In January 1776, 1000 rifles were ordered to be built for the British Army. A pattern by gunsmith William Grice, based on German rifles in use by the British Army, was approved for official issue as the Pattern 1776 Infantry Rifle. The barrel is 30.5" with hook breech in .62 calibre. Eight hundred were delivered through 4 Birmingham producers: William Grice, Mathias Barker, Galton & Sons and Bejamin Willets. Two hundred more were obtained from Hannover.

This weapon was issued to the light company of each regiment in the British Army during the American Revolution; these were probably present at most battles in the conflict.