British Snider-Enfield Mk II** Long Rifle, .577 Snider, 36.5" Barrel, Three-Band, 1863 ENFIELD Lock, B.S.A.Co Breech, Includes 21" Socket Bayonet
This British Snider-Enfield Mk II** long rifle is a three-band conversion of the Pattern 1853 Enfield chambered in .577 Snider. It features the II**-marked breech ring indicating the improved Mk II** conversion, a lockplate stamped Crown over V.R. and 1863 ENFIELD, and a hinged breech block marked B.S.A.Co; the fixed breech shoe bears II** and inspection/proof marks. The rifle retains its full-length stock with brass furniture, steel barrel bands, and sling swivels, and it comes with a 21-inch socket bayonet with locking ring and triangular blade.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Specific Condition Details: The rifle exhibits heavy overall wear from prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling - Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
What’s Included
- 21-inch socket bayonet with locking ring (triangular blade)
The Mk II** breech marking denotes the improved Snider conversion, applied to Pattern 1853 Enfield rifles to create a side-hinged, centerfire, single-shot system. This example has the hinged breech block stamped B.S.A.Co and retains the visible firing pin/striker typical of the Snider action; the breech shoe carries the II** and inspection/proof marks. It is chambered in .577 Snider with a capacity of 1 round and uses an external hammer.
Built as a long rifle with three bands, it has an approximately 36.5" barrel and a full-length wood stock. Brass components include the trigger guard, buttplate, and nose cap/entry pipe, complemented by steel barrel bands. Sling swivels are present.
Markings include the lockplate stamped with Crown over V.R. and 1863 ENFIELD, and the breech ring marked II**. The barrel and knox form carry ordnance, proof, and inspection marks.
Sighting equipment consists of a fixed front sight stud and a ladder/leaf rear sight. This UK-made, antique, and collectible Snider-Enfield represents a notable period conversion from muzzleloader to centerfire breechloader.