Lorenz Rifle - Variants

Variants

The Lorenz rifle was produced in three different variants, designed for short, medium, and long range combat. The short range version, which was the most common, had less of a twist in the rifling, and lacked long range sights. The medium range version had more of a twist in the rifling to increase long range accuracy, and had movable long range sights. The long range version had an even greater twist in the rifling as well as a finer adjustable sight. This long range version was intended only for use by elite fighting units.

The rifle was also produced in two different patterns, the 1854 and the 1862. The Pattern 1862 had a different type of lock plate that more closely resembled that used on the Enfield. Pattern 1862 rifles were also more consistent in their manufacturing.

A large number of Lorenz rifles purchased by the Union during Civil War had their barrels bored to .58 caliber, so that they could fire the same ammunition as the Enfield and Springfield rifle-muskets. The boring on these rifles suffered from the same lack of consistency that was found in the original manufacture of the rifles. Confederate purchased rifles were kept in .54 caliber.

The finish on the rifles varied. Some were blued, some browned, and others were polished bright.