1869 Enfeild

[doc8404]

I was given an 1869 Enfeild for christmas this year. I have never had this style of rifle before. What are somethings to look for on it? I was told that it is in shooting condition but I really am not comfortalble to shoot it without knowing a little more about it. Any one know anything about these rifles?

[steamerjames]

its probably a Snider .577 if its a Mark 111 its safe as it has a steel barrel, Mark 2;s had iron barrels. See the "British Militaria forum" for more info. Some were made in England and Nepal. The ones made in Nepal are built out of iron and look good, but many have bulged chambers and are not really safe to shoot even with BP and .575 minie balls. The correct load is 68 grains of FFG BP. Because the Snider is a converted muzzle loader I would never shoot smokeless out of it.

[doc8404]

OK thank you.

[Anubis Laughed]

Sounds like a Snider-Enfield rifle, as mentioned above. If you can post some pics, we can give you a lot more information. Any markings on top of the breech and the side of the barrel near the breechblock will help.

[Springfield45]

I have a P1864 Snider MK 2 that was made in Nepal. I have shot it but ammo is about $120 a box of 20. I made my own ammo out of 28 gauge shotgun brass.

[knucklehead0202]

yep, you can also buy brass from a guy on gunboards who makes it out of shotgun brass. believe it's 24g though isn't it?