Rifled Muskets

Rifled muskets are firearms that feature spiral grooves inside the barrel, causing the bullet to spin as it is fired. This spin stabilizes the bullet, improving accuracy and range compared to smoothbore muskets, which have a smooth interior. Widely used during the 19th century, especially in the American Civil War, rifled muskets allowed soldiers to hit targets more reliably at greater distances. They typically fired minie balls—conical bullets that provided better aerodynamics and expansion upon firing. This advancement in technology significantly changed military tactics and increased the effectiveness of infantry during conflicts.