This fully illustrated study explores the rifled firearms used by European and American forces in the 18th and early 19th centuries, showcasing weapons like the American long rifle and the British Baker rifle. The need for improved accuracy in combat operations led to the emergence of a new type of light infantry soldier and the innovative rifle, marking a significant shift in warfare history. Throughout the 18th century, both Austria and Prussia deployed light troops with rifled firearms, while North American conflicts featured the long rifle and the revolutionary Ferguson breech-loader. Rifle-armed specialists played crucial roles for various nations during the Napoleonic Wars. The period following 1815 witnessed the introduction of successful rifled percussion firearms, culminating in the widespread adoption of rifled weapons. This evolution was driven by the Prussian adoption of the Dreyse "needle gun" in 1848 and the French Minié rifle in 1849, which became the first conical ball rifle issued to regular troops in significant numbers. Richly illustrated with vibrant artwork, this study chronicles the development, combat usage, influence, and legacy of rifled firearms across numerous conflicts, from the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48) to the Mexican-American War (1846-48).
