How does a lorenz rifle work?

Answer 1

It is a muzzle loading cap lock rifle. A measured charge of gunpowder is poured down the barrel, and a cloth patched lead ball is pushed down the barrel with the ramrod. A percussion cap is placed on the nipple, and the rifle is ready to fire. Pulling the trigger makes tha hammer drop. This crushes the cap, casuing it to explode, and send a jet of fire through the hole in the nipple. This ignites the powder, and the expanding gasses push the bullet up the barrel. As a note, The Lorenz did not work that well- problems in manufacturing consistent bore diameters resulted in poor accuracy.