[quote=@CollectorOfMyst]
[s]Steampunk [i]is[/i] gears, tho[/s]

How does it differ from normal rifles, though? I'm curious.
[/quote]

It is, isn't it? But then "clockwork rifle" sounds better than "Steampunk rifle". Just my opinion though. 
Also, I'm not an expert on flintlock rifles, but I was thinking the steampunk version of the rifle would be more bolt-action rifle in regards to shooting, loading the next round and reloading. As compared to the 18th century's way of reloading rounds.