1857/67 Zulu Hunter 12 Gauge (Snider) Unboxing

Unboxing and first look at the Model 1857/67 Zulu Hunter 12 gauge Snider conversion shotgun! I did some research on it after shooting the video. The shotgun started life as the French Model 1857 Tabatiere Musket in 69 caliber. After the Snider breech loading system was developed in 1866 as a stop gap for the new world of cartridge firearms, many of the Tabatiere muskets were converted with the Snider system. They were bored out to make it a smooth bore. The Model 1857/67 Zulu Hunter was created and the stock was sporterized. I fixed the firing pin retention screw issue after shooting the video and now everything is tight as a drum. Very exciting and interesting shotgun. Enjoy the video and thanks for taking the first look at this gem with me! For info on ATF guidelines for antiques, relics, and curios check out their website:
www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms...
10/20/20 update: I'm getting some good feedback on this. apparently there's a difference between this and the Snider Enfield action. That's good prompt for research and an in depth follow up video!
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[@gainforlife5877]

It was, before being bored out, a French so called Tabatiere rifle. Originally an approx 18mm rifled proposition that got smooth bored down the line somewhere. Very common mod to them. Google Tabatiere rifle and you´ll arrive on what you need to know. The actual breech were in one of two models. Either out of brass or out of iron.

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Yeah it's a really cool rifle! I've been looking around for one, no luck. Also love the input! Keep the info coming for everyone to learn from!

[@robertrobert7924]

Except for the cracked wrist that looks in amazing condition. I remember seeing a photo of the aftermath of an exploded breech where someone must have tried to use a modern smokeless shotgun shell. I'm glad they did not show the shooter's injuries. Last week I loaded up a bunch of cartridges for my Snider Rifle and Carbine. I hope to shoot them tomorrow at the range if the weather permits. I load 24 ga. cheddite hulls with 60 grains of 2F or 3F black powder and a .585 lead round ball, and the same charge in Magtech 24 ga. brass shells with a .588 minie bullet with a wooden plug in the hollow base. I have an Antique British double barrel 12 gauge hammer shotgun that I load empty 12 gauge shot shells with 60 gr. BP and a .678 lead round ball. Top them off with Civil War bullet lube. I also have to trim the hulls shorter to fit the chambers of the Sniders. I think 60 grains of BP would be a safe maximum load for that gun or even less.

[@BCC916]

Thanks for the video. I just picked up virtually the same gun from my father in law and had no idea what it was. Your video helped me understand what it was. The one I have has surface rust and is missing the bead at the end of the barrel and some kind of insignia (guessing) on the stock, but is in otherwise good shape. No idea what we'll do with it.

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Looks like a VERY interesting gun! Looking forward to seeing it in action!!

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Can't wait to try it out!

[@robertodare7791]

I got one on trade($100 trade credit). I didn't know what it was at the time but the Snider action intrigued me. It looks good up on a beam in my place along with an old muzzle-loading shotgun & an 1848 Colt baby dragoon .31 cal.

[@offdeadeye88]

Yours is in waaaaay better shape, mines right on the limit of what I feel safe, deep pitting throughout with a cracked stock and wormholes,nice find

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

I couldn't believe the condition it was in! Can't wait to shoot it

[@sylvaingumbrt8195]

J'en ai un de snider à tabatière dans un état unique de 1868! Une arme exceptionnelle caliber 577 mais je fait mes cartouche avec du cal 24!

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Very cool! I'd love to find the original musket configuration

[@sylvaingumbrt8195]

@@rifleman17hmrshooter Et moi je recherche des étui de cal 577 en cuivre! Mais en France il ni en a plus! hélas!

[@offdeadeye88]

I have one of these as well, I buy Walmart 12g and cut em apart replace the smokeless powder with black powder and put it back together, not very different and a real hoot to shoot

[@lonewolfmusicproductions557]

I think we have 9 of these if I remember correctly. My step dad started collecting them in the 70's and we have bought most of the ones that we have found since. I have a question for you. Does this have rifling in it? They will be faint if it does. The reason I ask , is there is also a 70 cal black powder cartridge round for some of these.

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

I'll check and get back with you, but it appeared to be smooth bore. As for the cartridge, heck you could just use a brass 12ga shell, bp, and a slug (pure lead) I would imagine. Don't take my word on that one, these guns are very old so that might be risky.

[@tafino]

Very cool! How much was it? *want*

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Got it for a good deal!

[@WolvCustoms]

Where do you find shells for this?

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Gotta make them, super easy to load

[@WolvCustoms]

@@rifleman17hmrshooter ok, you use 2 3/4 or 2 1/2 shells? Thank you!!!!

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

@@WolvCustoms I load 2.5 brass. I do tend to keep them lighter for this one

[@Freiherr_zu_Hohenastehim]

es ist ja äußerst wichtig ,besonders bei den Amerikanern ,zu zeigen ,wie man ein Gewehr auspackt ,und der Schachtel entnimmt .....

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Yeah at the time it was a fairly popular concept. Mostly I was just excited to get a first look and include you guys in on it

[@davidjohnson-pz2df]

TABATIERE ?

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

Yes! When I made the video I didn't even know there was a difference. Since then I've learned quite a bit about them!

[@davidjohnson-pz2df]

French Evidently

[@rifleman17hmrshooter]

I've been looking around for the original musket and conversion rifles.... Good luck with that lol at best you better have deep pockets