Looking at your Jaeger question from a historical light. The jaeger rifle wasn't the rifle for the Americas. It was introduced here into the American woods about 1740 , During the central /western migration of European folks to eastern North America , the Jaeger rifle showed it's weakness. 1. Large caliber ........Inefficient waste of valuable lead , and powder. 2. Short barrel /short sighting plain , longer barrel and smaller caliber needed for hunting , and defense. Jaeger rifles were brought to Moravian gunsmiths in Eastern Pa. , and the long rifle was born. Long barrels, long sight plain , smaller more efficient calibers , .470 , to .60 cal.'s , less ammo components needed. The ability to shoot accurately at longer distances meant more meat , and hides to use or sell.
From personal experience , I've built and used Jaeger rifles of most calibers , ..54 to .69 cal.'s. My favorite was the .62. Over time , I found a barrel of 38 " was most efficient , but that removed the rifle definition away from the Jaeger with a 28" to 32" length barrel , toward a long rifle length barrel of 38" to 44". Shooting deer size game at a distance , requires a cal. from .58 , to .62. Both are stable calibers to get killing hits out to 200 yds. , shooting from a rest , using a peep sight. (I'm old , and can't see well any more). I have always loved the looks of jaeger rifles ,but history proves itself correct. Hope this rambling diatribe has helped someone...........oldwood
