I don't know why folks keep wondering how a smooth rifle is "better" than a rifle but as others have said, it can shoot shot without fouling up the rifling with lead.
This is good for ground shooting birds of all types, shooting rabbits, squirrels and other small eatable animals and a fox or skunk or two.
Out to practical range in heavy woods it can shoot a roundball and take a deer or bear as well as a rifle.
It can also kill a pesky indian outside the campsite or cabin if that is what's needed.
It had to cost less than a rifle if for no other reason than it often took a few days intensive work just to rifle a barrel.
I think the bottom line is a smooth rifle provided a lower cost option that filled the cooking pot, back when filling the cooking pot could literally mean making the difference between life and death.
This is good for ground shooting birds of all types, shooting rabbits, squirrels and other small eatable animals and a fox or skunk or two.
Out to practical range in heavy woods it can shoot a roundball and take a deer or bear as well as a rifle.
It can also kill a pesky indian outside the campsite or cabin if that is what's needed.
It had to cost less than a rifle if for no other reason than it often took a few days intensive work just to rifle a barrel.
I think the bottom line is a smooth rifle provided a lower cost option that filled the cooking pot, back when filling the cooking pot could literally mean making the difference between life and death.