Book Review: Bullet Strikes From The First Day Of The American Revolution

by
posted on April 15, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bullet Strikes From The First Day Of The American Revolution

Even though 250 years have elapsed since the fateful first shots of the American Revolution—fired on April 19, 1775—there are still pieces of evidence remaining from the day’s fighting. In Bullet Strikes From The First Day Of The American Revolution, authors Joel Bohy and Douglas Scott provide tantalizing insights gleaned from a comprehensive study of surviving structures and artifacts struck by gunfire during the fighting in and around the towns of Lexington and Concord.

For those interested in 18th century arms, the book is an especially rich trove of data on the actual firearms used during the fighting. Following a brief synopsis of the events of April 19th, a subsequent chapter offers a thorough overview of British and provincial arms and ammunition. Detailed information on the construction and limitations of Revolution-era firearm technology provides a greater understanding of what the fighting was like and how it developed. When paired with a thorough analysis of bullet holes and penetration studies conducted through live-fire testing, the data provides new insights on the fighting that occurred two-and-a-half centuries ago.

Beyond the raw information, Bullet Strikes is also richly illustrated with artwork from renowned artist Don Troiani, as well as maps, period illustrations and images of original arms, artifacts and surviving structures. Five appendices at the end of the book also provide insightful data, ranging from ground-penetrating radar survey reports to an exhaustive analysis of no fewer than 75 surviving British muskets of the period. For students of the American Revolution, Bullet Strikes is a must-have treasure trove of new information.

Suggested retail price for Bullet Strikes From The First Day Of The American Revolution is $36. For more information, visit the Mowbray Publishing website here.

Latest

Colt Detective Special Ihtog 1
Colt Detective Special Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special

One of the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century is Colt's compact Detective Special, which became popular on the commercial market and was featured widely in film noir from the 1930s until the 1950s. But the road to the Detective Special wasn't the typical route for a new firearm.

The Real Deal: Mauser's M98 Das Original

In a world of modularity and strict cost-cutting, fine wood and machined steel firearms like the Mauser 98 are disappearing. The Mauser company is making sure the design lives on with the M98 Das Original.

’Merica! | America 250th Products from the Firearm Industry

From guns to knives to storage and beyond, show how your heart beats true for the red, white and blue as we celebrate 250 years of independence, liberty and patriotism with this assortment of commemorative products.

I Have This Old Gun: Witness to the Revolution

It is likely this Long Land Pattern Brown Bess was surrendered by British troops at Saratoga, then used to arm Americans in their fight for liberty before subsequently falling into private hands. Today, it remains as one of a scant few British muskets with a direct tie to the events of the American Revolution.

Rideout Arsenal Leaves Virginia

Rideout Arsenal recently announced it would be leaving the hostile political environment of Virginia for the Second Amendment-friendly state of Georgia.

The Guns of the American Revolution

Contrary to popular perception, the American Revolution wasn’t all muskets, bayonets and Mel Gibson running around with a tomahawk.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.