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