The Mk III Snider-Enfield: The Platoon Exercise c.1867

If you would like to support the Channel you can do so through our Patreon Page.
/ britishmuzzleloaders
Here we examine the drills associated with Loading and Firing the Snider Long Rifle. In addition, we discuss the associated modes of fire used in the era.
IMPORTANT NOTE - The collapsing of the backsight was prescribed at times during the drill. The wording was somewhat vague as to in which circumstances this was to take place and so it may appear as though the sights were not touched. It would seem to reference that only when the ladder was up was the backsight to be brought back down.... as I was not using the ladder, the sight was not touched. Sorry for any confusion.
For your Martini and Snider needs email Martyn at [e-mail]
And for further reading on all British Victorian (and earlier) arms stop by the British Militaria Forum and say hello. britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com

[@lucasaccount573]

The moustache makes everything in your videos just more awesome

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@blancsteve4819]

Absolutely imperial.

[@maelgugi]

Blank Steve By the emperor!!!

[@davidbriggs264]

Maelgugi: Don't you mean, By the Empress??? After all, when this rifle was in use, Queen Victoria sat on the British Throne, and this is, after all, British Muzzle Loaders.

[@maelgugi]

David Briggs Oh my! I made myself a heretic!

[@johnmitchell923]

@@maelgugi nothing can last against khorne blood for the blood god skills for the skull throne

[@steamengineshooray]

Surely the British and empire armies' firepower was increased twofold due to the use of clones and multiplication of men on the battlefield ;) At this rate we'll get the Royal Rob Highlanders XD Great video, I was shocked to learn about the contrast of the 27 movements for a musket compared to the 9 for the snider as well as the fact that it was the breechloader's effects around this era introducing a change to extended order fighting being the norm~ I would also like to enquire as to the medley that you used, especially around 11:08, the beat is so heavy :O

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The music was an Irish medley IIRC... as for the tactical change, it was slow at first but by the mid to late 1870s extended order was the norm for the attack. I have a video in the works on it.

[@bugler75]

It is an Irish medley, 11.26 minutes they play Fare thee well Inniskilling. First class videos as ever! Thank you

[@theblackprince1346]

Snider Wars: Episode II Attack of the Mackenzies

[@alexunfiltered5756]

"I don't like Zulus; they're black, they're rough, and they get everywhere..." "There is unrest in the Imperial senate; Several hundred colonies have declared their intentions to leave the Empire" "Our friends from the Boxer federation have pledged their support. And when their battle troops are combined with yours, we shall have an army greater than any in the Empire. The Brits will be overwhelmed. The Empire will agree to any demands we make." " You don't want to sell me opium sticks..."

[@bskorupk]

Snider Wars: Episode IV: A New East. *picks up a sword* "not as clumsy or random as an Artillery Piece, an elegant weapon for a more civilized age" "...I felt a great disturbance in the Foreign News... as if millions of Weeaboos cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced..." "...That's no gunboat... it's an Ironclad!" Enomoto Takeaki: "Meiji, If your strike me down now I will become more powerful than you could Possibly Imagine!"

[@theblackprince1346]

Alex Ehlers *British mind trick* "You're going to go to Britain and rethink your life" "I'm going to go to Britain and rethink my life"

[@theblackprince1346]

"Prince Napoleon, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this Zulu Army operational. No British force will dare oppose the Zulu nation now" "The more you tighten your grip, native, the more British Empire colonies will slip through your fingers" "Not after we demonstrate the power of this Zulu Army. In a way, you have determined the choice of the camp that is to be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the British base, I have chosen to test this Army's destructive power on your main camp of Isandlwana" "No! Isandlwana is peaceful, we have no supplies. You can't possibly-" "You would prefer another target, a military target? Then name the camp! I grow tired of asking this, so it will be the last time. Where is the British base?" "Rorke's Drift. They're all at Rorke's Drift. "There you see, Lord Cetshwayo? He can be reasonable. Proceed with the battle. You may charge when ready" "What?!" "You're far too trusting. Rorke's Drift is too remote to make an effective demonstration, but don't worry. We will deal with your British friends soon enough"

[@gareththompson2708]

When you are supposed to be doing research for a history class and instead end up binge watching history videos on youtube. I don't get myself sometimes, I procrastinate by doing basically exactly the same thing I'm supposed to be doing anyway, just in a way that doesn't actually get my work done.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am very sorry Gareth. Please stop and get your work done... unless your history involves Sniders,...... then keep watching..

