The percussion system was invented in 1807 by Rev Foresythe but was not perfected until 1814. Add travel time and its gets even more interesting.
The percussion lock was made possible after a Scot invented the percussion cap. Its said the the flintlock would fire seven out of ten times, the percussion cap virtually 100% firing, gunsmiths immedialy saw the benefits of the percussion lock.
http://www.floridareenactorsonline.c...ockbarrell.htm
Above is a brief history of the rifle....
rand