San Yan Chong (三眼銃)

A typical San Yan Chong.

Perhaps the most iconic handheld firearm of Ming army, San Yan Chong (三眼銃, lit. 'Three-eyed gun') was an iron handgonne that had three short barrels arranged in a triangular layout. It allowed the gunner to discharge three shots in quick succession before needing to reload, thereby compensating for its short range and lack of accuracy somewhat. San Yan Chong was the preferred firearm of Northern cavalry, particularly those from Liaodong Defense Region.

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Fei Meng Pao (飛礞砲)

Drawing of a Fei Meng Pao, from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

Fei Meng Pao (飛礞砲, lit. 'Flying lapis stone cannon') was a type of handgonne that shot a small iron canister grenade instead of the usual stone or lead ball. It can be considered a primitive predecessor to hand mortar and grenade launcher.

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Jing Lan (井闌)

Drawing of a Jing Lan, from 'Wu Bei Yao Lue (《武備要略》)'.

Jing Lan (井闌, lit. 'Water well lining') wa sthe last of the 'Classic Trio' of Chinese siege engine. It was an immobile wooden tower, usually constructed just outside of enemy fortifications during a siege, so that archers on the tower could attack enemy troops stationed on the wall.

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