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Who is credited for inventing the Kentucky Long Rifle, It's also been called the PA. Long Rifle.?

I saw one name listed once, I forgot who it was, but I need to know again for Genealogy purposes.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Circa 1725 the forerunner of the KY long rifles were being designed and built by German craftsman in Pennsylvania. After the French and Indian War brought new lands to the attention of the frontiersmen, the uniquely American long-range rifles were carried into the frontier (at that time Kentucky) by the long hunters, trappers and explorers. The actual name "Kentucky Longrifle" was first used in an 1812 song The Hunters of Kentucky.

A typical rifle was .50 caliber, made of curly maple, full stock and sported a 42 to 46 inch barrel. A crescent-shaped buttplate, patchbox and cheekpiece were also common and are helpful in identifying a KY/PA long rifle.

The long rifle was a prime factor in several Revolutionary era battles, especially in the West. Perhaps due to this heritage, Kentuckians were known as sharpshooters from the revolutionary War through WWII and even as late as Vietnam.