076 EARLY MILITARY RIFLES 1740-1850

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In the decades after 1815, the appearance of successful rifled percussion firearms paved the way for the widespread issue of rifled weapons -- accelerated by the Prussian adoption of the Dreyse 'needle gun' in 1848 and in 1849. The French Minie rifle was the first successful conical ball rifle concept to be issued to regular troops in large numbers. Illustrated throughout with full-color artwork, this study charts the development, combat use, influence and legacy of rifled firearms in a host of conflicts, from the War of the Austrian Succession of 1740-48 to the Mexican-American War of 1846-48.