During the American Revolutionary War, the long rifle became a key tool for survival, defense, and military action. Unlike mass-issued muskets, these rifles were often custom-built and carried by frontiersmen, hunters, and militia. Known for their accuracy and extended range, they were well-suited to the rugged terrain and guerrilla tactics of the colonies. 

The American long rifle wasn't just a weapon, it was a symbol of independence and self-reliance.Few original rifles from the 1750s to 1770s survive. To preserve that legacy, we’ve created a way for modern builders to experience what these rifles offered in form and function.

Our Colonial American Longrifle Kit offers a precise, historically accurate path to building a rifle that reflects the craftsmanship of the Revolutionary era. Using CNC machining for precision and ease of assembly, combined with historically authentic materials, the kit offers a practical way to build a rifle that stays true to its 18th-century roots. 

This article explores the evolution, design, and impact of these rifles, and how our kit brings their legacy into the hands of today’s builders.

The Evolution of the American Longrifle

The American longrifle was developed out of necessity. Early colonial settlers relied on imported firearms, such as English Brown Bess muskets and European trade guns. These worked for military formations but lacked the precision and versatility needed for life on the frontier. As the colonies expanded, gunsmiths began building rifles that addressed the specific needs of hunters, scouts, and militiamen.

The American longrifle introduced a longer barrel and tighter rifling. This improved range and accuracy for game hunting and battlefield use in rugged terrain. It was not a direct copy of German Jaegers or English fowling pieces. Instead, it blended features from both into something uniquely suited for the colonies.

Key factors that shaped the longrifle:

• Barrel length: American rifles featured barrels around 40 inches or longer. The extra length improved accuracy and allowed loading from horseback (horses were shorter in those days).
• Stock design: Early rifles had large, flat butt plates and wide, strong stocks. These designs made the rifles stable for shooting and durable for rough use.
• Patch boxes: Sliding wood patch boxes were common early on. Hinged brass patch boxes later became an American innovation, adding both function and visual appeal.

Materials and construction:

• Wood: Maple was used in about 95 percent of original rifles, as far as we know. Curly maple, with its distinctive grain, was a highly prized American preference. There is also evidence that Walnut and cherry were used.
• Hardware: Brass was the standard material for rifle furniture in the 18th century. Iron became more common later in the 19th century.

The American longrifle evolved through use, need, and innovation. It was built for accuracy, carried in forests and mountains, and served both hunters and soldiers. This rifle became one of the most iconic firearms of the Revolutionary era.

Historical Authenticity and Design Features

The Colonial Lineage:

The roots of the American longrifle trace back to a time before regional styles or formal schools existed. In the early colonial period, rifle building was fluid and adaptive. 

Gunsmiths worked with limited tools, local resources, and little standardization. Instead of following fixed patterns, they combined inherited knowledge with improvisation to meet the daily needs of frontier life. This led to early rifles that varied from one builder to another, even within the same area. 

The Colonial Lineage reflects this formative stage in American gunmaking, where practical problem-solving and hands-on skill shaped the foundation of an enduring tradition.

Common features of Revolutionary-era longrifles:

• Wide, flat butt plate for stability and comfort when shouldered
• Thick, strong stock architecture to handle heavy barrels
• Prominent cheek piece for better sight alignment
• Sliding wood patch box often used to store cleaning patches or small tools
• Barrels with large breeches for strength and weight balance

Over time, these rifles became thinner and more curved in shape. The early Colonial examples were often bulkier. Later rifles featured narrower butt plates and more refined profiles. The Kibler Colonial Kit follows the earlier style found in the late 1760s to late 1770s.

Lock and mechanical components:

• Locks were usually made in England and imported for assembly in American guns.
• Single-trigger setups were common for rifles of this period.

These features make the longrifle not only effective but also a lasting example of colonial craftsmanship.

