many variations of gunlocks were developed. In 1807 Alexander Forsyth invented a percussion cap where the gun was loaded from the muzzle. Derringer’s named after a pistol maker, Henry Derringer Jr. These are another type of gun made from the percussion cap, but are loaded at the breech.