Looking to get an IMA Snider Enfield for shooting

[Jake C]

Howdy all,

I'm a newbie to BP firearms in general, but I've decided that I really want a Snider Enfield rifle, due to the coolness factor and how easy they are to load for. To this end, I've basically sold myself on the IMA Cleaned and Completed Snider rifles. I was curious if anyone had any experience with these. I know that they are mechanically functional, but in general, how shootable are they (again, just asking for generalities here)? I'm planning on taking this to my local gunsmith to have him check it over and see if it is safe to fire. Now, I know that most gunsmiths won't have particular knowledge on the Snider Enfield, but is that particular knowledge necessary for determining safety?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations/tips/information concerning these rifles that would be helpful for someone just starting out to know?

I appreciate everyone's time, and thanks in advance for any answers!

Best wishes,

Trum4n1208

[Charles Isaac]

Yes, the Snider is very cool Sir, and might I commend you on your choice to pursue a period firearm!

IMAs are "hit or miss". You might get a good shooter or you might get a a wall hanger-one thing is for certain though-it will have been used heavily and stored improperly!

In the "Curse You Gunbroker" Thread below, I posted about a very nice Canadian issued Snider. This gun is a bargain at anything under $1000.




There are later model guns that have "interchangeable parts". There are people that will tell you the earlier guns are not safe to fire due to "inferior metallurgy" and such. Caveat Emptor.

[Jake C]

Yes, the Snider is very cool Sir, and might I commend you on your choice to pursue a period firearm!

IMAs are "hit or miss". You might get a good shooter or you might get a a wall hanger-one thing is for certain though-it will have been used heavily and stored improperly!

In the "Curse You Gunbroker" Thread below, I posted about a very nice Canadian issued Snider. This gun is a bargain at anything under $1000.




There are later model guns that have "interchangeable parts". There are people that will tell you the earlier guns are not safe to fire due to "inferior metaurgy" and such. Caveat Emptor.

Thanks for your reply, and that is a beautiful rifle you have. I'm very jealous of you.

I've heard. I'm very much hoping that the Cleaned and Completed would help me evade that particular pitfall of IMA Rifles, as these particular ones have been restored to mechanical working order, so, theoretically, the only issue would be the strength of the action and whatnot. I have no intention of loading it up hot, only 70-75 grains of FFG or an FFG equivalent like Alliant Black MZ, of which I have a lot.

Is checking the gun for safety something that would take a particularly talented gunsmith? The guy in my area is okay, but I doubt he's an expert on 19th Century British BP rifles.

[Drydock]

I have seen and read a number of reviews on these, and most seem happy with them, so your chances seem good.  I'd get the one with the bayonet myself.  It just ain't right with out the sticker on the end!

If its complete and functional, and the breech locks shut as it should, I'm not sure a gunsmith could tell you anything you can't see yourself.  I suspect the spring detent "lock" would scare him silly anyways.

Take it completely apart and inspect every piece.  Its a good learning experience.  (A mainspring clamp is a good investment)   Then as long as you're shooting ONLY lead and black powder, load a round up, stick the rifle in a tire, tie a string to the trigger, back up behind a tree and give it a try. 

Hopefully Rattlesnake Jack will be along.  HE's the man to talk to when it comes to Sniders.  He's a joy to watch when He's shooting his at our Musters.

[Charles Isaac]

Sounds like good advice from Colonel Drydock.

Thanks for your reply, and that is a beautiful rifle you have.

Not mine, this just sold at auction from a reputable seller for about the same as a cleaned Nepalese Snider.

Wonderful bore and cartouches and the metal, markings and finish are as sharp as I've ever seen-and look what it sold for!!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=475714274

[Jake C]

Sounds like good advice from Colonel Drydock.



Not mine, this just sold at auction from a reputable seller for about the same as a cleaned Nepalese Snider.

Wonderful bore and cartouches and the metal, markings and finish are as sharp as I've ever seen-and look what it sold for!!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=475714274

Ah, my mistake. Unfortunately, I'll probably be limited to IMA purchases thanks to the Affirm payment option. I've got a wedding coming up (still shocks me that the fiancé is willing to let me get another rifle at all), and breaking the rifle into smaller payments is about the only way I can justify it.

Appreciate the advice, Colonel Drydock. Disassembly doesn't appear to be too difficult, so I'll see what I can do in that regard. It'll be a fun experience, regardless of how the rifle turns out.

[pony express]

You should go on Surplusrifleforum and search for posts by Norm Sutton, for a while it seemed like he was buying and restoring one of these a month, he must have had 20 or 25 of the various IMA guns.

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=96910&p=711127&hilit=snider#p711127

There's probably some other threads about Sniders by him.

[Drydock]

Its a surprise to me how good the bores often are on these!