German Jaeger Rifle

The rifled arm of Central Europe in the late 1600's is referred to in America as the Jaeger rifle (Jaeger means "hunter" in German). It was a short weapon, with an octagonal barrel approximating 28 inches in length and a large bore (usually .60 to .70 caliber, averaging seven grooves). The heavy stock extended to the muzzle, and traditionally included a small patch box in the butt, with a sliding wooden cover. Its furniture was mostly influx of Germans into Pennsylvania commencing about 1710. From this beginning came the famous Pennsylvania Rifle.

This Jaeger Rifle includes a typical heavy well-constructed stock to support a pinned octagonal-shaped iron barrel. The barrel mounts a fixed rear sight located above the lock plate.

This Jaeger Rifle includes the typical brass furniture characteristic of many Jaeger Rifles. This example, however, omits the usual hinged wood patchbox found on earlier patterns.