What is friction primers?

Friction primers are small, tube-shaped devices used to ignite the explosive charge in firearms and artillery. They consist of a brass or copper tube filled with a small amount of gunpowder and a friction-sensitive ignition element. This ignition element is typically a thin metal wire coated with a mixture of fulminate of mercury and lead styphnate. When the end of the wire is struck by a sharp blow, it creates a spark that ignites the gunpowder and initiates the main charge.

Friction primers were first developed in the 1830s and quickly became the standard ignition device for most military firearms and artillery. Their main advantage was their reliability and ease of use - unlike earlier ignition methods such as flintlocks and percussion caps, friction primers could be ignited with a simple strike of the firing pin.

However, friction primers did have some drawbacks. They were relatively expensive to manufacture and required specialized equipment and skills. They were also vulnerable to moisture, which could cause the ignition element to deteriorate and fail to ignite the main charge. In humid or wet conditions, soldiers would often have to dry their friction primers before using them.

Friction primers remained in widespread use until the late 19th century, when they were gradually replaced by centerfire cartridges and other more modern ignition systems. Today, they are mostly used in historic firearms or for reenactment purposes.