19th Century
Left image: Jean Lepage silex carbine said "du Premier Consul", circa 1800Right image: Rifling of Lepage carbine
During the Napoleonic Wars the British army created several experimental units known as "Rifles", armed with the Baker rifle. These Rifle Regiments were deployed as skirmishers during the Peninsular war in Spain and Portugal, and were more effective than skirmishers armed with muskets due to their accuracy and long range.
Read more about this topic: Rifle
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