Final answer:
Early firearms such as the arquebus were heavy and required support to fire, while advancements like the .30-06 service rifle improved maneuverability. However, weight and operation complexity were consistent challenges across different historical periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on observations from historical accounts, early firearms like the arquebus were not particularly lightweight and were difficult to maneuver. They had to be propped up on pieces of wood to fire because of their weight. Despite advancements, even with the introduction of rifles and machine guns, issues with weight, maneuverability, and ease of operation persisted at various points in history. For example, during World War I, American manufacturers such as Remington and Winchester developed service rifles with a five-round magazine based on the British Enfield rifle. These advancements over time led to the widespread adoption of the .30-06 cartridge among hunters and sportsmen and significant changes in military tactics.