The British army adopted the flintlock Baker rifle in 1803 (right) and formed two Rifle regiments, the 95th and 60th, although the smoothbore, flintlock musket remained the most common military arm.

With a smoothbore barrel and flintlock mechanism, it became the standard firearm for both British redcoats and American militia.

The conclusion was a fine longbeard on the ground, the first turkey for my new flintlock smoothbore, now nicknamed "Old Snoodwhacker," and a big smile for me.

Even though the American rifles were more accurate, the British, Phil said, preferred the smoothbore Brown Bess because it lobbed a big bullet and because it is faster to load than a muzzleloader ...