RARE British Antique 1860 Snider Enfield .577 Caliber Single-Shot Breech-Loaded Rifle

Description:
Here we present a beautiful example of the rare British 1860 Snider Enfield .577 caliber single-shot, breech-loaded rifle.  This rifle represents one of the British Empire’s earliest successful conversions from percussion muzzleloading muskets to metallic cartridge breech loading rifles.  Adopted by the British military in the mid 1860s, the system was designed by American inventor Jacob Snider and adapted to existing Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle muskets.  The conversion utilized a side-hinged breechblock that allowed soldiers to open the action, insert a cartridge, and close the breech before firing with an external hammer.  This significantly improved the rate of fire and reliability compared to earlier muzzleloading arms and allowed the British government to modernize large numbers of existing rifles at relatively low cost.  Snider rifles served extensively across the British Empire during the late 1860s and early 1870s before being gradually replaced by more advanced repeating and bolt action designs.

This example shows the honest wear expected of a rifle from the 1860s while remaining a very well preserved antique firearm.  The one piece smooth walnut stock is in Excellent Condition with just a few scattered light handling marks.  The metal surfaces retain little of their original blued finish, having aged to a brown patina with some areas of significant wear.  The bore of the 36-1/2" barrel is bright and the rifling is pronounced.  There are some spots of very minor pitting in the bore, common in antique black powder rifles, but I would still rate it 8/10.  The brass buttplate, trigger guard and forend cap are lightly tarnished, consistent with their age.  Overall this rifle in Very Good Condition and is mechanically excellent.  Feel free to call or text with any questions or for more pictures.

No FFL required for this Antique firearm.

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .577 Snider

Price: $1,600.00
Buy Now