The Revolutionary War was a battle fought between American insurgents and British forces in a quest for America to become independent of the British Empire. Soldiers on both sides were equipped with the most modern weaponry of the time and the military forces clashed in over 160 grueling battles. America proved victorious, but not without major sacrifices. Approximately 6,800 soldiers died in combat and another 6,100 sustained injuries. An additional 17,000 military personnel were lost to disease.
On the opposing side, the overall toll, including battlefield casualties, injuries, deaths from diseases, missing soldiers, and prisoners of war, reached an estimated 24,000.
Soldiers on both sides were armed with small arms, primarily muskets, rifles, and pistols. Muskets, in particular, dominated the battlefield, allowing soldiers to load quickly and discharge three rounds per minute. And while their rapid firing capability was impressive, their accuracy was less so. Although capable of hitting targets up to 175 yards away, muskets were much more effective within a range of 25 to 50 yards. Estimated figures claim that just 20% of musket shots hit their intended target. (Here’s a list of the most unconventional weapons in military history.)
In compiling a list of 14 firearms used in the American Revolutionary War, 24/7 examined various historical sources, including the American Battlefield Trust and the American Revolution Institute, as well as the educational site Sutori.
A number of American militias joined the battle using weapons brought from their own households rather than relying on weapons supplied by the Continental Congress. American troops were also armed with military muskets acquired during the early colonial period from the British, French, Spanish and Dutch. Continental Army soldiers also seized whatever weaponry they could, and that included a stockpile of British Pattern 1769 Short Land muskets, which became highly favored among the American soldiers. Nations supportive of the American cause also contributed weapons.
These are the guns that helped win the Revolutionary War:
British Pattern 1769 Short Land musket
Charleville
In a show of support for the American struggle for independence, France supplied the Continental Army with French Charleville muskets, later called the Charlevilles. In 1777, France sent 25,000 of the .69 caliber weapons to the Colonies.
Ferguson rifle
In the 1770s, British Major Patrick Ferguson developed the rifle that now bears his name. Ferguson’s rifle was capable of firing seven rounds a minute. This was very impressive considering that at the time, firing three or four rounds was considered the standard. Unfortunately, Ferguson was killed during the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina, leading loyalist British forces.
Flintlock pistol
Developed in the early 16th century in France, the flintlock pistol marked a significant advancement in weaponry. Equipped with a frizzen, or striker, and a priming pan for storing gunpowder, the pistol operated with a spring action mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, the frizzen strikes the flint and creates sparks that ignite the gunpowder, propelling the ball out of the pistol.
Hessian dragoon pistol
The Hessian dragoon pistol earned its name because the long, large-caliber guns were the standard equipment for mounted troops from German states. These weapons were used in the Revolutionary War when the British enlisted auxiliary troops from the German principality of Hesse-Cassel. American forces seized Hessian pistols during the Battle of Bennington, in 1777.
Holster pistol
During the Revolutionary War, officers commonly purchased holster pistols from private gunsmiths because they were not standard issue for troops. In combat, the cavalrymen would carry pistols in leather holsters attached to the front of their saddle.
Kentucky flintlock pistol
The Kentucky flintlock was one of the earliest firearms made in America. It was used by early settlers and pioneers before being adopted by troops in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Soldiers often paired the pistol with a Kentucky rifle.
Light Dragoon pistol
The Light Dragoon, a .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol, was made specifically for the Light Dragoon cavalry regiments in the British Army. Throughout the Revolutionary War, this gun was used by both the 1st Continental Light Dragoons and the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons.
Mòdele 1763 Pistol
The Mòdele 1763 was a French military flintlock pistol. It was used in the French-Indian War and the Revolutionary War. It is similar to a British Light Dragoon pistol.
Pattern 1776 rifle
In battling the rebels, British troops received a shipment of over 1,000 Pattern 1776 rifles. These rifles were meant to even the playing field with firearms used by the Americans. They were primarily allocated to elite mounted and light military units, while the regular infantry relied on muskets.
Pennsylvania long rifle
Named after the independent gunmakers in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania long rifle was preferred by hunters because of its long, slender design. During wartime, it was accurate over long distances, but other limitations hindered its effectiveness as a war weapon: Loading the rifle was time-consuming anad it could not be equipped with a bayonet.
Sea Service pistol
The Sea Service pistol was developed for service on ships by the British in the second half of the 18th century. This weapon was used extensively during the Napoleonic Wars, French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War.
Spanish Model 1757 infantry musket
While France was a major supplier of arms to the American forces, Spain also contributed gunpowder and various military supplies to the American troops, including the Spanish Model 1757 musket. Infantrymen used the gun when Virginia state troops marched into the Illinois territory in 1779.