Day 2: Hall Model 1819 Breechloading Rifle

The NRA celebrates the spirit of the holiday season in our 12 Days of Firearms series! To kick off the month of December, we’ve handpicked 12 legendary firearms found in the galleries of the NRA Museums, showcasing one each day for 12 days.

When you first look at the Hall Model 1819 Breechloading Rifle from the top down, it may seem odd. The rifle features a distinctive swell in the stock where the lock is mounted on the top. 

Despite its unusual appearance, its historical significance is without question as it marks two important firsts in firearms history. This model was the first breechloading rifle to be adopted by the U.S. as a regulation military arm. It was also the first to successfully employ the concept of identical, precision-made, fully interchangeable parts.

Rifles and carbines in various models and calibers were produced from 1824 until 1853. While this particular example is a flintlock, Hall rifles were produced in percussion examples as well.

For more photos and information about the Hall Model 1819 Breechloading Rifle, visit http://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/a-prospering-new-republic-1780-to-1860/case-11-firearms-innovations/us-hall-model-1819-breechloading-flintlock-rifle.aspx