1861 MKII Snider

[reppondj]

While in Afghanistan I picked up the subject rifle. Stamps on barrell and side plates match, barrel is in fair condition, minimal rust pits and the wood is in good condition. The breech is smooth and appears to lock tite. Has anyone had any experience with one of these. It is .577 caliber, it is breech loaded with brass shells containing the powder, projectile and cap. It is the long, three band version.

I would not hesitate to fire this rifle (of course with minimal load at first). I do not have the brass shells, although I am looking for them.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Will post some pics later.

 

[oneshooter]

Just a few web sites:

Ammo----http://www.ima-usa.com/index.php/cPath/223

http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?action=1001&brand=.500SAMM

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=19625&categorystring=653***690***


Info-----http://www.researchpress.co.uk/firearms/britain/snider/index.htm

http://www.jesseshunting.com/articles/guns/category16/79.html

http://www.legendaryarms.com/britpat185773.html


Oneshooter
Livin in Texas


Google is your friend.

 

[4v50 Gary]

FYI the Sniders were breech loading conversion of the Enfield muzzle loading rifle musket. Hence, while the lockplate may reflect a Civil War date, the conversion was done by the English after our Civil War. Congratulations on your find. I was thinking of asking John Shirley when he was over there in Afghanistanto ship me some muzzle loaders.

 

[Bezoar]

i remember a website in england that was selling PLASTIC brass casings for a few old calibers, mostly pinfire and the snider. cant find it anymore. worth a try.

 

[MikeJackmin]

I recall an article in Rifle magazine by Ross Seyfried on getting one of these things into shooting shape:

"# "Snider Rifles, From Muzzleloader to Breechloader" Ross Seyfried, 8 pp. in Rifle, No. 207."

 

[Snaggletooth]

Accuracy

The rifles are apparently accurate from what Kipling said

A Snider squibbed in the jungle
Somebody laughed and fled
And the men of the First Shikaris
Picked up their Subaltern dead,
With a big blue mark in his forehead
And the back blown out of his head

 

[Old Dragoon]

www.buffaloarms.com I bet Buffalo Arms has the brass and the bullets too. They have a bunch of stuff.

 

[reppondj]

Thanks a million guys, between the recommended web sites I will be able to get the brass and bullets that I need, Thanks.

 

[Grndpndr]

war souvenirs

Neat find and somewhat of a suprise as i thought war trophys were now verboten.As late as grenada i though men were allowed to bring home semi-auto war souvenirs.I do seem to recall a bunch were caught from the 82nd and likely others with dissasembled aks etc.:banghead:

 

[Ditchtiger]

Look at July 20th. issue of Shotgun News. Small Arms of the Mounties, has most of a page on the Snider rifle.