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

Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1
Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Review: Spandau Arms RL

The Remington Model 700 lives on in the form of this RL bolt-action rifle produced in Turkey by Huglu and imported into the U.S. by Spandau Arms.

NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Applications Open

The NRA is accepting applications for the 2027 NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award from junior shooting sports participants who demonstrate active involvement in their communities and in shooting sports.

The (Not So) Gray Man: Tips to Avoid Tacti-Cool & Blend into the Background

Being a true "gray man" is not flashy. It won’t get you followers or likes or nods from across the room. What it will get you is something far more valuable in the real world: freedom of movement. Reduced attention. Lower probability of being selected, targeted or remembered.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 28, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.