[@johnfisk811]

In awe as always. I must work on my moustache for the Alberta shoot next year. 'Ease springs' is also a euphemism for peeing, or it was when I was a soldier.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes indeed! Nice to have you out in Alberta!

[@maelgugi]

I'm gonna be straight forward. I just clicked to give you some views, but your mustache and your God Damn good info made me watch the whole thing.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Well thank you for your kind sentiments and thank you for your begrudging support.... :-)

[@TheSonicfrog]

That's a mighty bonny bonnet you're wearing! The white feather is an especially fashionable touch. Hard to imagine soldiers fighting in such a uniform, but I'm assuming they did. Great channel!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The feather bonnet was last worn on campaign in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59. After that, it remained part of the Highland Uniform but was replaced by the glengarry (forage cap) and/or the foreign service helmet for use on campaign.

[@tamlandipper29]

Remember that much combat was at chatting distance. If you see a man wearing that outfit do you think he's scared of anything?

[@slaughterround643]

Amazing episode as always, the work you do is invaluable

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

Another great video. In WW1 my mates granddad was a miner in Yorkshire but was of Scots ancestry so he went to Scotland to join up. They made him eat sitting on the floor under the table until he completed training whereupon he was declared a Scotsman and allowed to sit at the table to eat!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

What a story!

[@desandbonville9254]

Outstanding presentation! Keep it up.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@survivalcomms]

Excellent video ! Your content is definitely of the highest standard. Being in the front rank when the rear rank presented must have been interesting :) Thanks for sharing !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! You are most welcome.

[@pmjn0943]

yet another Historical and very interesting video, Brilliant.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@mitchellline3398]

Always nice to see the Victorian clone army in action

[@wouldyouliketomeetkenbamba9495]

Finally!!! I have longed for this!!! Well done good sir

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to have obliged. Cheers.

[@kylebrown9898]

Your research into the subject, and precise military movements make it easy to imagine scores of professional soldiers in ranks executing the same evolutions. Which in turn makes it easy to conceptualize why the british army was such a formidable force. Kudos and well wishes you magnificent beefeater simulacrum.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Kyle. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregbetts8057]

love your stuff , so much info . thanks

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@48vdcwrld]

Excellent Video, I've got a long ways to go with mine...Thanks Rob...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Most welcome John.. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cracklingvoice]

I wonder how many times a young British soldier figured out that if he shook the rifle *just so*, he could toss a piece of hot brass down the collar of the soldier to his right.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!

[@Interp66]

Outstanding video! I hope you had a great Birthday too!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Eric!

[@greyareaRK1]

Excellent video. Royal Highland Clone Troopers? Minor point: The first Canadian is missing an 'eh.' Sorry.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is always a typo,..... something I have come to accept... regrettably,.... sorry.

[@stansfieldmcelroy]

Wonderful video

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@swedishviking4086]

Brilliant video I must say! Such high standard! I must ask, may other rifles of empire, such as the P14 and Ross rifle?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Not yet, and soon, respectively...

[@Dieselx-pd5xv]

Beautiful landscape

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes it is.

[@hp9857]

Top Video. Gratuliere.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@ilfarmboy]

you do amazing videos

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@Trojanponey]

Sir, I've been a big fan of your channel for around a year now and seeing the musketry and uniforms and history of it all always brightens my day! Thank you for that sir! As an American I was wondering if you had any knowledge of good sources for US army musketry drills from this period(1860s-1880s) or if we even had any? If you know of any I'd be much obliged if you could share them. If not that's ok, maybe I'll just have to focus on British musketry for now!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There were indeed drills and such used in the American Army of that period. There is lots of stuff on the American Civil War out there but I have not come across material from after that... but I haven't been looking for it. Thank you for your kind words and I am glad that you have enjoyed things thus far. Cheers.

[@whatnowstinky]

excellent content as always, but you really outdid yourself with the scenery this time.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I tried,... :-) perfect conditions sometimes present themselves..

[@sidneyhuckabee6974]

#britishbreachloaders

[@535tony]

Around this time in the US we had left over Spencer repeaters and Allin conversion "trapdoor" Springfields. In my opinion we didn't catch up with the British till the M1 Garand.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If there was no perceived need, then no changes happen... I suppose... Hey, in Canada, we used the Snider until 1896-8

[@535tony]

Most of our troops in Cuba during the Spanish American War used Trapdoors. We were surprised with the Mauser rifles just like the British were with the Boers Mausers. The P14 Enfield was a good Rifle too. I think the 1917 Enfield we used in WWI was better then the 1903 Springfield.

