The Baker Rifle
The new regiment was armed with the Baker rifle which, though it took two or three times as long to load and required a separate calibre of ball (leading to supply issues), was considerably more accurate and effective at a longer range than the standard issue Brown Bess musket of the line regiments and regular light infantry companies.
This rifle was an accurate weapon for its day, with reported kills being taken at 100–300 yards (270 m) away. During the Peninsular War, Rifleman Thomas Plunkett of the 1st Battalion, 95th Rifles, shot the French General Auguste-Marie-François Colbert at a range that may have been even greater. He then shot a second French officer who rode to the general's aid, proving that this was not just a lucky shot. By comparison, a standard issue Brown Bess musket was unlikely to hit a man-sized target at ranges beyond 80 yards.
Read more about this topic: Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
Famous quotes containing the words baker and/or rifle:
“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.”
—Russell Baker (b. 1925)
“At Hayes’ General Store, west of the cemetery, hangs an old army rifle, used by a discouraged Civil War veteran to end his earthly troubles. The grocer took the rifle as payment ‘on account.’”
—Administration for the State of Con, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)