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Kentucky Rifles

The Kentucky rifle is known by many different names including the Pennsylvania rifle and the long rifle. The Kentucky rifle was one of the most manufactured American rifles in the 1700s and was used extensively in the American Revolution.

The Kentucky rifle was originally a flintlock design, but evolved into a percussion rifle as the technology became prominent. It was built by immigrating German gunsmiths that brought with them the idea for the Kentucky rifle.

The Kentucky rifle is characterized by its long barrel that increased the accuracy of the firearm. The Kentucky rifle’s barrel was an oddity compared to modern European rifles, but proved to be an advantage. The weapon was reportedly accurate enough for marksmen to target British officers on horseback. The Kentucky rifle was often made with ornate solid wood stocks. The rifles were designed in a wide variety of calibers, most commonly .40 and .48-caliber ball.


Quick Facts

  • The 1955 film "Kentucky Rifle" is an ode to the rifle, including a descriptive monologue of the rifle
  • The name Kentucky rifle came from an 1812 song "The Hunters of Kentucky"
  • The Kentucky rifle is still produced by companies manufacturing authentic replicas for collectors

Recommended Items at Auction

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Kentucky Style Long Rifle, C. 1820, Attributed to Alexander McGilvray (1798 - c.1858)
Sep 28, 9:00 AM EDT
Kentucky Style Long Rifle, C. 1820, Attributed to Alexander McGilvray (1798 - c.1858)
by Material Culture
Est: $500- $800
$5006 Bids
ANTIQUE KENTUCKY RIFLE
Oct 01, 10:00 AM EDT
ANTIQUE KENTUCKY RIFLE
by Farrin's country Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$602 Bids
(A) CONTEMPORARY CARVED FLINTLOCK FULL STOCK KENTUCKY RIFLE WITH BAG AND POWDER HORN.
Oct 25, 9:00 AM EDT
(A) CONTEMPORARY CARVED FLINTLOCK FULL STOCK KENTUCKY RIFLE WITH BAG AND POWDER HORN.
by Morphy Auctions
Est: $4,000- $6,000
$2,0001 Bid
Kentucky Style Long Rifle, C. 1830
Sep 28, 9:00 AM EDT
Kentucky Style Long Rifle, C. 1830
by Material Culture
Est: $400- $800
$2001 Bid
antique kentucky long rifle
Sep 28, 6:00 PM EDT
antique kentucky long rifle
by Auction by Daum
Est: $10,000- $15,000
$8,0000 Bids
AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN KENTUCKY FLINTLOCK RIFLE BY ARMSTRONG OF PHILADELPHIA
Oct 18, 9:30 AM BST
AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN KENTUCKY FLINTLOCK RIFLE BY ARMSTRONG OF PHILADELPHIA
by Hutchinson Scott Limited
Est: £800- £1,200
£4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Kentucky Rifles


Material Culture

Material Culture

Morphy Auctions

Morphy Auctions

Hutchinson Scott Limited

Hutchinson Scott Limited

Auction by Daum

Auction by Daum