Historical Value and Cultural Impact

The American longrifle holds a lasting place in early American history. It was more than a tool. It represented self-reliance, skill, and the spirit of the frontier. Used by hunters, settlers, and militia, this rifle became a trusted companion in daily life and conflict. During the American Revolution, it offered a level of precision that helped define early American fighting tactics.

The longrifle also marked a turning point in firearm design. It reflected both European influence and American innovation. Gunsmiths adapted styles and techniques to meet the demands of the land and the people using them. Over time, these rifles became cultural artifacts as well as functional tools.

Key uses during the 18th century:

• Hunting game for food and trade
• Protection against threats in unsettled areas
• Participation in militia and early military service
• All-purpose firearm for frontier life

Cultural and design legacy:

• Decorative details increased after the war, with rifles featuring silver inlays, carving, and engraved brass
• Hinged brass patch boxes became more elaborate, evolving from simple sliding wood designs
• Rococo artistic elements began appearing in American rifle making between 1730 and 1800

Rarity and importance today:

• Few original rifles from the 1750s to 1770s survive
• Most are in museum collections or private hands
• Each surviving piece offers valuable insight into the era
• Reproductions like the Colonial Kit help preserve this legacy through functional inspired reproductions

By building and using a historically accurate rifle, you not only gain a deeper appreciation for the past but also help keep its techniques and values alive. The longrifle was a key part of the American identity and its legacy continues in each kit built and used today.

Kibler’s Colonial American Longrifle Kit

Kibler’s Colonial American Longrifle Kit is built to reflect the design, function, and character of rifles used during the American Revolutionary period. Every component is shaped to match the architecture and materials found in original firearms from the late 1760s through the 1770s. While not based on one single gun, it draws from a wide range of documented examples to ensure historical accuracy.

Precision CNC machining makes the kit highly accessible by simplifying the build process. With most inlets and holes already cut to tight tolerances, even first-time builders can assemble a rifle with minimal tools, limited woodworking experience, and no need for advanced fitting skills.This saves time and removes the guesswork while preserving the look and feel of a true 18th-century rifle.

Key features of the Kibler Colonial Kit:

• Stock options include standard, fancy, and extra fancy curly maple, along with cherry and walnut
• Barrel calibers available in .50, .54, or .58 with rifled or smoothbore options
• Patch box choices include a sliding wood patch box or no patch box at all
• Brass hardware throughout the rifle, matching historical materials
• Stock fully machined for drop-in fit with minimal handwork required
• Sight dovetails pre-cut and touch hole liner installed
• Round-faced English flintlock designed in-house and billed separately after ordering
• Right-hand only configuration, consistent with most original rifles

Included parts:

• Stock
• Barrel
• Lock
• Single trigger and plate
• Buttplate and trigger guard
• Sights, ramrod, ramrod pipes, and nose cap
• Sliding patch box lid and catch spring
• All bolts, screws, pins, and hardware
• Drill bushing kit for precise assembly

The Kibler Colonial Kit is more than a rifle project. It is a practical way to recreate an authentic firearm from the Revolutionary War era. Builders get the chance to experience the form and function of a historical rifle without needing advanced gunsmithing tools. This kit allows you to engage with American history through hands-on craftsmanship that honors traditional design.

Explore More with Kibler’s Longrifles

Kibler’s Longrifles offers precision CNC rifle kits based on authentic 18th-century influences. Each kit is engineered for ease of assembly while preserving historical accuracy. Stocks are pre-inletted with tight tolerances, and all parts are carefully matched for fit and finish.

Whether you are new to rifle building or experienced in traditional craftsmanship, our kits provide a reliable and rewarding process. In addition to complete kits, we offer high-quality rifle building tools, along with metal and wood finishing supplies.

To learn more about these kits, visit our YouTube channel for step-by-step assembly videos and tips. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for community builds, product updates, and customer showcases. These platforms are full of helpful content and real-world results from other builders.

Explore our black rifle kit online catalog to find your next project. From Colonial to Southern Mountain styles, each rifle is designed to bring history into your hands.