Actually, no one stated what I believe is the real reason for long barrels. The majority of the European guns were initially made for military use. The soldiers line up shooting in ranks of three deep (sometimes four deep). In firing, the muskets are pointed forward over the shoulder of the man in front. It is critical that the man in the back rank must be able to get his muzzle out in front of the face of the man in the front rank so he doesn't get blasted. This translates to about a 46 inch barrel.
I think this established the precidence for long barrels which carried on into cilivian guns which, by the way, were required to be brought by men to battle when they joined the militias. You would be very unpopular if you showed up with a 30 in barreled fowler for militia duty.
As Americans developed their gunmaking industry they followed this tradition until the western mountain fur trapper era required shorter rifles.
I think this established the precidence for long barrels which carried on into cilivian guns which, by the way, were required to be brought by men to battle when they joined the militias. You would be very unpopular if you showed up with a 30 in barreled fowler for militia duty.
As Americans developed their gunmaking industry they followed this tradition until the western mountain fur trapper era required shorter rifles.