[@alexunfiltered5756]

The music that plays at 9:40 and ends at 9:48 was pretty cool It has a nice vibe to it, with a subtle military emotion

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

A little bit of flute in there..

[@alexunfiltered5756]

Show us the British army cooking kit.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

What does that possibly have to do with shooting....?

[@alexunfiltered5756]

Well, nothing; but it's still a vital part of British kit at this time and still something worth noting. However if your channel is dedicated purely to shooting, then I understand why you haven't uploaded such a topic already. Someone like Brandon F. would be more the one to review the historic British meal kits

[@imperialgermanbayonets9244]

Great video and great channel. I have watched your videos for the past 4 years now and i was never disappointed by your videos. I do have one question. Was the British Snider sighted with or without the bayonet fixed? With kind regards, Vincent.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

HI there. Glad you enjoy things here, on the Channel. The rifle was sighted without bayonet. All the practices that were part of the annual course (1870) were shot without the bayonet as well.

[@hurricanepilots4473]

Hey Rob Have you ever considered doing something on either the Fenian Raids or the Saskatchewan Riel Metis Uprising? Both were early Canadian conflicts that tend to get completely overshadowed by the 2 World Wars. Both in fact, are considered in the grand scheme of things to be little more than skirmishes, but I can guarantee that the families involved think differently. We need to know more about them.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Wait for it....🙂

[@philipshearer5286]

you earned a sub

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@andrewkaye9545]

Superb

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@notarokescientist3003]

The increase in rate of fire must have been a terrible surprise to those facing it early in its adoption.

[@colarisaka]

You are fantastic at living history! And you can certainly accurately portray an NCO instructor! I recently traded into a Long Branch No. 4 Mk I, 1943 date. I can't hit with it because I have no idea what my sight picture should look like. The top of the front sight post halfway up in the rear peep sight is how I was taught to shoot on the M16A2. The Enfield shoots very high like that! Anyone, please, help! :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Flip type, two leaf sight (Mk II) or the ladder style?

[@colarisaka]

britishmuzzleloaders Standard two aperture rear peep sight, it flips. I eyeballed and guestimated the height of my front sight post, 1/8". I'm shooting high with a center mass sight picture and low with a 6 O'clock hold. Replacement front sights on eBay extend to .120"... my front sight looks to be .120.... what should I do? :) What sight picture was taught in the Canadian army when No. 4s were still used?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Don't forget that sight is intended to be for a 300yd zero... so it will hit high at 100. To be historical, you just need to find your hold for elevation at 100...

[@colarisaka]

britishmuzzleloaders Thank you! I get it now. I tested the rifle at too short a range! The aperture I used says 300.... seriously, thanks!

[@gregbetts8057]

subscribed , thanks

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Kindly!

[@brianmoore1820]

Yet another fine presentation. I have only seen a couple Sniders and they were in rough condition, I say that to preface a question. When loading a cartridge and you then close the breech, does it lock in place? It looks as though it simply sits there.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is a spring loaded plunger in the rear of the breech block on the Mk I and II variants, with an added catch on the side in the Mk III... all are more than safe with modern cases...

[@perfectionist2032]

Minutia is important: Case not casing as the suffix ing is a present participle. Spent cartridge not spent casing or case as the case is not spent until they cannot be reloaded. As always I enjoy watching & learning. spent en.wiktionary.org/wiki/spent Adjective spent (not comparable) 1. Consumed, used up, exhausted, depleted. a spent cartridge present participle en.wiktionary.org/wiki/present_participle

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

"Minutia is important" says the man calling himself a "perfectionist".... very clever.. :-)

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Rob, you looked like you were crossing no mans land at the end of the video. Good thing there were no machine guns. ;)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Good idea... maybe for a WWI shoot then,....

[@mattarmstrong9205]

Awesome 👍🏻 does Martin provide brass and molds for other firearms also?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Martinis, Sniders, No 2 Musket (another calibre), No 1 Musket, and a couple of others... all related to these kinds of rifles.

[@mattarmstrong9205]

britishmuzzleloaders thanks!

