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The Origin of Rifling


 

Q: Please settle an argument for me? How long ago was rifling invented? I argue that the smoothbore was superseded by the rifled bore sometime during the during the 18th century, a time when Britain was at war with France. My mate argues that Danish troops were armed with rifles early in the 17th century and by the middle of the century use of the rifle had spread widely on the Continent, especially in Germany and Scandinavia. Which one of us is right?

 

Peter Johnson

 

 

 

A: Your mate is closer than you are, but neither of you are right. Rifling or the spiral grooves cut in the bore of a firearm to impart a spin to the projectile, was invented in Germany or Austria between 1450 and 1500. Some historians claim the development for Leipzig and assign the date 1498. Others assert a priority for Vienna. At any rate the earliest known rifled firearms which may be dated with certainty bear the arms of the German Emperor Maximilian I and were in use between 1493 and 1508. By reason of the difficulty of muzzle loading a ball of the same calibre as the barrel, it was many years before the rifle achieved widespread use as a military weapon.

 

 

 

 


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Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.

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