Quote Originally Posted by satalexton View Post
@Ibrahim, that is precisely the problem y they wud not listen to you. The two filled a similar role. Y invent something totally novel when one can simply improve the existing crossbows' power and range? (yeah, thats y they eventually lagged behind in gunpowder weaponery for the average grunt.)
because it offers a chance to centralize government, in the sense that, do you realize the expense of the production of muskets is suficiently high that only a central government can produce, maintain, and equip a gunpowder army? and also the potential for a more powerful weapon in the long run?

and as I said, rifle the musket and it has 400-500 yards on it-much more than a chinese crossbow at its best. and the rate of fire is not too different as well.

now, if this were the ming or ching dynasty, then yes, they wouldn't want any, but not earlier