posted August 19, 2001 01:12 PM
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When serious riflemen get together an unending argument is what should the caliber of our infantry rifles be, .223 or .308?
That argument goes back a long way. In 1792 the War Department decided that it was dangerous for the new United States to rely on buying its arms abroad. Congress was persuaded to start Springfield Armory and begin the manufacture of muskets in the US.
After some discussion it was decided that the design of the French Model 1763 Charleville musket was superior tp the Brown Bess used by England.
Designs were prepared and everyone seemed satisfied with the basic weapon except for one burning question. Should its caliber be .69 like the French musket ar .75 likr the Brown Bess?
After great deliberation the caliber was selected and the first US musket, the Model 1795 went into production. There was agreat outcry from many veterans of the Revolutionary War. The puny .69 caliber would never have the stopping power of the tried and true .75.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
When serious riflemen get together an unending argument is what should the caliber of our infantry rifles be, .223 or .308?
That argument goes back a long way. In 1792 the War Department decided that it was dangerous for the new United States to rely on buying its arms abroad. Congress was persuaded to start Springfield Armory and begin the manufacture of muskets in the US.
After some discussion it was decided that the design of the French Model 1763 Charleville musket was superior tp the Brown Bess used by England.
Designs were prepared and everyone seemed satisfied with the basic weapon except for one burning question. Should its caliber be .69 like the French musket ar .75 likr the Brown Bess?
After great deliberation the caliber was selected and the first US musket, the Model 1795 went into production. There was agreat outcry from many veterans of the Revolutionary War. The puny .69 caliber would never have the stopping power of the tried and true .75.