[@sanseijedi]

You are the very model of the quintessential Jock! Kiltie sojers forever!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@rosethompson8735]

Just got a Snider .557! Where can I Get hardware (screws bolts etc) Great vidios

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I'd be googling like you,... :-)

[@clangerbasher]

I remember the battle scenes in the Danish TV series 1864 where the muzzle loader equipped Danes were soundly trounced by the Dreyse carrying Prussians. The Danes were outnumbered to start with......

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes, a very lopsided affair, that!

[@dunxy]

I so want one of these but i also want an original(got a Martini Enfield) Martini Henry and cant decide what to get first! Martini Henry's seem to be inflating at an astronomical rate!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You will get both,.... trust me.... get one then immediately start saving for the other. You'll be OK.

[@Dan-mw1le]

There's something about the Snider-Enfield I love. It's an early breechlock, and it also looks simply satisfying to load and fire, due to the blocky and solid looking breech-block and general musket look, I just like it. I would love to get myself one, but I doubt finding one in Appalachia would be neither easy nor cheap. Nonetheless, I would like to ask Rob, if he sees this comment, a question (or two) What do you know of your ancestry in relation to military service, and was that a factor in starting or maintaining your interest in military history? For me, I have an ancestor who was a West Virginia Methodist Minister, and conscript in the American Confederate army, who was a part of the largest and most famous battle of the conflict, Gettysburg. I also have four other confederate veteran ancestors, one of whose's father was a veteran of the Battle of New Orleans, as a Virginian militiaman. Along with that I have others who fought in or, if they were more wealthy, simply helped to fund the Continental Armies during the American War of Independence, and my exact family name comes from Hessians who abandoned the King's service and became Continentals. Along with that, I know I have ancestors who would have been in Northern Ireland during the time of the battle of the Boyne, and others who would have been in Scotland at the times of the highland rebellions of 1715 and 1745, but I cannot say whether they were witnesses to any battle, or did service in any. There is only so much you can find on the Internet, and I am lucky to find as much as I have. Following all of my findings of my own heritage and ancestry, it made me more interested in conflicts and time periods to which I formerly cared less of, and much more interested in those I already liked! Well, Anyways, Sorry about my ramblings and Cheers to you if you managed to read the whole of what I just typed. This was another excellent video, as this channel's never fail to be!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I have mixed ancestry from the British Isles... I have relatives who are buried in Belgium but other than that, I have family connections to Ontario from the late 1800s and am unaware of any other military connections. Can't speak to the reason for gravitating to military history... I found it interesting from an early age.

[@Dan-mw1le]

Well, I suggest, if you ever find the free time, to research it, and you can find plenty online. My search started on findagrave.com, but there are many other places you can start, along with asking family members. Either way, Cheers to the channel and hoping more become interested in military history too!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@alainwelonek2036]

Great video I have a set of 577/450 dies ,can I use them to form 577 snider, or do I have to buy a set of 577 dies Thank you

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

No, Martini dies with not work with the Snider.

[@N6MKC]

Pretty trick cinematography! I bet soldiers always preferred firing from the rear rank. Given the choice of having a Snider fired right behind my ear, or death by a frenzied native, I think I'd personally choose the latter.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It really wouldn't matter I think... it's hard to demonstrate with the technology here, but the ranks were quite closed up... the muzzles of the rear rank were quite a ways in front of the front rank man...

[@polymathart]

Where do you reference/find all the commands? Is there an online copy of these manuals online?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There are. The 1870 Field Exercise is online.

[@mycroft1905]

I) There must have been a lot of hearing damage in the front rank. That step to the side doesn't ceate much distance from the rear rank's muzzles. The shock, noise and smoke must surely have affected front rank accuracy and endurance. ii) The pic at 3:50 of the Battle of Eccles Hill is very interesting. Never knew of such an raid by the Fenian Brotherhood. What were they trying to acheve? An attack on all things British? Wasn't the Montreal region, then as now, the centre of French-Canadian culture?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The effects used here do not allow for a true representation of the spacing of the ranks. The muzzles of the rear rank would indeed be well in front of the front rank... The pace forward of the rear rank before the delivery of the fire sees it close well up to the front rank. There were two main series of Fenian Raids into Canada. 1866 and 1870... the former was the larger. Yes, the Fenians were set to attack the British in any way possible... and their actions (of 1866) were actually a key in galvanizing the then Colonies to Confederate into the nation of Canada.

