More powerful longbows demanded prolonged practice and physical preparation. Heavy crossbows needed winding machinery, sometimes with several people involved in spanning the bow. The explanation for the spread of musketry centres on how easily large numbers of troops could learn to use firearms. Greater technical power in a bow or crossbow did not by itself make it the most practical weapon to field in large numbers.
Notable Point · 3:54-4:43
Why training demands favoured firearms
The spread of firearms is explained through training demands: increasingly powerful bows and crossbows became harder to use in large numbers.