The French Model 1728 Musket,The French introduced their first standardized military musket in the e

The French Model 1728 Musket,The French introduced their first standardized military musket in the early 18th century with the Model 1717 flintlock musket.  Unlike subsequent French models, the Model 1717 had a pinned barrel, much like the British Brown Bess, as well as a single barrel band near the muzzle.  About decade later, the French decided to use barrel bands instead, due to their sturdiness and reliability.  The Model 1728 was an improvement of the Model 1777 which used three barrel bands in lieu of barrel pins.  Other improvements included a longer frizzen spring, a stronger cock, and a standardized steel ramrod.  It had a 46 1/3rd inch barrel and retained the curved “patte de vache” (cows foot) buttstock. It was chambered for .69 caliber like most other French arms.A total of 375,000 Model 1728 muskets were produced, manufactured at the Franch aresanals at Charleville, Maubeuge, and St. Etienne.  They were most commonly used in the War of Austrian Succession (including King George’s War) and the Seven Years War (including French and Indian War).  After the Seven Years War the Model 1728 was gradually replaced by newer models. During the American Revolution, Model 1728’s were sold to the Continental Army and colonial militias at a discount, around $5 a piece, $130 today when adjusted for inflation.  When the Marquis de Lafeyette joined the Continental Army from France 1777, he came bearing a gift of 25,000 Model 1728 muskets. -- source link

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