"Trash" Federal Import Lorenz Rifles

[Mississippian]

Some time ago I read online about the US government buying trash quality Austrian Lorenz copies to keep them out of confederate hands. I have recently come across a rifle that might fit this description and want some opinions.

Will MacDonald

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: "Trash" Federal Import Lorenz Rifles

I don't think so. If I'm not mistaken, that lock plate is latter type seen on the M1862 version. It was the earlier M1854 version that was imported by the Confederate and federal governments. Here is a M1862 Lorenz, dated 1863, which has had the Wanzl breach loading conversion circa 1866 or 67. The link below for more info and pictures.

The reference to "junk" Lorenz rifles was probably referring to the fact that the Austrians sold off many M1854s which had seen extensive active service in Italy and were in pretty rough shape as a result. Another consideration is that the Lorenz rifle was not centrally manufactured but rather made at several arsenals and by many small gunsmiths contracted to make parts or whole guns. The quality, fit and finish of the contract-made guns varied wildly and the Austrians. The final factor is that the whoever the federal government hired to re-bore its Lorenzs from .54 to .58 seemed to have done a very poor job, hence the rifle's (undeserved) reputation for inaccuracy among federal troops.

http://www.militaryrifles.com/austria/wanzl.htm

[Craig L Barry]

Re: "Trash" Federal Import Lorenz Rifles

Yep, that's the later model (1862) Austrian rifle which they made for their own use to replace the 1854, which saw considerable use by both sides.

[Mississippian]

Re: "Trash" Federal Import Lorenz Rifles

Thanks, I thought it was a 1862, but that front sling swivel was kinda odd, since it came off one of the versions of the 1854.

Will MacDonald