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These
rifles were originally manufactured in England, for the American Fur
Company, the Northwest Company and other British traders in the Old
Northwest, generally that region west and north of the Great Lakes.
The style was later copied by American gun makers. The design of
this rifle was strongly influenced by British military weapons, and had a
heavy military style patch-box, and a large lock. Barrel
length was often 42-44 inches, and the gun was commonly manufactured as a
32 gauge (53 caliber). Jim Bridger is known to have carried an
English Rifle for a time.
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