John Armstrong and the American Long Rifle

John Armstrong and the American Long Rifle. . , John Armstrong, of Emmitsburg, is considered to be one of the foremost artisans of the American long rifle. He produced these elegant guns from 1793-1840 and was known to be a perfectionist in his craftsmanship. John Armstrong was born 1772, in Adams County, PA. He is believed to have first apprenticed with George Schroyer, a highly accomplished rifle maker in Hanover, PA, beginning at age 14., Armstrong moved here in approximately 1793 where he established his own rifle making enterprise. Armstrong married and was the father of seven children. In 1808, he purchased the first of several lots , two of which are in front of you , presumably for the construction of his home and shop. The house was destroyed in The Great Fire of 1863., [Illustration captions, top to bottom, read] , . The making of these elegant rifles was at its height following the Revolutionary War, from 1790-1820, when there was a glut of gun making. A small group of superb gunsmiths from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia distinguished the long rifle by elevating the quality of its craftsmanship., . German and Swiss immigrants developed the American long rifle in the early 1700s. This new rifle was considered to be the most accurate gun in the world for a period of nearly 200 years., . Armstrong's guns were distinguished with ornate silver and brass inlays, often with floral patterns and his initials., . Unlike other gunsmiths, Armstrong made his own locks-the complete metal firing mechanism of the gun-which were of a much higher quality than those that were mass produced., . Depending upon the specific rifle, the auction value of an Armstrong gun ranges from $30,000-$125,000. Less than 30 Armstrong rifles are known to exist., Distance and Accuracy , The newly evolved long rifle was accurate at distances never before imagined. Its longer barrel and use of a smaller ball wrapped in a greased cloth patch allowed for the more complete burning of the powder. This accounted for a greater shooting distance. The greased patch preserved the shape of the ball after being loaded and fired, resulting in greater shooting accuracy., [Diagram reads] , British Musket - Shooting range: Up to 60 yards. , American Long Rifle - Shooting range: Over 200 yards