[@macasiskaishak2808]

i didn't about the tactics of that time it's intresting how tactics changed over time

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They certainly do!.. :-) extension is the biggest change...

[@WHickox83]

I would think that glorious hanging piece on the highland bonnet becomes a liability when you're in the front rank and the rear rank fires. A single spark or muzzle flash could spell disaster.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Amazing that they were worn in many actions again and again, without incident.... That said, here the Snider is in use and has no signature at the breech.... :)

[@FlyingTooFast]

Some friends and I are making springfield model 1865 trapdoor and this little gun to have a proper airsoft battle

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Have fun!

[@FlyingTooFast]

We will.....we actually have things set up like units but sadly only two A brigade will = 10 people A battalion will = 15 people And since here I live (montana) is kinda like the scenery in the video....I think it'll be twice as epic...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@FlyingTooFast I think you might have your units mixed up... 🙂 A battalion is smaller than a brigade.. besides, jsut use the historical name for a small group like that.. A section.

[@coles201]

Very good old boy.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@lubbertdas5902]

Интересно, есть ли в интернете текст к видео.

[@Jafmanz]

The 78th.... wohooo!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes indeed.

[@kieranrouleau7678]

Today I shot my snider Mk2 ** for the first time to fire-form my x ring brass. For those of you that are just getting into black powder or say snider shooting I thought that it would be useful for you to know how I fire-formed my brass. I used 62 grains of 2ff black powder and 40 grains of cornmeal filler followed by a 20 gauge card wad and mini ball. Accuracy was actually alright. More than what I expected. So if you are looking for a good starting load for fire forming I recommend this. Also please be careful about discharging a snider that may NOT BE SAFE. If you are unsure remotely discharge the firearm first using a string or go to a gunsmith.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Great to hear! Interested in hearing how it does with continued work up!

[@kieranrouleau7678]

the next shots will be with the x ring services bullet 70 grains of 2ff. Ill have to find the cornmeal measurement through trial and error.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If you want to maximize your Snider's effect, then you need to approach the work up in a comprehensive manner... Have a look at the Snider Work Up videos... if you are interested.

[@kieranrouleau7678]

Im very curios as to where these tight fitting x-ring service bullets will land. With the mine ball my rifle shot 1 foot high at 100 yards with 62 grains of powder. The heavier projectile should bring that point of impact down unless the extra 8 grains of powder cancel that weight difference. By the way did you find that when loading the x-ring services bullet for the first time that the bullet is very hard to get into the case? Also one of my 25 loaded projectiles actually is able to rotate freely around in the case almost reminds of a loose 22lr round that you would get from a 550 round bulk pack. Just curious if you have ever had a x ring round rotate freely in the case or say fit loose? I know that the cartridge has no neck tension so maybe this isn't an issue.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The rounds are not tight, typically. The rifle will shoot high unless you are using completely anemic loads... it's the way they were designed. Don't fight it... as in the Work-Up videos, find your best performing load and then adjust the sights using one of many methods...

[@TheLoxxxton]

Love the channel but you can smile some times

[@johnn8223]

Musketry is serious business.

[@rickansell661]

He will be covering that in his future video 'The Facial Expression Regulations, 1867' 'One the word of Command, Smile!' 'Smile! ... Two! ... Three!.' The soldier will then return to the regulation default expression, Serious.

[@TheLoxxxton]

Rick Ansell lol on the command smile......SMILE!!

[@lazaglider]

loxxxton poxxxton This is 1867, the smle hadn’t been invented yet. He just got done with a rather epic series on the subject, however.

[@maelgugi]

I'm pretty sure he does smiles after those filthy insubordinates to the empire fall by his fire

[@CSSVirginia]

Did they use any type of hearing protection during training? Seems like one would go deaf after a while and not be able to hear commands.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Everyone was deaf,.... that's why massive company or wing or battalion volleys weren't really a feature... no way for the command to be heard.. section or half company or company volleys were the norm...

[@gavindavies793]

You'd think that 'ease springs' would be on an empty chamber, but the Army isn't always that sensible. As of 10 years ago, I know the drill command in the Army to 'change step'... didn't. It was timed such that it looked smart, but you actually stayed in step! The RAF version is more of a skip, where one hit kicks the back of the other, and it actually does change step. So who knows if it was on an empty chamber? Given the cost of ammunition back then, I'd expect so, if only for cost reasons - can't imagine safety played much part in the choice.

