(The rugged flintlocks sent sparks flying into the flashpan when the trigger was pulled; the wheellock was a fragile spring mechanism which had to be wound in advance.). [15] The decorative arts of furniture making, painting, silver smithing, gunsmithing, etc. Percussion Rifle Kentucky Style HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Long Rifle, Antique H. BURNS Half Stock BACK ACTION Percussion .36 Caliber Long Rifle Mid-1800s HOMESTEAD/HUNTING Rifle, c1840s EVANSVILLE INDIANA Antique LONG RIFLE by CHARLES KELLER .44 Striped Game Scene Engraved Lock; Hand-Painted Stock, Antique M.B. Unburned powder fouled rifle barrels much faster than muskets. The stock terminated in a crescentshaped brass buttplate. Many makers' names of the so-called Kentucky long rifles have been lost over time. TYLER Half-Stock .36 Caliber Percussion American LONG RIFLE Ohio HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Long Rifle, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN AGE PENNSYLVANIA RIFLE BY "WOLFGANG HAGA, BERKS COUNTY, Antique L.L. One group of ninety-six men, recruited in Virginia by Daniel Morgan, marched 600 miles in 21 days to join the army facing the British at Cambridge, Mass. Smoothbore muskets would dominate the field blunt instruments for soldiers with blunt training. The Kentucky rifle was not the original product of American genius. Opens in a new window or tab. As interest in muzzleloading grows here in the states and around the world, the Kentucky Corps of Longriflemen are making an effort to bring a long coveted "Flintlock Only" Hunting season to the great state of Kentucky. A well-liked and capable leader, Fraser was in the act of rallying his troops when he was struck down. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), The Kentucky Rifle How Americas Famous Frontier Long Gun Changed Warfare, General Daniel Morgans Corps of Riflemen, Bellerophons Champion: Pennywhistle at Trafalgar, Wiener Kattes War Woman Recalls Her Time in Hitler Youth and the Bloody Battle of Aachen , Bertram Ramsay The Mastermind of the Dunkirk Evacuation Deserves Praise for More than Just Operation Dynamo, What popular French game made its U.S. debut in New Orleans? So it happens that the first troops raised by a central government on this continent were companies of straight-shooting backwoodsmenand this might be called the beginning of the U. S. Army! After they joined the army at Cambridge, the backwoodsmen made life miserable for the British. The Martin Meylin Gunshop still stands today in Willow Street, Pennsylvania, on Long Rifle Road. After Bunker Hill, the British tried to alibi their heavy losses by charging that the Americans used rifles with slit bullets that broke in four parts when fired. Just how good was the Kentucky rifle? When sheltered behind an army wielding muskets and bayonets, the long rifles slowness to load and lack of a blade attachment were acceptable drawbacks. Antique N.B. A few demonstrations of his skill brought British enlistments practically to zero! The British suffered 2,000 casualties from their frontal attack on Jacksons entrenchments along the Rodriguez Canal; many were victims of American riflemen. On the other hand, each rifle was unique; substitute parts had to be specially crafted. The initials on the barrel, "MM", were found to have been added later than any other part of the gun, so it could not have been made by either Martin Meylin.[11]. J.P. LOWER / J.H. JOHNSTON Antique PENNSYLVANIA .34 Percussion LONG RIFLE Interesting Dual Maker Marked Half Stock Rifle! Construction was ugly and ungainly; trigger guards were bulky yet frail; sights were useless in dark forests or in any spot where accuracy was vital; calibers were large; and the rifles as a whole were heavy and unreliable. "The Gun That Made America" was published in May 2003. Opens in a new window or tab. It continued to be developed technically and artistically until it passed out of fashion in the 19th century. 64 o/a with 49 octagon rifled sighted .45 cal. Watch forBombproofed,the next Pennywhistle adventure, coming in May of 2020. Yet theyd fire a single patch and ball accurately enough to bag big game. George Washington had learned the value of Kentucky riflemen in the French and Indian War. This detailed, authentic reproduction of the Kentucky Percussion rifle sports a deep-blued, 1-in 48" twist rifled barrel, polished brass fittings and a fine, oil-finished walnut stock. Jim Chambers Flintlocks,[27] R.E. Pennsylvania rifles first saw combat at Braddocks defeat on the Monongahela in 1755 and small numbers of them were used in the French and Indian War. During his lifetime, Boone possessed at least three weapons that bore that appellation. Rifles became fully fledged works of art as well as weapons. And dont forget their womenfolk, some of whom could match their husbands shot for shot. American pioneers who grew up with the Kentucky rifle in their hands were real riflemen. BACK ACTION Perc. Then there were other standouts including Earl Lanning, Keith Casteel, Hershel and Frank House, Jack Brooks, Jud Brennon, Ron Ehlert, Robert Harn, and Troy Roope. Percussion American LONG RIFLE HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Long Rifle w/ JOSH GOLCHER LOCK for sale online. Features a brass triggerguard and buttplate. A Kentucky