In the classic novel "The Three Musketeers" by the French literary master Dumas, the four musketeers, including the protagonist, wield matchlock guns.
However, the story of "The Three Musketeers" is set in the first half of the 17th century, by which time light matchlock guns were completely obsolete, and the standard equipment distributed by the King's Guard, which the protagonist D'Artagnan served, were heavy matchlock guns.
These guns were about as tall as a person from muzzle to stock, weighing between 8 to 11 kilograms, with a caliber of 18~22mm, making them difficult to handle for those not strong and sturdy.
Due to the overly long barrel and overly heavy body, heavy matchlock guns were extremely difficult to operate. To tackle this issue, they were usually equipped with a stand to aid in aiming, with the trigger held in the middle of a "U" shaped groove to balance the gun's weight, thereby speeding up loading and saving physical effort.
