Lorenz Rifle

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

How did the Lorenz compare to the Springfield and Enfield? How much battlefield use did it actually see during the American Civil War?

 

[UCVRelics]

I believe it was the 3rd or 4th most used musket during the CW and was widely used on both sides. I think that @johan_steele and @Craig L Barry will have a lot more insight.

 

[Ole Miss]

Here is a past thread that might be of assistance in your search. Good luck!
Regards
David

Rifles used by the Iron Brigade | Small Arms & Ammunition

I saw the following posted on a website while researching my Iron Brigade ancestor. It doesn't have any mention where the author got the information, and I was just wondering if it's true or mostly true or not at all. One of the comments on this even said the Iron Brigade used these rifles like...

civilwartalk.com

 

[johan_steele]

The Lorenz was heavily used by both sides and generally well liked. It was the 2nd most common imported arm seeing service in every theatre of the war.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I also believe that these were well liked for civilian aka household use after the War. These rifles are shorter than the rifle-muskets and lighter, and so handier to carry.

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

I also believe that these were well liked for civilian aka household use after the War. These rifles are shorter than the rifle-muskets and lighter, and so handier to carry.

I thought minie bullet rifles were unpopular with civilians because they were a poor choice for hunting? The low muzzle velocity that shattered human bones also made a mess of the deer you were hoping to have for dinner.

 

[johan_steele]

I thought minie bullet rifles were unpopular with civilians because they were a poor choice for hunting? The low muzzle velocity that shattered human bones also made a mess of the deer you were hoping to have for dinner.

A big part of their popularity post war was their cost and ready availability. There was also no game that couldn't be taken with one. While the smaller caliber arms were certainly preferred for game like squirrel, rabbit and raccoon; those smaller rounds could have problems with larger game such as elk or dangerous predators of the two legged sort.

There was also no mistaking the robustness and reliability of a military arm. They would typically function even with the benign neglect common from civilian use. Keep in mind these were still being sold on the surplus & hardware market up into the 1940's & 50's. It's only obsolete if it fails to do its job.