[@davidbriggs264]

However, if there is any danger of shooting your own troops then I would suspect that they made sure that the rifle was unloaded first.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

If the rifle was loaded it would typically be for action and be at the half cock. In all the actual firing drills demonstrated here that is how they are written.

[@IallenIallenI]

I'm sure there's an answer somewhere, but this video made me think of it. What was the thought on ear protection at this time in history? Standing in ranks with a rifle going off in your ear must've been devastating to your hearing if they didn't wear something. Was there a military regulation for that?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The effects I have at my disposal can't show a true picture of the spacing between ranks.. the rear rank is closed right up behind the front and their muzzles are indeed well forward.... in the clip they appear to be behind the front rank.... sorry for the confusion... There were no ear protection regulations or measures back then...

[@IallenIallenI]

britishmuzzleloaders ah ok, don't worry that wasnt an issue because of your editing, just my ignorance on the subject. Thank you for replying!

[@ADRay1999]

Cool, the sniper rifle is just like the American Springfield trapdoor rifle, except the actions work very differently

[@b.griffin317]

or the german dryse, french gras, russian berdan or britain's follow up to this, the martini-henry. you can find more info on all of these on the Forgotten Weapons and C&Rsenal youtube channels.

[@ADRay1999]

b. griffin: yes the ones you mentioned are all breach loaders, but the snider and Springfield trapdoor rifles were pretty much the same rifle except they shot different cartridges and the actions worked differently

[@b.griffin317]

oh, you mean in the sense of conversions? yes, true.

[@ADRay1999]

b. griffin: yes both the snider and Springfield trapdoor rifles were converted from rifled muskets to metallic cartridge conversions 👍

[@ADRay1999]

keith moore: I’m guessing you haven’t seen how a Springfield trapdoor operates? Because unlike the snider where you pull the action back to eject the cartridge, the trapdoor would automatically eject the casing when the action was open up.

[@ilfarmboy]

which rifle recoiled harder the Snider-Enfield or the Martini-Henry?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Martini by a shade... (85gr in a necked case vs 70 in a straight walled one)... have a look at the firepower episode on the two...

[@ilfarmboy]

thanks

[@roadpanzir]

How often would one clean this new rifle?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

After firing (which was at one period each year for range work), but there would have been a daily or weekly regime.... more in damp or inclement conditions..

[@jcombs6530]

I have recently started watching your videos and are facinating. I am also Canadian, though on the opposite of the country since im from New Brunswick. What i really like is your interest in covering Canadian military aswell. Since i believe it's much overlooked, and my Family has a deep route in the military (Every generation from 1775-1951). Tell me, where do you get your uniforms? And if so are there any canadian ones? I would really like either A canadian mounted Division(2nd boar war) or a 1866 pattern redcoat which i heard was only made for canadians. Is this true?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes, the tunic worn in 1866 was peculiarly Canadian, although with obvious British Empire roots... It offered only in detail... the Austrian knot on the cuffs and the twisted shoulder cords are the dead giveaways. Canadians in the Boer War used what the rest of the Forces in SA used, generally. Bits of Oliver pattern kit was, however, conspicuous in it's use. For details about the hit I use, try the "Kit" series on the Channel. Cheers.

[@jcombs6530]

@@britishmuzzleloaders why thank you! I wonder why Austrian styling? The only province with a strong Austrian-germanic heritence would be my province. (New Brunswick) so its very odd. Anyway I thank you for responding very quickly. Also a side note. Is the british pattern 37 almost the same as the pattern 08? Just wondering cause i cant get the jacket and trousers for cheap. But they only have the P08 kit. Would i be able to jimmy rig a ww1 kit?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@J Combs No, the cuff detail had nothing to do with ethnic slants... just the selection of a board who patterned the uniforms... The Royal Artillery used it right the way through till the end of Full Dress (and still do today) At the time, the British Army was still using the slashed cuff (as in this video) and they transitioned to a pointed, double bread cuff in 1868, then again to a trefoil cuff in 1871... incidentally the latter was adopted by Canada later on and still is what Canadian Line Infantry Full Dress is cuffed with... P08 and P37 are completely different.. they only share the "Large Pack"... which was hardly ever used with the P37. Cheers.

[@jcombs6530]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Cheers. Thank you very much this was helpful.

