What is the importance of the musket and rifle to the early settlers, and what is the difference between the two weapons? Objective The student will differentiate between the rifle and the musket. The student wil identify the steps and movements to load and fire the weapons. Background People on the early Carolina frontier used the musket and rifle. The musket was usually longer than a rifle. A bayonet fitted on the muzzle of the musket. The musket was heavy enough to use as a club when a person ran out of ammunition, or did not have time to reload it. The musket was 58 inches long, and it too Duration: 60 Minutes.