Atlantis 1/1 HistoricKentucky LongRifle

This Kentucky Long Rifle model kit is an authentic copy of one of the rifles created in the 1730's by German and Swiss gunsmiths in the vicinity of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A true American product, some of these rifles were made with barrels up to 56 - 58 inches long, and featured seasoned native Pennsylvania wood, largely Maple, used for the gun stocks.

These were full length stocks which supported the barrel completely to the end, making it a steady, well-balanced, and accurate weapon. The Kentucky rifle was based on the German Jager rifle with some features of British fowling guns. The gunsmiths added riffling to the barrel which caused the bullet to spin, dramatically increasing accuracy over longer distances, sometimes exceeding 200 yards. The gun became a vital tool of survival on the frontier for hunting as well as personal protection.

It also played a large role in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 even though it was not a military issue weapon. The rifle earned its name from the prevalent use among Kentucky frontiersmen and also helped by a popular patriotic song of the time called Hunters of Kentucky which celebrated Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans. The Long Rifle was used by such famous frontiersmen as Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Lewis and Clark. It saw widespread use through the mid 1800's.