Snider MK II**, .577 Snider, 1862 Lock, Enfield

ALL ANTIQUE RIFLES SOLD AS-IS. NEVER ATTEMPT TO FIRE AN ANTIQUE WEAPON WITHOUT CONSULTING A GUNSMITH. SEE PICTURES FOR CONDITION AND DETAILS


After the American Civil War, and various wars throughout the British Empire, there was a surplus of obsolete 1853 Enfield rifles. The obvious solution was to upgrade these into breech-loading cartridge rifles.

In 1866 the British adopted a conversion developed by an American, Jacob Snider. For the Mk. I and Mk. II rifles, a breech block/receiver assembly was added to the rifle, but each gun retained its original lock, stock and barrel.

These rifles saw military use up until the 1890s, and many could be found in the hands of Afghani insurgents as recently as the early 2000s.

This particular rifle is one of three brought back by a U.S. soldier from Afghanistan. The original lock dates to 1862 from Enfield. The lock is in good condition, and all mechanical components of the breech system are tight. The firing pin is not functional and there is a crack on the stock. The rear sight was also soldered in place at some point in time.

577 Snider caliber.

Please see photos for additional markings and issues.