Wanted - .577 Brass Case

[tacfoley]

Blakemore made a large number of totally-civilian Sniders, too, but using MkIII steel barrels [that should be stamped on the breech]. The latch on the breech-block is another clue to the MkIII-ness of the action, as is the word 'STEEL' someplace near the breech, but on the actual barrel. Yours sounds beautiful, and it's a shame that the laws over here are so bloody awkward about shooting antique firearms that they have to go on an FAC as though they were a M109 Barratt .50cal. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

I used to shoot two Sniders many years ago, until things got pretty stupid here in Cambs with regard to the number of firearms one was 'allowed' before RFD-level security became mandatory. The latest two are both Canadian issue - one from a Volunteer Militia battalion in Ontario, the other, a very rare Québec Garrison Artillery short rifle imported before Confederation in 1867 and therefore devoid of the usual DC in diamond stamps. Both have like-new bores, and I've shot both - the three-band in Canada, and the SR here in UK. You can see me in action on Youtube, tac's guns Snider. The SR was a birthday gift from a VERY kind shooting pal, who just could not bear to watch me dribbling all over it whenever he brought it to the club. Thank you forever, John!

I'm happy to send you a couple of cases and bullets, but they won't be the correct ones for a Snider, just ordinary Miniés that I shoot in my Musketoon. The Snider does not shoot a Minié bullet, but a shorter, deeply-waisted solid-base bullet of .600" diameter. Martyn of X-Ring Services in Spokane WA, makes the correct mould, BTW.

PM me with your details, please, so we can get it done.

tac