rifle of this period was as much an artistic endeavor as it was a firearm. Learn more . This rifle is one such example. Some American officers seemed to feel that by attempting too many preposterous shots the backwoodsmen were wasting ammunition and getting so many misses that it might lessen the wholesome respect the British had for them. A hunter may harvest no more than four deer in Zone 2. United for Profit, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? Many hunting models lacked decorations because these might reflect the sun and frighten game, but other Kentuckys made liberal use of brass on the side plates, buttplate, front sight, rod pipes or thimbles, and trigger guard, as well as on the patch box. One of these, the practice of stalking big game while hidden beside a horse, had been used by archers in Europe hundreds of years before. And to lure gobblers, he made a call from a turkey-wing bone. It was analyzed and the barrel removed during the Lancaster Long Rifle Exhibit at Landis Valley Farm Museum, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2005. Long Rifle Back Action ALBANY, NEW YORK Long Rifle, Antique MID-19th CENTURY Half-Stock .36 Cal. In 1792 the US Army began to modify the long rifle, shortening the barrel length to 42inches in their 1792 contract rifle. 1970S-80S. This is primarily because Dickert made rifles for the Continental Army, and later had a contract dated 1792 to furnish rifles to the United States Army. Many showcased baroque and rococo carving on the rear of the butt stock; making them early examples of American decorative art. Because of riflings lands and grooves and their varied calibers, large quantities of paper cartridges prepared in advance were impractical. It was 60 inches long with a 44-inch barrel, featured a .50 caliber bore and weighed 9 pounds. The top five most issued citations related to hunting and trapping are: 1) Hunting or trapping without a license; 2) Hunting or trapping without landowner's permission; 3) Illegal take of game; 4) Taking more game than the bag limit; and 5) Failure to tag . Likely the weapon Boone carried when he established Boonesborough in 1775 was similar to a Dickert rifle. In the New World, powder and lead were more expensive than in Europe. It hit its stride by about 1730 but underwent steady change for many years. This game requiredexcellent accuracy, especially when one considers that ranges varied from an impressive 250 feet for offhand firing to an astounding 350 feet when rests were used.. This rifle evolved from the German hunting guns and was a major rival of the Brown Bess. Shotgun British Style Mid-1800s Large Bore FOWLING Piece, ENGRAVED Antique R. BEBEE Half Stock .45 Cal. To judge wind velocity, these men watched the fluttering of the leaves. The short answer is "No." That said, what we almost always refer to today as the 'Kentucky long rifle' wasn't always called that. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:John Danielski is the author of the Tom Pennywhistle series of novels about a Royal Marine officer in the Napoleonic Wars. By this time Fraser knew he was being shot at, but his code of honor forced him to stay where he was. Unlike the smoothbore weapons used by most hunters, the lands and grooves of the jaegers rifling spun the ball as it left the barrel, which gave it far greater accuracy in flight. This increased the stability of its trajectory and dramatically improved accuracy over contemporary smooth-bore muskets, which were cheaper and more common. [citation needed] With the same graceful stock lines and barrel style, and craftsmanship, they were noticeably slimmer and had a longer rifled barrel with better sights than had been seen on the earlier Colonial style flintlock pistols. The most accepted history is that the rifle was first forged in Lancaster, Pennsylvania during 1730 by immigrant gunsmiths originating from Switzerland and Germany. An archaeological dig performed in 2005 by Millersville University around the so-called Meylin gunshop found thousands of artifacts, but only for blacksmithing, with no evidence of gun-making. Life Style Box, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? The invention of the Mini ball in 1847 resolved the technical disadvantages and allowed the rifle to replace the musket. These immigrants were steeped in the traditions of their homelands, where theyd heard even the simple flintlock opposed because the smiths wanted to retain the more expensive wheellock firing mechanism. Soot and oil were rubbed in to stain the wood, and some stocks were treated with a special oil varnish. They saw major use in the American Revoultion and subsequent American Civil War. The arm was a Rosser flintlock made in Lancaster, Pa., in 1739. Inscribed on the butt stock were the words, Constitution and Laws.. The American Long Rifle, more commonly, but less correctly, known as the . - Healthy Investing Tips, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? A typical Dickert rifle was 54 to 65 inches in length, with a 42 to 44-inch barrel. In Pennsylvania, the earliest gunsmiths that can be documented are Robert Baker and the Martin Meylins, father and son. A peephole in the eyecup and a pinhead front sight, fixed slightly below point-blank range, completed the setup. John G. W. Dillin, collector