Rifle - 19th Century

19th Century

Left image: Jean Lepage silex carbine said "du Premier Consul", circa 1800
Right 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.