[@davidsachs4883]

Was reading about arms of the “light brigade.” The dragoons had the 1842 Victoria carbine; and a similar pattern 1942 pistol was also used. When trying to find utube videos on either I only get the USA pattern1942. If you know anyone with either those it could make for some interesting videos

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I only have one Cavalry arm and that is a Sndier... There were many patterns of Carbine used by the Cavalry... most were somewhat deficient. The Paget, The Victoria were two that come to mind.

[@davidsachs4883]

I I knew you didn’t have one as you would have shown us it already. I was just hoping at one of your period shoots someone might show up with one, and let you film it

[@cameronboyce4695]

If i ever have to take a class on Pre 1900 Britain and Colonies i want you to teach it. I could picture the material requirements list now. Books, Paper, MkIII Snider-Enfield, Full period correct kit......

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hahah! Thank you....

[@cameronboyce4695]

Though i feel that you would fail me for i recently made a decision between buying a Martini-Henry and a No 1 Mk 3 Enfield. I bought the Enfeild.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Videos about that rifle here too.

[@cameronboyce4695]

britishmuzzleloaders it's a bit newer than rifles that you show case. It's a 1942 Lithgow, but it is a numbers matching rifle with 1942 bayonet.

[@cameronboyce4695]

I chose the Enfield for availability of ammunition, but with your comprehensive videos on reloading 577/450 i feel very confident that i will be able to make well preforming safe loads for when i do eventually get a Martini-Henry.

[@tommiatkins3443]

If a Snider rifle was made with a Lee action, that would be a lee snider. Which would be the long gun of choice for Twisted Sister

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

He who puns....

[@jarofyellow2408]

Where are you and how did you get there

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am here, where are you?

[@kieranrouleau7678]

Hey just a question for all the Snider Enfield owners out there. I now have the casings, powder, card wads and x ring service bullet for my snider. I know that the snider is 577 in cal. To me the .600 snider bullet looks very large for the bore. Is this normal?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The calibre is the measure of the bore, not the rifling... with the progressive depth rifling it has, the rifling at the breech is is .015 deep which gives a overall depth of nominally over .600... with modern reasoning, you want to fill the rifling at the breech... the .600 does that ...the bullet is swaged as it travels down the barrel. No problems,... all my shooting is with it..

[@kieranrouleau7678]

Thanks alot

[@Splodge542]

Amazing. The videos get better and better. Why mass your men when weapons are quick to load and accurate? And it's still the 18th century manual of arms. Did they still fear cavalry?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That's what was mentioned in the video,.. this precipitated the move to more extended order evolutions.

[@jimsinclair8152]

Do you have a sgian dubh to wear with your uniform?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hello Jim. They weren't worn by ORs.....

[@jimsinclair8152]

Oh ok

[@thenoisemachine]

14:18 trust nobody not even yourself

[@maelgugi]

TheNoiseMachine As usual

[@kearnsey64]

So where was the muzzle of the rear rank soldier's rifle, in relation to the ear of the soldier in the front rank? Huh? What? Speak up? Great video as usual!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It was in front of him... With the effects I have, its' hard to show the true spacing..

[@SvensHistoryLab]

Any famous battles fought with the Snider?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Depends on what you call famous...

[@SvensHistoryLab]

Well known ones

[@merlemorrison482]

do you only film in the rain??? :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Just wait till you see the footage from the latest project... 30+

[@merlemorrison482]

OK, I'm looking forward to it!

[@ronashapouri403]

Hi there what is that bearskin called

[@maelgugi]

Rona Shapouri Awesome, that how I called it... sorry for the spam btw

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It is a feather bonnet. Part One of the "Kit" series on the Channel if you are interested.

[@cpnolto]

Would not want to be in the first rank when the 2nd rack fires with the muzzle next to my face. How was this handled? ....or did everyone come out of the army stone deaf?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The muzzle is not next to the face...

[@cpnolto]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Really - not trying to be snarky but - how far away from the front ranks' ears/face etc - are the muzzles of the 2nd rank? Truly just looking to understand how this was done back in the day, BTW - You have inspired me to get some BP ammo for my Mark II snider. I go to a local range fairly often - this would be fun to do. Cheers from south of the border. Going to have it checked out by my gunsmith first - I think it should pass Ok.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

This was the way it was done. The rear rank was well closed up when firing. Maybe get a buddy to stand in front of you with you standing in as the rear rank man... you should be nearly touching him and slightly right of him.... just rear of his right shoulder. Then present your Snider and see where your muzzle is. While it may be something that a modern shooter is not familiar with, they were and they were extensively trained.

