3-inch Ordnance Rifle, Model 1861

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	Weapon: 3-inch Ordnance Rifle, Model 1861 Type: Muzzleloading Cannon Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1861 Caliber: 3 inch shell Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 1650.0 Weight (kg): 820.00 Effective Range (m): 1830

The 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle, Model 1861 was an advanced rifled cannon designed for use in the American Civil War, manufactured from tough wrought iron rather than the traditional bronze. Developed by John Griffen, its rifled barrel provided enhanced accuracy and range, allowing it to fire 3-inch projectiles up to nearly 2,000 yards. With a sleek, tapered design, the Ordnance Rifle became known for its reliability, accuracy, and ability to withstand repeated firing without deforming, a common problem in earlier artillery models.

Production of the 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle began in 1861, with the Phoenix Iron Works in Pennsylvania being the primary manufacturer, ultimately producing approximately 1,000 units by the war's end. This artillery piece quickly became a favorite among Union forces due to its durability and impressive precision, even at extended ranges. It saw action in many significant battles, including Gettysburg and Antietam, and became a staple of Union artillery batteries, often used for counter-battery fire and supporting infantry attacks.

The Ordnance Rifle gained a reputation for its dependability and accuracy, contributing to its lasting legacy as one of the most effective rifled field guns of the Civil War. Its performance was so exemplary that some remained in limited service even after the war, and surviving examples are prized in military history collections and Civil War memorial sites today. As a symbol of innovation in artillery design, the 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle is remembered for its pivotal role in shaping the Union Army's artillery capabilities during a transformative period in warfare.