Kentucky Rifles From Virginia

posted on January 5, 2015
aff-kentuckyriflevirginia-1500x844.jpg
Michael Ives

Through April 15, 2015, the NRA National Firearms Museum is hosting an exceptional exhibition of 20 fine flintlock and percussion rifles from the Kentucky Rifle Foundation. Among the Shenandoah Valley treasures represented are two c. 1800 flintlock rifles made by Christian Hoffman of Woodstock, Va., and Simon Lauck of Winchester, Va. (brass repair at wrist). Each of these .50-caliber long rifles features elaborately worked patch boxes, and on the cheek side of the carved stocks reside near-identical eight-pointed stars.

Christian Hoffman moved to Lancaster, Pa., in 1807, and Simon Lauck moved to Winchester in 1794 from Lebanon, Pa., so both gunsmiths would represent the Old Dominion of Virginia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in their firearm craftsmanship. It wasn’t until after the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 that a song was written that first named the long arms carried by volunteer militiamen as Kentucky rifles.

The National Firearms Museum at nra Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo., and the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest at the NRA Whittington Center each have fine selections of historic arms on display. Admission to each is free, with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, visit www.nramuseums.com, phone (703) 267-1600 or email [email protected].

Latest

cocking a handgun
cocking a handgun

Gun Skills | Training Grip Strength

It is imperative to balance the strengthening of your hands to best embrace this constitutional freedom and to avoid any injuries in the process.

Gun Review | Beretta 92XI

Fans of both the 1911 and the iconic Beretta 92 are going to find a friend in this introduction.

Americans Are Taking Their Safety Into Their Own Hands

Across the country, Americans are waking up to something citizens of this nation have long known: You need to be your own first responder.

John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, Discusses Our Biggest Legislative Battles

There are still many battles ahead in the defense of our Second Amendment and NRA-ILA is always leading the charge.

From Bad to Worse for Canadian Gun Owners?

Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for beleaguered Canadian gun owners, that’s exactly what happens.

The Armed Citizen® May 9, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.