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Operation
Percussion ignition systems feature a percussion cap, typically a copper or brass cylinder, with a small amount of shock-sensitive explosive inside. The cap is placed over a piece of hollow metal at the rear of the gun barrel. Pulling the trigger releases a hammer that makes an impact on the percussion cap, igniting the explosive. A flame travels through the hollow metal, lighting the black powder, which causes the projectile to fire from the chamber. This system was used for muzzle-loaded pistols and rifles.
Advantages
Before the development of percussion caps, small firearms used flintlock ignition. Because the flintlock method introduced a spark from outside the chamber, flintlock weapons frequently failed during wet weather. Once the ignition system was placed inside the gun casing, firearms were useable in all weather conditions. The percussion ignition system shortened the period of time between trigger pull and bullet fire, and it did not let off smoke until after the bullet was released.
Introduction of Percussion Ignition
The properties of fulminates -- shock-sensitive explosives -- were first noted during experiments in the first decade of the 19th century. Gradually, through consistent improvement by weapons manufacturers and private individuals, the system was refined to the point where it became the standard for military weapons, replacing the long-used flintlock system. After the advantages of percussion ignition were demonstrated, many older flintlock weapons were converted to the newer system.
Further Development
By 1850, weapons manufacturers began experimenting with placing percussion caps into projectiles rather than in the gun barrel itself. This development led to the use of a metal casing, or cartridge, to contain both the explosive material and the bullet. In 1860, breech-loading weapons -- loaded through a chamber near the rear of the barrel and using cartridges instead of solitary bullets -- replaced the percussion ignition system.