One of the rifle's more famous associations is its use on the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore and map the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

[3] However, Col. Thomas Rodney wrote the following on 8 September 1803: "Visited Captain Lewess [sic] barge.

On 24 January 1806, Lewis wrote "My air gun also astonishes them very much, they cannot comprehend it's shooting so often and without powder; and think that it is great medicine.

"[6][7] The rifle was four feet (1.2 m) long and weighed ten pounds (4.5 kg), about the same size and weight as infantry muskets of the time.

It was also necessary to keep the leather gaskets of the reservoir moist to maintain a good seal and prevent leakage.