In 1810, as part of its strenuous effort to rebuild its army after the defeat at Jena-Auerstadt, the state officially adopted its first standard rifle, which was a combination of preferred features from previous weapons. Hessian mercenary troops who fought for the British in the US Revolution included Jäger rifle units.ġ810 Neue Korps-Jägerbüchse (Prussia) ĭuring the early 19th century, Prussia began to standardize its military rifle. Many of these were Hanoverian and when Britain standardized with its Pattern 1776 rifle, it was essentially a copy of a Jäger style from Hanover. The Jäger rifle concept was adopted by other nations including Britain, which imported German Jäger rifles for use by skirmishers and marksmen. Most of these rifles were the personal property of the soldier and could vary substantially in design and decoration.
The patch box lids were generally brass and were hinged at the rear. Most rifles had a butt-trap or patch box about six inches long for storing greased linen patches and tools. Frequently there was a scrolled brass trigger guard to provide a better grip and a raised cheek-rest for support when aiming. Jäger rifles typically had a length around 45 inches (1,100 mm), with a 30-inch (760 mm) barrel, and weighed around 9 lb (4.1 kg).
However, there was some loss of accuracy, and the shorter barrel used meant the powder charges less efficiently. The shorter weapon was easier to load and more practical in skirmish combat. Jäger rifles (late 18th century) īy the late 18th century, these rifles had evolved to being shorter than earlier hunting weapons and were generally shorter than the typical military musket, with no provision for a bayonet.
Jäger were not just skilled riflemen they were also able to handle and maintain delicate, accurate rifles in an age when very few soldiers had mechanical skills. Since they owned their own weapons there was little standardization, and the early rifles were generally designed for hunting. These troops were primarily used for reconnaissance, skirmishing or screening bodies of heavier troops. They were often of middle-class backgrounds or belonged to the lesser nobility. Huntsmen and foresters recruited in certain German states were an established presence in German military units. "hunter") were a type of soldier, a form of light infantry, first named by the Landgrave of Hesse when he formed such a unit from his foresters and huntsmen in 1631. 13 Infanteriegewehr M88, Gewehr 88, Commission Rifle.11 M1869 and M1869 "Aptiertes" Werder (Bavaria).8 Vereinsgewehr 1856 (Württemberg, Baden, and Hessen).5 1835 Neue Korps-Jägerbüchse (Prussia).3 1810 Neue Korps-Jägerbüchse (Prussia).