Evolution of Frontier Weapons in the Appalachians

The range and accuracy of the early weapons left then impractical for hunting and defense on the frontier.  For instance, the musket was designed to be discharged in mass aimlessly hoping to hit a target.  The German Jaguer rifles were heavy 75 caliber guns that used 1 1/2 pounds of lead and powder for a mere 12 shots. In the dense forests of the Appalachians, they were both rather useless.

In 1730, the long range rifle was born - 4' slender barrel, weighing a mere 10 pounds, 25 and 45 caliber.  A pound of lead now gave 40-60 shots and fired 2 rounds a minute.  These rifles were accurate at 100 yards with decent accuracy as far as 250 yards.  

These long range rifles became the pride of every frontiersman.

Next time - Forest Wars