The primary weapons used by colonial forces during the battles of Lexington and Concord were muskets.

These smoothbore firearms served as the primary infantry weapon of the era, appreciated for their straightforward design and user-friendliness. Most colonial militias were equipped with muskets, which were often outdated and varied in quality, yet they proved effective for the guerrilla tactics utilized by the Minutemen. Although rifles offered greater accuracy, muskets were more frequently employed due to their availability and the rapid rate at which they could be fired. The dependence on muskets highlighted the militia's need for practical and dependable weaponry in their struggle for independence.