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rifling

2016/7/22 9:13:09


Question
Were the .36 & .50 caliber guns of the mountain men rifled.?

Were the HENRY guns used in the civil war rifled?

Answer
Paul,

You are generally referring to what was called a "Plains Rifle" that was extremely popular in the period between 1840 and 1855.  As I understand things, the most popular rifle around in those times was a "Hawkin Rifle", made by J & S Hawkins of St. Louis.  There were many other type of rifles produced by other manufacturers, but many were still referred to as a "Hawkin Rifle"  kind of like the fact that many facial tissues today get called "Kleenex".

Most of the plains rifles did use rifled barrels, generally with a 1:48 twist.  Most were in either .50 or .56 caliber.  Some manufacturers offered smoothbore versions as well.  

The short answer is it depends on the manufacturer and model, but in general most were 'rifled'.

Regarding your question on the original "Henry", they were rifled.  The "Henry" was the first 'repeater' using a tubular magazine and firing what was roughly a .44 caliber 'rimfire' type cartridge.

Hope this helps you out...

Doug

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