Single thing that changed weapons forever?

[Tcox]

In your opinion what is the single thing that has had the most influence or change in weaponry since roughly the 1900's? Keep in mind that this is pre-WWII but also had cased ammunition, full autos, explosives, ect.

This could be an Item, Weapon, or accessories, or even a manufacture. Put on your thinkin caps!

I'll start a poll with a few thoughts but explain why you choose what you do!

Im by no means an expert on combat or weapons but I think this is an interesting topic and I think there is alot to be learned from other opinions.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

non corrosive powder, and primers.
metallic cartridges.

 

[Glocktogo]

Smokeless propellants.

 

[FlimFlam]

ability to go bang reliably.

 

[BluRaySS]

Simply the preloaded cartridge. Even putting the obvious aside, this opened doors and minds to amazing leaps in arms technology and advancement.

 

[Cinaet]

War is the single thing that has had the most influence on weaponry.

 

[AKmoose]

Metallic cartridge.

 

[cjjtulsa]

Maxim machine gun?

 

[Kryxar]

In your opinion what is the single thing that has had the most influence or change in weaponry since roughly the 1900's? Keep in mind that this is pre-WWII but also had cased ammunition, full autos, explosives, ect.

Since you've eliminated metallic cartridge, I'm going with either missile guidance systems, or nuclear fission.

 

[SMS]

The M1 Garand....first mass produce-able, reliable, accurate and effective, single-man portable autoloading rifle.