How much did flintlock firearms cost in 1776?

Answer 1

The American Revolution predated mass produced manufacture of firearms with exception of The Royal Endfield Armoury in England. The Brown Bess smoothbore musket of .72 calibre was the most common weapon used on both sides of the conflict, the American militias having been issued them during the French and Indian (Queen Anne's) War some years (1763) prior to the Revolution. Although there was some fluctuation in price, the Brown Bess cost in the neighbourhood of two pounds 4 shillings sterling per unit, which would be about 13 spanish dollars (the defacto currency of colonial America).

(Queen Annes War occurred 1702 to 1713. The India Pattern Musket, or 'Brown Bess' was not in production at that time.)

Rifles, which are credited with the American victory, were very rare and their contribution to conflict has been exagerated. The rifles used during the conflict, primarily by the Scots Irish of the Appalachain region and incorrectly called "Kentucky Rifles" were maufactured one at a time by German immigrant gunsmiths in the lower valleys of Pennslyvania and Maryland. They were quite expensive at the time, around $50 spanish dollars or 8 pounds for a plain specimen. One today is near priceless.

Another popular firearm during the Revolution was the Charleville .69 musket produced by the French and supplied to Washington's Army during the Yorktown campaign. These were similar in value to the Brown Bess.

In todays term the cost of a musket would be a month's wage for a skilled workman

Answer 2

A good hand made long rifle would set you back around $12 to $15.

Answer 3

Prior to the U.S. Civil War firearms were individually hand made. They probably cost several months wages for a worker or the value of a couple of acres of farm produce.