Lever GunsWell, I’ll be! Lately, I’ve seen a mighty uptick in the interest folks are seeing in lever guns of late. Now, these aren’t some newfangled contraptions, no sir. They’ve been part of our story since the days when the West was still wild, since the days of saddlebags and Stetsons, but they’re making quite…
Category: Rifle/Long Guns
The Meiji Type 13 Murata Rifle: A Historical Review
IntroductionThe Meiji Type 13 Murata single-shot rifle stands as a significant milestone in the history of Japanese firearms development. Manufactured during the late 19th century, this rifle played a crucial role in shaping Japan’s military capabilities during the Meiji Restoration era. In this article, we will explore the development, manufacture, and use of the Meiji…
The British Brown Bess: A Revolutionary Weapon
The “Brown Bess” was not simply a musket—it was a symbol of British authority and military might. This long gun was used by British and other European armies from the late 17th century through the early 19th century, playing a crucial role in shaping the course of history during this period. Not only did it…
Sam Bass and his trusted arsenal
The Legendary Outlaw Sam Bass and His Beloved FirearmsIn the annals of Wild West history, few names evoke as much fascination and admiration as Sam Bass, the notorious outlaw whose exploits became the stuff of legend. While his life may have been short-lived, Bass left an indelible mark on the history of the American West….
The Pennsylvania Rifle
The Pennsylvania Rifle: Its Development, Manufacture, and UseThe Pennsylvania rifle, also known as the Kentucky rifle or American long rifle, is a quintessential piece of American history. It stands as a testament to the innovation, skill, and perseverance of early American gunsmiths, playing a significant role in shaping the American Revolution and the westward expansion….
The Evans Repeating Rifle: Serious Strange
IntroductionIn the kaleidoscope of American firearm history, the Evans Repeating Rifle holds a distinct and unusual place. This extraordinary piece of weaponry, born from the mind of Warren R. Evans, a dentist from Thomaston, Maine, stands apart as one of the most singular rifles ever produced on American soil. Guided by the ethos of innovation…
The M1928A1 Thompson: Development and Military Use
The Thompson Submachine Gun, commonly known as the ‘Tommy Gun,’ is an iconic piece of American firearm history. Named after its inventor, John T. Thompson, it became an emblem of the roaring twenties gangster era and World War II. The Thompson Submachine Gun had several variations, with the M1928A1 being a noteworthy model due to…
Flintlock to Percussion: U.S. Muskets, 1795-1855
Flintlock to Percussion: How American Military Muskets Evolved from 1795 to 1855Between 1795 and 1855, the United States Army underwent one of the most significant small-arms transformations in military history. In just sixty years, the standard infantry weapon evolved from a smoothbore flintlock musket copied from a French design to a domestically engineered, rifled percussion…
The Awesome Adobe Walls Rolling Block Rifle
The history of the Adobe Walls rolling block rifles is a rich chapter in the annals of American firearms development, illustrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship that characterized the late 19th century. These rifles are closely associated with a specific historic event—the Second Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874—but their story extends far beyond that moment….
The M-16 Rifle: Protecting the Free World
The Genesis of the M-16: The AR-15 RifleThe roots of the M-16 rifle can be traced back to the post-World War II era, which saw a radical shift in the dynamics of warfare and the technological advancements accompanying it. The predecessor of the M-16, the AR-15 rifle, was designed by Eugene Stoner, a chief engineer…