and authority on Kentucky rifles. Are there any reliable sources that describe specifically the rifle or rifles Daniel Morgan owned? It weighed between 8 and 9 pounds and had a maple stock with a patch box. Early 18th century settlers from Moravia and Switzerland arrived in Pennsylvania bearing stubby jaeger rifles. They can be viewed here. Very inter, Antique NEW ENGLAND LONG RIFLE Mid-19th Cent .40 Cal WILLIAM READ Boston HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Rifle w/PEEP SIGHT Here we present an antique New England Long Rifle with a William Read of, NY Antique STILLMAN JACKSON Long Rifle Half-Stock .40 Caliber Baker c1840s New York HUNTING & HOMESTEAD LR Here we present an antique Stillman Jackson Long Rifle, made circa the early-, Antique EARLY 1800s JOHN WALKER Full-Stock .69 Cal. As hunters, they were silent, swift, and deadly; as target shooters they were cool, self-confident, and accurate. Antique M.B. The Pedersoli Kentucky Rifle features a 48" American Walnut . Many other individual artisans produce small parts and supplies: Track of the Wolf, Dixie Gunworks, Dixons Muzzleloading Shop, Stonewall Creek Outfitters, Tip Curtis, and others.[35][36]. They were often scraped so thin that the black powder showed through, giving the hunter a constant check on his supply. The great popularity of Disneys Davy Crockett TV series in the 1950s with its catchy, chart-topping themesong, The Ballad of Davy Crockett, renewed interest in American long rifles and turned them from simple weapons into folk icons. Artistically, the long rifle is known for its graceful stock, often made of curly maple, and its ornate decoration, decorative inlays, and an integral, well-made patch box that was built into the stock. A new use was their employment by U.S. Marine snipers posted in the fighting tops of ships like the USS Constitution. - Free Voice Gazette, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? Powderhorns were carved with scenes, family histories, and maps. Had he succeeded, he might well have delayed the decisive American victory at Saratoga. Daniel Boone did more than any other single man to forge an association between long rifles and Kentucky. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Long hunters brought the rifle sufficient attention that the Continental Congress began calling for independent rifle companies in 1775. Rifled firearms were first used in major combat in the American colonies in the eighteenth century during the French and Indian War, and later the American Revolution, with increasing use in the War of 1812, Texan Revolution, and American Civil War. Add to Cart. The longer barrel also allowed finer sighting. It was popular among mountain men and North American fur trappers in the 19th century. This meant the hunter had to use larger patches or ream out his mold to cast bigger bullets. An accomplished gunsmith had to be a skilled blacksmith, whitesmith, wood carver, brass and silver founder, engraver, and wood finisher. PENNSYLVANIA Long Rifle Possible INDIAN TRADE Rifle made in LANCASTER, PA Here we present an antique Henry Leman Full Stock Percussion Long Rif, PA Antique Full-Stock .40 Caliber American LONG RIFLE GAME SCENE ENGRAVED With FIELD & LANGSTROTH PHILADELPHIA Lock Here we present an antique Striped Maple Full Stock American Long Ri, Antique GEORGE O. LEONARD Underhammer .35 Caliber Percussion BUGGY RIFLE NEW HAMPSHIRE Made HUNTING/Hany Rifle Here we present an antique George O. Leonard Underhammer Percussion, Antique BACK ACTION Half Stock .36 Caliber PERCUSSION American LONG RIFLE ENGRAVED Kentucky Style Long Rifle Here we present an antique Unmarked Engraved Back Action Half Stock Percussion, nice small bore percussion rifle , bore is ~335 at muzzle, Leman Lancaster marked Lock set triggers hardwood, likely walnut, stock with a glossy finish brass trigger guard, barrels and butt, VERY LONG Antique 19th CENTURY Full-Stock Percussion American FOWLER .50 Long Barreled HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Long Rifle! That operation not only consumed time, but deformed the ball, thereby reducing accuracy. In colonial American, it was mans most important possession, and it could cost a years wages or more. The name 'Dickert Rifle' was considered a 'brand name' and the name 'Kentucky rifle' was not coined until much later in history (circa 1820s) and became the "nickname" of this rifle. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. - Seaside Success Stories, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? Baroque and later rococo motifs found their way into all the decorative arts, and can be seen in the acanthus leaf scroll work so common on 18th century furniture and silver. Created in the 1730s in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by skillful immigrant craftsmen from Germany and Switzerland, the Kentucky rifle was the supreme implement created as a state of . HEPBURN New York Percussion .40 Caliber TARGET Rifle ENGRAVED Fine, Rare, Desirable American Gunsmith and Marksman Here we present an antique Lewis L. Hepburn Half Stock Percussion, MARYLAND PERCUSSION CONVERSION FLINTLOCK LONGRIFLE OR LONG RIFLE BY CHRISTIAN HAWKEN OF HAGERSTOWN CIRCA 1815-20. Given the limitations of open sights, the men who used them could do extraordinary things. W here great attention is given to the style and architecture of each firearm made to accurately recreate the warmth and beauty of the early original American (Kentucky) long rifle. The weight was steadily reduced until the average Kentucky hunting rifle weighed between 9 and 10 pounds. