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3-inch Ordnance Rifle

3-inch Ordnance Rifle

Union officers with a 3-inch ordance rifle.

Library of Congress Photograph

Known for its reliability and accuracy, the 3-inch ordnance rifle was fielded by the artillery branches of both armies. Crafted from hammer-welded, machined iron the ordnance rifle typically fired 8- or 9-pound shells, as well as solid shot, case, and canister. Due to the manufacturing process involved, Union-made rifles tended to perform better than Confederate models.

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