Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery firarms.

[user 31232]

I'd have relook into this but I read somewhere that Captain Clark took along his "small" rifle. This was his personal rifle and has been referenced to being a small caliber rifle or one made by gun maker John Small of Vincennes Indiana territory. I was privileged to visit some Lewis and Clark sites in 2005. Of particular note Pompeys Pillar in Montana and seeing Wm . Clarks name and date carved into the rock outcropping!

 

[Anvilboy]

It is difficult to believe, but that signature of Clark's was the only physical evidence of the expedition left by them.

 

[reddogge]

Related to this discussion in 2007 at the Eastern Primitive Rendezvous in southern PA Cowen and Keller brought one of the repro. air rifles and gave a nice presentation on building them. After the presentation, we were invited to take a shot with it. It had been charged with an electric compressor whereas the originals had to be charged with a hand pump. It had a heft the same as a long rifle but that round buttstock was awkward. I managed to hit a 6" gong at 50 yards with my offhand shot. I aimed directly at it so the .50 ball flew very flat. It was a neat experience.