U.S. Robert and J. D. Johnson 1817 Common Rifle

The nickname "Common Rifle" served to distinguish this gun from the breechloading Hall rifle.

Robert Johnson (U.S.) Model 1817 Contract Flint-lock Common" Rifle (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black poowder/ ball ammunition) The Model 1803 half-stock rifle exerted influence on civilian firearms, however, the army desired a sturdier long arm. The Model 1817 "Common" rifle is just such a gun. Typically .54 caliber, rifles such as the one displayed here were manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, based on a contract for 3,000 arms. Other contracts were granted in the north, which continued to grow industrially. The south also grew during this period, but its economy was primarily agriculturally-based." --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #38