Model 1795 Springfield Musket

The Model 1795 was the first standard U.S. military musket, closely copied from the French Charleville Model 1763/66 that had been imported during the American Revolution. Since there were approximately 30 privates and sergeants in the Corps of Discovery and Lewis obtained 15 rifles, the remaining soldiers likely carried these service muskets, which they brought from their original Army units. The smoothbore design was less accurate than a rifle at long range but could be loaded faster and could fire buckshot or ball, making it versatile for both combat and hunting. The heavier .69 caliber ball had greater mass than the rifle ball, offering advantages against large game at close range.