[@cpnolto]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Thanks for that. Appreciate your taking the time to reply. My snider is converted London Armory P-1853 that has the DC (Dominion of Canada) stamp on it. In very good shape for a gun from 1861. Cheers, Bob

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@cpnolto Nice!

[@mpetersen6]

And of course once independent fire was ordered all of this went out the window. Plus after five rounds or so you could not see a bloody thing

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That would depend on ranges and the enemy really... notwithstanding the stresses and confusion....

[@paullytle246]

And to think the frogs and the huns were using paper cartridges

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Breechloading ones, yes,... the Prussians had them twenty years before this, though...

[@ironmatic1]

Is that an original or reproduction lapel microphone?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Original. Definitely original...

[@dennis2376]

Ok I do not get it, if this rifle was in circulation at the time of the Civil War why was it not used? Another cool video, thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I trust that you are referring to the American Civil War. This rifle was adopted from 1866 but that doesn't mean it was issued or even produced by then.... there is always a lag between the Army / Government decision to adopt something and then it's production and finally it's issue. This is the same in ay Army. For example, the P53 Enfield was not in anybody's hands until late in 1855, and the Springfield 1861 would have experienced a similar lag. The Snider was an advance in technology that came in the immediate aftermath of that war.

[@dennis2376]

Thank you and my bad. Greatly appreciate the videos you do.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

No bad at all! Glad you find things interesting here, on the Channel!

[@dennis2376]

Question did the American weapons that came about because of the American Civil War then surpass Mk III Snider-Enfield?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The trapdoor Springfield was very much cut from the same cloth... a modification of the muzzleloading rifle that preceded it... Only it was ultimately adopted in 45-70 which was a better round ballistically... The Snider was a stop gap until the purpose designed 45cal rifle (the Martini) could be designed and issued...the Trapdoor was used without replacement until the adoption of the Krag in the late 1890s.... so in some ways, the two are very similar... the Trapdoor had the better calibre first, but then wasn't improved on as the Snider was with the Martini...

[@thesupaspartan444]

Is it just me or does he look like a Scottish Ron Swanson

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Does he have quotes like Ron Swanson?

[@padi5star]

Your ability to clone yourself amazes me to no end. Congratulations! I do have a favor to ask of you… Any way you can clone for me a young(er) Sophia Loren? I would very much appreciate that! Thanks in advance.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!

[@the51project]

Why are you shooting at a Brass Band? Do you not like music?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

On the contrary...

[@the51project]

I think you owe KZbin an edited rendition of the 1812 Overture, using the Lee-Metford Mk I. Yes, I think you volunteered yourself for that. You definitely did.

[@hammerarmament]

Anyone else notice his crotch has the same moustache as his face?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Clever.

[@minisciencedude]

How do you even find this firearms?Are they reproduction?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I think that you can have a watch of the videos on the Channel and arrive at the answers to some of your questions there... :-).... as for finding them, google is a place to start... that's what I did...

[@minisciencedude]

britishmuzzleloaders Yeah I'm new.You can always find something on Google so that's a pointless question.Cool video though.Personally the P53,Martini-Henry,and Lee-Metford are my favorite British firearms from the 1800s.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Lots of them as well, here on the Channel, if you are interested. Cheers.

[@JagerLange]

They made nearly 900,000 of them - so some lucky people are able to get their hands on one 150-odd years later :P

[@minisciencedude]

JagerLange That's a good bit but 150 years is a good bit too.Maybe in places where the Commonwealth troops where it would be easy to find,but in the States,no.

[@louiscifer5438]

hello, you shoot on private land ? How is it happening in the wild with guns in Canada ? I pass my hunting license to be able to shoot in quiet corners on the target, I do not shoot animals, I have too much respect for life, we have enough butchers for that. I want to shoot with more freedom than shooting clubs ... If the forest guards catch me with guns without a hunting license to shoot in the wild, I risk jail time losing my weapons and the right to own them ... People have to hallucinate what happens when they see a 19 th century soldier training in shooting in nature. You are a sacred person. Your rifle looks like the Krag-Jørgensen in the mechanical system ...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It is public land, known in Canada as "Crown Land".

[@louiscifer5438]

"Game of Crow"... What lucky, the true Freedom.