What improvement over the flash pan became widely used in the fifteenth century?

The matchlock was a significant advancement over the earlier flash pan ignition systems utilized in firearms. Developed in the fifteenth century, the matchlock mechanism employed a slow-burning matchstick that was held in a clamp and was lowered into a pan containing gunpowder when the trigger was pulled. This design allowed for a more reliable ignition source than the flash pan, which relied on sparks from a glowing wick being exposed to gunpowder.

The matchlock's user-friendly operation made it more practical for soldiers on the battlefield, as it allowed for a faster and more straightforward method of firing a weapon. In addition, it simplified the loading and firing sequence, leading to improvements in battle tactics and overall firearm effectiveness.

Other options like the wheellock and flintlock came later, with the wheellock being an innovation that utilized a spinning wheel to create sparks, while the flintlock used a piece of flint striking steel to ignite the powder, improving on the matchlock. The revolver represents a different advancement in firearm technology altogether, focusing on the mechanism of multiple shots being fired in succession rather than the ignition method itself.