"Kentucky Rifle" redirects here. For the American Western film, see Kentucky Rifle (film).
For the caliber, see .22 Long Rifle.
Not to be confused with Long gun.
Muzzle-loaded long gun
"Pennsylvania/Kentucky" Rifle
Type
Muzzle-loaded long gun
Place of origin
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Service history
In service
Circa 1700 - Circa 1900
Used by
British American colonies (until 1776) United States (1776-20th century)
Wars
French and Indian War
American Indian Wars
American Revolutionary War
War of 1812
Texan Revolution
Mexican-American War
American Civil War
Production history
Designer
Martin Meylin and/or Robert Baker
Designed
Circa 1700s
No. built
Approximately 73,000
Variants
Hunting variant
Specifications
Mass
Variable, typically 7 to 10 lbs.
Length
54 in. to over 70 in.
Barrel length
32 in., to over 48 in.
Caliber
.25 cal to .62 cal - .40 to .48 cal was most common
Action
Flintlock/percussion lock (predominant after 1850)
Rate of fire
User dependent, Usually 2+ rounds a minute
Muzzle velocity
1200 - 1600ft/s
Effective firing range
Variable, 100 yards typical, to well over 200 yards by an experienced user
Feed system
Muzzle-loaded
The long rifle, also known as the Kentucky rifle, Pennsylvania rifle, or American long rifle, is a muzzle-loading firearm used for hunting and warfare. It was one of the first commonly-used rifles.[1] The American rifle was characterized by a very long barrel of relatively small caliber, uncommon in European rifles of the period.
The long rifle is an early example of a firearm using rifling (spiral grooves in the bore), which caused the projectile, commonly a round lead ball in the early firearm, to spin around the axis of its motion. This increased the stability of its trajectory and dramatically improved accuracy over contemporary smooth-bore muskets, which were cheaper and more common. 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.
The main disadvantages of muzzle-loading rifles compared to muskets were higher cost, a slower reload time due to the use of a tighter-fitting lead ball, and greater susceptibility to fouling of the bore after prolonged use, which would ultimately prevent loading and make the weapon useless until cleaned. The invention of the Minié ball in 1847 resolved the technical disadvantages and allowed the rifle to replace the musket.[citation needed]
The long rifle was made popular by German gunsmiths who immigrated to America, bringing with them the technology of rifling from where it originated. The accuracy achieved by the long rifle made it an ideal tool for hunting wildlife for food.
^"Kentucky/Pennsylvania Long Rifle Home Page". Archived from the original on 2015-02-21. Retrieved 2015-05-05.
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