Royal Small Arms Factory Snider-Enfield Mk III Long Rifle, .577 Snider, 35 Inch Barrel (1871)
This RSAF Snider-Enfield Mk III Long Rifle is a British military pattern with definitive Mk III features, including a steel barrel and right-side, side-hinged breech block with locking latch and extractor. The lockplate is marked with the crown over V.R. and "ENFIELD" with an 1871 date, and the rifle carries Broad Arrow/WD and crowned inspection marks. It is the classic three-band long infantry configuration in .577 Snider with brass furniture and iron sights.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are handling and use marks from prior service and storage. The rifle presents well for its age. The bore appears bright and clean. Please refer to the photos for a complete view of condition.
What’s Included
- RSAF Snider-Enfield Mk III Long Rifle chambered in .577 Snider
This Mk III is confirmed by the "III" stamp on the breech housing and the barrel marked "STEEL," the final and most refined Snider pattern adopted by the British military. Its single-shot, side-hinged tilting breech with external hammer reflects the Snider conversion system in purpose-built Mk III form.
The rifle retains the correct three-band long infantry configuration with a 35-inch steel barrel and a full-length, oil-finished hardwood stock. Brass furniture includes the trigger guard, buttplate tang, and nose cap, and two sling swivels are present.
Sighting equipment is period-correct iron: a barleycorn front on a block near the muzzle and a ladder/leaf rear sight with a sliding elevation cursor. The muzzle is configured for a socket bayonet, without a separate bayonet bar.
British military acceptance and inspection marks are present, including Broad Arrow/WD and crowned stamps. The lockplate bears the crown over V.R. cypher and "ENFIELD" with the 1871 date, underscoring its United Kingdom origin and service pedigree.