Rifles, Ravines, and Deep Woods Fighting

In the woods ahead, American riflemen slowly reformed under the protection of trees and deep ravines while British infantry held open ground to the left. The riflemen poured devastating fire into the British 20th Regiment of Foot, whose Redcoats entered the woods to close with the Americans but failed to reach them. General Burgoyne's soldiers had previously trained in "treeing," or fighting from behind trees, but few of the Redcoats here had combat experience, unlike the riflemen they faced. British infantry muskets had a shorter effective range than rifles, about 100 yards, but could be loaded more quickly, were easier to use, and could mount bayonets. Rifles, with spiral grooves cut inside the barrel, sent bullets spinning for greater stability, allowing trained riflemen to shoot accurately at targets hundreds of yards away.

Saratoga, New York · United States