What comes between an 1853 Enfield and a Martini-Henry?

[Patrick Chadwick]

Well, I really had not intended to buy a Snider - they do not seem to have a good reputation as shooters, are difficult to load for, and what I had seen (not that I was looking, mind you!) seemed to be predominantly of Khyber Pass provenance. And I could not get a single extra rifle into the gun cabinet! (The sardine packing option had already been applied).

But sometimes luck sneaks up and sandbags you. And a modern* target rifle had to go, to make space.

Thinking of an old pop song:
“I thought Sniders only lived in moo-zay-ums,
Fine for someone else, but not for me...
...
... Then I saw that wood, now I'm a believer..."






Quite simply, the most beautiful shaft I have ever seen on a military rifle, bar none. The photos are all of the rifle as I picked it up this afternoon.

I have not yet managed to get a good full-length photo, but here are some more views to give you the flavor.




Sorry about my photography, but the bore is flawless.


The overall condition is so good, that it is hard to believe, unless it was some officer's pride and joy. The wood is NOT lacquered or sprayed - that is 150 years of careful ownership you are looking at.



If you look at this photo really closely, you can see not only the WD markings, but the photographer reflected on the surface!

Patrick



*i.e. less than 50 years old

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