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Most rifles were built to the buyers specifications or according to the makers latest experiments, and the resulting new ideas were eagerly seized upon by competing smiths. . Therefore advise your officers who shall hereafter come out to America to settle their affairs in England before their departure.. Its nickname was the widow-maker, a grim title bestowed by the British because of its depredations against officers. Percussion American LONG RIFLE Smoothbore Long Rifle with T. KETLAND & Co. [13] The Great Wagon Road was a bustling frontier thoroughfare, and rifle shops traced this same route, from eastern Pennsylvania, down the Shenandoah Valley,and spilling into both the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky and the Yadkin River (Salem) area of North Carolina. You may also call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources for additional information at 1-800-858-1549, or email the department at [email protected]. MAGAtoon, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? Lock, Antique HEAVY BARREL Full-Stock .48 Caliber Percussion American LONG RIFLE HUNTING/HOMESTEAD Rifle w/BIDDLE & CO. - Business In News, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? From the far fringes of the frontier the colorful, independent hunters flocked to their meeting places. In any case, no rifle has been found to be positively attributed to any Meylin. The so called Golden Age of the Pennsylvania rifle began in 1785 and lasted until 1825. But many men spoke of their Pennsylvania, not Kentucky, rifles, and certain European firearms authorities still prefer to call them American rifles. Then, too, quite a few of these pieces were not rifles but smoothbores, although the majority had either straight or spiral rifling. The long rifle, also known as the longrifle, Kentucky rifle, Pennsylvania rifle, or American longrifle, is a muzzle-loading firearm used for hunting and warfare. all took their style cues from the prevailing trends of the day, and as in most things the fashion was set in Paris. [4] The rifle is sometimes referred to as the "Deckard / Deckhard" rifle, as descendants of Jacob Dickert used these variations, as shown by census documents, marriage, and death certificates. Then, when you rammed the ball down the barrel, the greased patch helped it slide along easily, doing away with practically all the old noisy hammering. Subsequently these weapons were made in small shops as far west as St. Louis, along the Ohio River, and in what are now Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, the Carolinasand Kentucky. [14], The reason for the long rifle's characteristic long barrel is a matter of adaptation to the new world by the German immigrant gunsmiths. - The Millennial Mirror, The 5 Best U.S. Military Firearms of All-Time - TechyeNews, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? THE KENTUCKY RIFLE HUNTING POUCH,M.GRANT,TO SERVICE THE LONG RIFLE OR MUSKET. SAN FRANSISCO, CA Antique LONG RIFLE by WILSON & EVANS c1865 .455 Caliber Rare CALIFORNIA Half-Stock LONG RIFLE, MID-19th CENTURY Antique JOHN KRIDER Full Stock .39 Cal. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Compared with the best sporting and military arms of the time, it represented nothing less than a revolution in its field. - Dailyglobalview - Investing and Stock News, Why Did The Redcoats Wear Red Coats? For the American Western film, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Kentucky/Pennsylvania Long Rifle Home Page", "Martin Meylin's Gunshop Historical Marker", "Martin Meylin Middle School (Gr 6-8) - Martin Meylin Home", "Rifles and Groove-bored Muskets in the American Revolution", A demonstration of an American flintlock long rifle (video), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Long_rifle&oldid=1160905149, Weapons of the Confederate States of America, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2022, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2009, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2019, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from June 2019, Articles with a promotional tone from November 2022, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Vague or ambiguous time from November 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, .25 cal to .62 cal - .40 to .48 cal was most common, User dependent, Usually 2+ rounds a minute, Variable, 100 yards typical, to well over 200 yards by an experienced user, The Kentucky long rifle was featured in the, This page was last edited on 19 June 2023, at 12:26. Threatened by British Major Patrick Ferguson during the Revolutionary War, Sevier marched his Over Mountain Men back into South Carolina and decisively defeated Ferguson at the Battle of Kings Mountain on Oct. 7, 1780. The long rifle is said by modern experts[who?] Now it was lengthened, ranging in the early Kentucky models from 51 to 77 inches, or up to more than triple the length of the average big-game rifle of today.