Various firearms were used by both sides during the Battle of Monmouth. Muskets were the primary weapons used by the soldiers, with both the British and American armies armed with smoothbore flintlock muskets. The British utilized the Brown Bess musket, a .75 caliber weapon that was reliable and easy to maintain. On the American side, a variety of muskets were used, including the French Charleville musket and the American-made Springfield musket, both of which were .69 caliber.
Apart from muskets, there were also rifles that were employed by both sides, most notably by special units such as riflemen. The British utilized the Baker rifle, which was a .75 caliber rifle with a higher degree of accuracy compared to muskets. The Americans used a variety of rifles, including the Kentucky rifle, which was often privately owned by soldiers and could offer exceptional accuracy even at longer distances.
Artillery pieces also played a significant role in the Battle of Monmouth. The British forces deployed several field guns, including cannons, howitzers, and mortars. These guns provided support to the infantry and cavalry and were used to bombard American positions and fortifications. The American army had a limited number of artillery pieces, but they effectively utilized them to counter the British artillery.
Other firearms used in the battle included pistols and bayonets. Pistols, usually single-shot flintlocks, were used as auxiliary weapons by officers and cavalrymen. Bayonets, which were attached to the muzzles of muskets and rifles, were also widely used for close combat.
The Battle of Monmouth witnessed the use of various firearm technologies, demonstrating the diverse range of weapons employed by both the British and American armies during the Revolutionary War. The weapons played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the battle and influenced the tactics and strategies used by the armies on the field.